If you have never handled a move before, then you might not appreciate just how hectic it can be. With the right tips, however, you don't have to worry about making any relocation. The following are some tips you can use to have a successful first move.

Understand Your Quote

As a first time mover, you should know that moving quotes are not created equal. There are three basic types of moving quotes:

Non-binding Estimate

A non-binding estimate is an estimate in the literal meaning of the word. In this case, the mover just approximates how much you might pay for the move. You get to know the actual cost on the moving day and the actual cost might be higher or lower than the non-binding estimate.

Binding Estimate

A binding estimate is basically a contract that guarantees what you will pay on moving day. This means you will pay the agreed amount (you can't pay lower either) whether your items turn out to be lighter or heavier than the mover's original quote. However, you won't be allowed to sneak additional items into the original inventory.

Binding not to exceed

A binding not to exceed estimate requires you to pay the agreed amount if your items are heavier or of the same weight as the mover's original estimate. However, you get to enjoy a lower fee if your items turn out to be lighter than the original estimate. In this sense, it is a hybrid between a binding and non-binding estimate.

Plan In Advance

Moving is more hectic than what many people (who have never handled a move) believe. You can easily mess up and inflate your moving cost if you leave everything until the last minute. You need to start planning in advance; the more things you want to relocate, the earlier you need to plan.

Some of the things you need to plan include your moving date, the inventories you will be moving (and which ones you will get rid of), the packing supplies you need, and the moving company to use. Ideally, you should create a moving inventory so that you can tick things off the list as the moving day approaches.

Trim Your Inventory

Lastly, it's good not to assume that everything in your house should make the move. If you are like most people, then you probably have some broken items in the house, items you no longer use, items that have expired, or items that you have since replaced. Maybe you have an old TV set that has been in the basement for years or your childhood toys that you no longer need.

Such items will just inflate the weight, and hence the cost, of the move for nothing. Get rid of such items to trim your moving cost. You can donate, sell, or discard the superfluous items in various ways.

For more information, contact a residential moving service.