IF YOU ARE MOVING IN 2013 book early and lock yourself in

[Movinghelper]

To all who are looking at moving this year, I suggest you start planning now if you are within 6 months of the move.
We are not going to see any decrease in the fuel I believe
There are some companies out there that are doing guaranteed estimates for 6 months if you sign within 30 days. They will also allow you changes of days but the cost for a Thursday thru Monday loading date change could increase your price.
I do not expect to see these 6 month estimates staying around to much longer with the continual increasing price of fuel.

I have also taken an excerpt from the Military to post here that warns their members about the moving season.

" The time period between 15 June and 31 July is the peak of the HHG moving season. If at all possible, members should avoid moving their HHG during this period. In past years HHG moves scheduled during this time frame which have been confirmed by both the transportation office and the TSP are routinely canceled or rescheduled on short or no notice due to lack of TSP personnel or equipment to actually conduct the move. These changes often put members in an untenable situation with other activities scheduled around their HHG movement. Because of these unpredictable changes, it is highly recommended members avoid requesting their HHG shipment between 15 June and 31 July."

TSP is Transportation Service Provider ( The Van Lines)
HHG is Household Goods

So plan early to stay away from issues and scams.
The last minute moves always opens yourself up to problems, scam and of course complaints.

PLEASE PLAN AHEAD IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.
This even goes for rental trucks.

[Jeff.Walker]

I updated this post as it seems more relevant now that it did last year. Everyone I've spoken with this year says they are booking moves much earlier than they did last year, so please take the above advice seriously and plan well in advance for your move this year.

[InTheLurch]

And use the extra time to vet your carrier carefully. I moved in July, 2012. I had booked way back in February. Make sure you know who you've really booked with. Do your homework!

Look for reviews here. Look for FMCSA complaints. Look at BBB complaints (but remember that a high BBB score doesn't mean much.)

Do a search for the company's record, and then search for the names that come up. It'll take you half an hour.

If you can, schedule your move to avoid June and July, as per Movinghelper's quote.

When the time comes to move, take photos of everything. Be honest with your movers; you've vetted them, after all. Try to help them do good work for you. Photos help everyone, since no one wants to lose anything or have a disagreement that could have been avoided. (Is there a comprehensive list of best practices yet? It would be great to point people at one.)