It is always helpful to be a well informed consumer. No matter who you are dealing with, it is advisable to ask as many questions as possible. You may have moved a few times in the past but every move is different so make sure you enquire about everything from travel time and box sizes to hidden costs and fees.

When getting estimates, be sure to tell the estimator about everything you are moving. If you leave out even a few pieces, this can affect the quote at the end of the move. If you are comparing prices from various companies you need to be consistent with the information you provide each company.

Do not underestimate the amount of boxes you will have. Boxes make up a great deal of the move and it is easy to miscalculate the amount of items you will end up with after packing.

There are a number of factors you need to consider when shopping around for the best price. Firstly, make sure you are aware of every cost involved. Many companies will boast cheap prices but you need to read the fine print as there may be hidden costs.

It is also a good idea to have an estimator visit your house and walk through to gain an idea of how big the job will be. This can avoid a low-ball estimate

Upon completing a home visit, the estimator should provide you with a Written Binding Estimate, which is a written document for a ‘flat price’. This involves a home visit, inspection of goods, an agreed upon inventory and a pre-determination of services to be provided.

A Written Binding Estimate is a great idea as it shows you every item discussed and can also make you aware of any items that have been left out.