By Relocation.com staff

The process of moving can be an overwhelming experience. One of the most important things to remember is not to get complacent and leave planning until the last second. Here are some points that will help make for a smooth relocation.

1. Before you get moving quotes, decide what you're going to keep and what you're going to trash. You're paying for the relocation by weight – so you pay for everything, even those Batman lamps you thought were neat as a kid. Are they worth it?

2. Get professional moving companies to come into your home and give you moving quotes. The further in advance you arrange your relocation, the better, even if you don't have a firm moving date.

Be aware that you can't get an accurate quote over the phone or using an internet inventory list. If you forget anything, the movers won't have a good idea of what you're moving. They also won't be able to see if there are any special challenges to getting the job done (like stairs) that might cost you more. Get someone from the moving company to come to your house.

3. Pay close attention to how the moving company rep does his job. How the estimate is conducted should be a factor in selecting the moving company -- a representative who's attentive in compiling an inventory is less likely to miss anything, and you'll end up with the most accurate price.

4. As moving day approaches, watch the weather forecast. If you live in a colder climate with snow and ice, make sure driveways and sidewalks are cleared so movers won't slip.

5. Notify the neighbors of loading and unloading dates. Most trailers are very long and take up a lot of room. Managing the parking situation -- as well as neighborhood children and animals getting in the way -- will smooth the process.

6. Having snacks and drinks for the moving crew is money well spent. They'll appreciate the gesture, and they'll be more productive if they don’t leave the job site. You may want to inform the driver where the food is; normally the crew is on the driver’s clock and he determines break time.

7. Walk through your home with the driver as he puts together the moving inventory. This is the best time to ask questions and express concerns. The driver will also do a condition report of your furnishings – make sure you agree with it in case you need to file a damage claim later.

8. Have schematics of where you want furniture placed in your new home to help the crew as they load the truck. As items are brought into your home, check them off the inventory. The driver’s intent is to make sure you get everything delivered that he loaded, but stuff can go missing. You'll know exactly what’s missing if your moving inventory is sound.