Irrespective of whether you’re relocating across the country or down the street, moving is demanding and overwhelming. Nonetheless, with a bit of planning and organizing, rest assured that you can get a handle of things. In case this is your first time moving, then keep in mind that you can rely on the relocation coordinator to help you plan the process to the very detail. Since this is a big step in a person’s life, following are some of the basic things you need to know about planning your relocation.

Decide on how you want to move

Even though the decision on how to move may seem simple, the truth is that it will ultimately depend on your budget and available time. For instance, if you need to be at the new location relatively fast due to career considerations, then you might need to work with a company that provides airline overnight shipping. Although costly, relocating your belongings in this manner is time efficient. On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget and have some spare time, then working with a standard moving company is a better choice.

• Look for a suitable moving service

With so many moving services available nowadays, finding a company that is reliable and can adapt to your schedule is actually harder than most people imagine. Fortunately, you can start researching professional moving companies from the comfort of your own home. Read reviews, testimonials and compare rates to select the top five services you’d like to do business with. Afterwards, contact them and conduct an interview over the phone to determine which is the most suitable one for you.

• Find out how much it will cost

If you did your homework properly, then the top moving services you selected should be able to provide you with a free estimate of how much your relocation will cost. In addition to the free estimate, a reliable company will also offer you a budget template where you can check out all their services and come up with a moving plan that you can afford. In case the services you require are still over your budget, then allow the moving coordinator to lend you a hand.

• Set up a timeline for the move

Once you’ve established that you’ll require the services of a relocation company and came up with a budget, it’s time to set up a moving timeline. Even though most people think that preparations boil down to packaging their belongings, there are numerous other details to account for. Creating a timeline will render it easier to tend to and check off various tasks that should be performed ahead of time, such as obtaining a parking permit for the moving truck.

• Plan your packing

While packaging doesn’t seem like much at first, most people come to realize just how challenging the process is when they have to do it themselves. Ideally, you should opt for the packing service provided by the moving company you’re working with. However, if you prefer to do the packing yourself, then don’t forget to create an inventory list and invest in quality packaging materials.