Ed Mattern: Hi! I am Ed Mattern with Interstate Worldwide Relocation. Today we are going to talk about how to plan for a move.

Now, we are going to talk about how to choose your moving method. There are two methods that you have to choose from. Whichever you choose, you need to remember two key points. The first point being, begin the process as early as possible. The second, be as organized as possible.

The methods you may choose are one of two. The first being, you may choose to move yourself using friends and family. The second, you may choose a professional moving company to relocate your household goods.

If you are planning on moving yourself, there are several key points you need to keep in mind. Those points are, when you are going to be moving, specifically you want to stay away from the summer months, May through August if possible. During those times, resources are stretched. Secondly, you need to consider the labor that's going to take to go ahead and relocate your household goods.

If you have a large home, three to five bedrooms or larger, the amount of manpower needed may exceed what you have. Other consideration are, the packing materials that you will need; the carton specifically. How many of each size? What size you are going to need? Where to buy those packing materials? And how to pack those items? Do you know how to pack those items, so that they will be safe, and secure in their transportation?

Other things to consider, if you are going to move through the weekday, that would put a stretch on your resources, as far as labor goes typically, or if you are going to move on a weekend, will you be able to complete the move in an adequate amount of time?

The other choice that you have is to choose a professional mover. Some of the considerations that you will need to decide on are the same, such as the time of year, again, staying away from summer months.

Other things to consider is an in-house estimate, the actual services that you are able to purchase from the moving company, who would be available on what days, can the mover accommodate your dates that you need to get moved out and moved in by? And the company itself. Is it a reputable company? Does it come recommended by family, friends? Do they have management systems in place to guarantee the safe relocation of your household goods? These are major considerations.

Up next, we are going to talk to you about what you should know if you are going to move yourself.