I was thinking about people who suddenly have to move somewhere else - around the corner, interstate, even overseas and who simply don't know where to start.

Could your move be more efficiently organised with lists? pared down packing? What do you do?

well I wrote an article that may help to: "Get The Right Deal For You"

To get the right deal on your removal costs you need to obtain at least three quotes from reliable and responsible removal companies. You now need to decide what exact type of service you require and there are so many choices to make. Some questions to ponder. Do you want: A local or long distance moving with professional moving storage at either end of the journey? Do you wish to rent you own truck? Or do you wish to pack, load and let a removal company drive your goods? To obtain an apartment to an apartment or a house to house service? There are many specialists in this particular field. Maybe you can go to an online site and get a free estimate from multiple moving companies all at the same time. But you would have to be very clear as to what service you want to be provided - write a specification - this is so the numerous companies you contact are reading from the same page and you are actually comparing oranges with oranges and not apples with oranges. This method is much fairer to both you and the removal companies vying for your contract.

So before you write your specification you need to think about what exactly you want provided. Are you looking for a rental truck, a trailer or a moving van? Will you look for the big company that has an assured reputation and who can provide a nationwide service?

FYI. A cheaper solution is the "U-pack they drive" type service. But maybe you are looking for a professional moving storage company - licensed and insured- who will pack and move you. Or even a company that does it all and will provide the packing/unpacking, moving, storage containers and move you from door to door, Coast to Coast. It is all out there you just have to aware of what exactly you want! And should you require a supply of boxes and crates then again just check online for your supply from a depot near you.

Whatever your requirement you need to look for a company that actually specializes in your detailed requirements - whatever place you hold in the scale of service - who can provide an express service that is cost effective. This could mean there are no agents or middle man involved in your relocation process. So is this a good or bad thing? Again you need to check references and make your decision based on facts.

Ensure the company you choose carries the right insurances - if you wish you can ask to see a copy of their insurances - just ask! It is the law for registered companies to carry insurance. In Australia this insurance is called marine insurance and it just applies to the actual removal, uplift, transport and the actual delivery of your household goods to the new address. Check what applies in your state or country.

Just imagine how you would feel if you thought that your choice of company was insured and then you found out -after the truck had fallen down a ravine (taking all your goods with it) that they weren't.

Maybe you think think you could affford to self-insure or indemnify yourself - well this is where you need to take a closer look at your finances and assess whether taking out insurance is indeed the cheaper option. Basically it is only huge corporations or businesses who afford to take this route - i.e. government departments.

What if you suddenly have to move interstate for work - then think about using an affordable mobile moving storage where the company delivers a free delivery storage crate/s for you to fill which they then temporarily store, while you find accommodation in your new locale. 
Please ensure that you do your due diligence as to the legal requirements that are applicable in your country, state etc. Ensure both you and the moving company you contract are aware of what standard of work you require. Happy Moving.

Author : a.a.gallagher ©2006