Did you know that many moving companies are actually brokers who use a fleet of subcontractors to provide their services?

 

(This might be one of the reasons it's so common to hear people complain about lost furniture, delayed arrival times, and unexpected fees tacked on at the last minute.)

 

Fortunately, with some knowledge beforehand it's easy avoid unpleasant surprises. Here's a compilation of expert recommendations.

 

Get the Right Kind of Moving Insurance


"Released Value Protection" Could Prove Costly.

"Released value" reimburses at a rate of only 60 cents per pound, which means it can end up being the more expensive choice even though it typically costs nothing. For example, if the movers drop a 100-pound flat screen TV, you'd be reimbursed $60 rather than the $2,000 to $3,000 it would cost to replace it.

 

Choose the Right Type of Estimate

  


Get an in-person estimate.

Experts recommend not accepting a phone estimate. Instead, insist on a walkthrough.

Get a "binding" or "binding not to exceed" estimate.

(Don't get a "non-binding" estimate.) Even binding estimates can change, so no matter what, read the fine print.


Pay for the Right Thing

 

The cubic foot method is not necessarily a problem, but disreputable companies can inflate the cost by packing only a few items per box.

Don't pay a hefty deposit.

You should pay when your items are delivered.

Find Out Who's Doing the Moving

 

  

Is it the company you've been in contact with, or a subcontractor? Be completely sure you know exactly whom you'll be dealing with on the moving day.


Get the Right Documents ( Before the Move)

Always ask for the following documents:

 

a) Estimate.

b) Table of Measurements, or "Cube Sheet." (The list of items to be moved.)
c) Order for Service.
d) Bill of Lading. (Don't let your belongings leave without obtaining this.)

 

Tip: Your final price is based on the list of items in the Table of Measurements, regardless of whether you're paying by weight or volume. This is why it's so important to review the list before accepting a quote.

Choose the Right Moving Option for Your Needs

Are you willing to put some DIY effort into a move in order to save money and possibly maintain a bit more control? If so, here are some well-known self-move companies:

UPack
PODS

Here's an article from This Old House that explains some of the differences, pros and cons of each option.

Tip: Check to make sure they deliver to your future residence, not just a nearby warehouse.

U.S. home prices rose 2.0% year-to-year in April 2025, according to CoreLogic, a data and analytics company. They increased .6% month-to-month.

The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is in the mid to high 6% range.

The April Pending Home Sales Index decreased 2.5% year-to-year, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Pending sales decreased 6.3% month-to-month.

Sometimes real estate-related, sometimes not... these are assorted links that come in handy:

 

15 Whimsical Decorating Ideas to Infuse Your Home With Personality
From wallpapered stair risers to eccentric lighting, this is a fun list of unusual decor ideas from HGTV. (As always, use with caution. :)

Your Guide to 10 Popular Bathroom Styles
Explore the key features and color palettes of 10 trendy bathroom styles.

( Screenshot courtesy of Reddit and SunnySkyz.)

 

Hummingbirds somehow manage to build their tiny, intricate nests in the most unlikely places - including on and around patio string lights!

 

Click here or on the image above to see a collection of "string light hummingbird nest" photographs collected from Reddit and posted on the SunnySkyz website.