Getting ready to move? I hear people say that coming to that decision is always the hardest right? Wrong. That's the easy part. The hard part is yet to come. There are so many things that affect your move and the cost of your move. If you have some knowledge of what to expect then you can prepare better. The main factor not to get you caught up in a financial mess with moving companies is knowing what and how to estimate for your move. Here are some tips to discuss so that you are covered.

So you took the advice and got several estimates from moving companies. You selected a company and now you arranged for an estimator to come to your property. This is a very important stage in the process. Leave yourself plenty of time for this and make sure you or someone is home at all times. Go through everything and everywhere. Always provide the moving estimator with as much accurate information as possible; you'll receive a more accurate estimate of your move.

A good estimator from a quality moving company will have a good detailed pre planned list of items and questions to ask you. An estimator's job is to as thorough as possible. Your job is to make sure that nothing is to be taken for granted and nothing is left to verbal agreeing. Make sure every request and suggestion is written down. This is your only legal protection. Here are some suggestions to look for:

1. Obviously the first question that should be asked of you is where you are moving to and when do you need your stuff to arrive?

2. Discuss with your moving estimator what services you feel you will need. Furniture moves from up stairs, appliances unhooked, beds dismantles and especially discuss what, if any, high value items you need transported.

3. Discuss how your move will be calculated, weight or space? Know what your estimate includes and doesn't include. Ask if their are additional charges for stair carries, elevators, long carries, and shuttle services if their move truck can't enter a narrow street or if there are building restrictions for large moving trucks.

4. Do you need to make any extra stops along the way? Maybe you're picking up items or dropping them off some place? You need to inform your estimator of that as well.

5. If you think your new place won't be ready to receive your household contents then perhaps you need to arrange for storage. Discuss these options and locations that are suitable and convenient for you. Get costs for that service as well up front.

6. I always suggest and highly recommend that you a request a binding or not-to-exceed estimate from your moving company. This way you do not have to pay extra once movers arrive at your new location. Movers are notorious for doing just that if you don't have this type of signed contract in place.

7. For added protection it's always better to safe than sorry, you should purchase extra movers insurance coverage for your items, especially if you are transporting expensive items.

So remember just by asking these questions could save you a lot of money and a lot of headaches you probably would have encountered. It just takes a few extra minutes of your time and be persistent. If you feel you are struggling with an estimator getting everything you ant in writing, take that an indication of what's to come.