Ocean hoppers and bi-coastal dwellers understand first-hand how tough it can be to make a well-organized move. From these experiences, many people can learn to make a successful move less the horrors. A few tips are listed below:

1. Get three quotes or more from moving companies that you've well researched. Then, consider which contract is worth signing. A licensed mover doesn't guarantee that the moving company has a great reputation. Look for a mover that has the means to move your belongings cross-country or understands your destination's custom regulations.

Not all moving company contacts are alike. Guarantees and insurance coverage vary. Some insurance replace or repair lost and damaged goods. Also, some movers guarantee an arrival date, give or take a few extra days. This may leave you bearing the cost associated with waiting for your belongings to arrive.

Check out some online moving directories like Movers.com, Getamover.com, or 123movers.com. Examples of international
movers include FIDI (Federation Internationale des Demenatgeurs Internationaux), BAR (British Association of
Removers) and Allied.

2. Don't pack valuables if the mover doesn't guarantee their safety. Many movers must pack and move the breakables and valuables themselves for insurance to cover their repair or replacement. To know where to cut budget expenses, weigh the difference between paying the mover to the work versus you paying to replace these valuable items. Moving companies generally send a moving manager to your place to survey your belongings and come up with a quote. Let the manager know if you plan to leave some heavier items behind. Also, the manager can offer useful tips on how you can further reduce your quote by packing certain things yourself. Most movers prefer you use their strong boxes. Look over the mover's list of items that cannot be moved or aren't allowed through customs.

Some items worth packing yourself include:

* Books (in small boxes)
* Lamp shades
* Hanging clothes (in boxes with hanging bars)

3. Make a backup plan in case your mover doesn't arrive on time. Also, pack your personals and important papers a few days before the move. You want to use your moving day to supervise the packers and movers. During the move, take advantage of the company's tracking system to call in or log on to find out your belonging's whereabouts. While the movers are unpacking, go over your inventory list carefully and check off each box as it's unloaded.

It's okay during this time to schedule a little R&R during the transition period. Consider yourself lucky if Murphy's Law doesn't strike and hope that you encounter only minor mishaps.