Buyers have often asked if there is a good time to relocate? Tough question, and one with many facets.

First, you may not have a choice if you are transferring with a job, so the question may be moot.

If you DO have a choice, let me throw out some issues to consider:

• Time of year - holidays may be tougher in terms of getting the services you need and working with poroviders. Plus it disrupts your family traditions.
• Children - this can be complex. First, moving in the middle of the year or in the semester can be very disruptive academically and emotionally. If you can, go after school is done for the year. Other considerations - check to see about enrollments in the new school district - you may need to be a resident in your new home for a period of time in order to get your kids into the school you want.
• Movers - check  with your moving company (or the ones you are considering). They may be booked up at certaing time of the year, and it is common that the end of the month is busiest. You may actually save money moving at certain times of the year or month, so ask these questions.
• Selling your home - this  may be easier in the spring, when most markets heat up. And it is often tougher during the winter, especially around the holidays. Fewer people are looking, although who are tend to be really serious buyers.

Bottom line? You relocate when you have to, but if there are some options, consider your timing. Good luck, and don't hesitate to drop me a line if there are questions about YOUR relocation.

If you need to select a moving company (i.e., either you are moving yourself OR the relocation company, if used, allows it), there are some things to consider, especially if you are moving a great distance.

1. Interview and obtain estimates from 3 vendors. You can pretty safely go to the national brands (North American, Mayflower, United, among others) without getting a referral from someone else, but I suggest asking friends and neighbors for their recommendations. Keep in mind that the major van lines operate under different names depending on where you are in the country (.e., independent offices). Start this EARLY in the process - it takes time to schedule estimates and you don't want to delay your move because you procrastinated.

2. Make sure you get the same information from all vendors - insurance, timing (estimates of dates), how they handle shipping a car, costs for packing and unpacking, costs of supplies (box, paper, tape) etc. It is hard to compare vendors if they are providing different information.

3. Review the estimates carefully and ask the vendors to clarify anything you do not understand. DO NOT make a decision until you have examined the estimates in details.

4. Make sure the mover can handle the move to your new city. If they don't handle it directly but farm it out, who to? You will want to investigate this further. How many cross-country or long-distance moves do they handle yearly?

5. If you are shipping a car, find out if the mover does that or if it is handled by an independent shipper. Who arranges this? How is this coordinated? How does this get paid?

6. Insist on  multiple references from each mover and CALL THEM before you decide. You might want to develop a list of questions to use for each reference (be concerned about reliability, punctuality, care in handling household goods, breakage and resolution of problems, accuracy of estimates, etc.)

7. Keep in mind that the least expensive estimate may NOT be the best mover. Check for differences in insurance, what happens when the weight estimate is off, premiums for distance or additional time. How do insurance claims get handled and by whom?

8. Obtain estimates on the packing, pick-up and arrival dates. Realize these are estimates (especially the arrival) but a reputable mover knows the schedule and can tell you what you need to know about timing. If they can't accommodate you, move on!. Will your stuff go direct to your new home or is the mover picking up other households (not unusual in cross-country moves, especially if you don't fill the van), which can cause delays in the arrival, as can weather.

10. If there is a big difference in the estimates, you will want to understand what the differences are and why before you make a decision.

Pick a cheap mover, and that's what you'll get. Your home is too important, and your move as well - you don't want to have to worry about the caliber of the mover just to save a few dollars.