1. Don’t move in the summer.

If it’s at all possible, don’t schedule a move for the summer. From May 1 to Labor Day (the moving industry’s definition of summer), things go crazy. That’s when parents with school-age kids move, and that’s when the military does their personnel moves.

 2. If a summer move is unavoidable, start planning as far ahead as possible.

Moving in July? Start your research early and begin planning in May. At the very least, book six weeks ahead of time. As Christensen explains, “When I was booking moves for a long distance moving company last summer, people would call me five weeks ahead to book a summer move, and my hands were tied -- there was no way I could fit them in.“

3. Arrange to move on the least busy days of the week.

Try to move on a weekday in the middle of the month. Whatever you do, avoid Memorial Day weekend and the last weekend in July -- they’re the 1st and 2nd busiest moving days of the year.

4. Be realistic about packing.

Do you really think you can pack yourself? If you’re certain, fine. Just remember that if, right before a summer move, you decide you can’t and need help from the moving company, they may not be able to provide it. No matter how much you’re willing to pay, the moving company you hire might not have the crew to spare. Most people want to save money by packing themselves -- they figure they’ll do it slowly, collect boxes, pack a few a day... but often, that doesn’t happen. Work obligations or illness get in the way. Life intervenes.

5. Build in flex time when planning the move.

Even if you’re moving within the same city, allow yourself time for something to delay the move. The possibilities are endless. There can be truck breakdowns, unforeseen personal circumstances can arise, and movers can call in sick on your scheduled day. Above all else, plan to take an extra day off from work.