Moving and changing housing can be one of the most exciting times in a person’s life. It’s also one of the most stressful. There are some elements that are out of your control such as the issues of leaving behind a loved home and memories, and there are the fears associated with not knowing everything about where you’re going.

The first decision you have to make is what kind of moving you want to do. There are many options available to today’s movers. You can do self-moving, which includes getting a transportable storage unit, or you can get your friends and family to help you. You can also hire professional housing moving services, which will do the (LINK) packing, moving, or just the moving for you.

Another factor to consider when planning your move is the type of housing you’re moving into. When moving into (LINK) apartments for rent, you should check with the apartment management regarding restrictions. There may be times when (LINK) moving services are not allowed to bring semi-trucks to move your belongings, or there could be height restrictions due to overpasses, viaducts, etc. that you aren’t aware of.

If you’re moving into one of the many homes for rent in our world, you may not have as many restrictions. There is a greater tendency for home renters and owners to utilize large (LINK) rental trucks, so there’s probably not much to worry about in that regard. Additionally, not all home rental managers will have much familiarity with restrictions, anyway.

Regardless of the type of housing situation you are planning to relocate to, you have numerous options. So once you’ve decided how to move and the type of housing you’re relocating to, there are some precautions you would be well-advised to take.

In a house for rent, make sure you have a valid lease agreement. There may be the perception (especially if you’re renting from an owner) that the formality of a lease is not needed. Insist on a formal lease. Without one, you have limited or no rights if the owner decides to take back their house before you’re ready to move on.

When hiring a (LINK) moving company, get the (LINK) insurance. It’s tempting to skimp and save by not choosing to get the optional insurance. If you can close your eyes and picture moving into your new home or apartment with absolutely no belongings (other than what you, yourself brought), and you’re still okay with that, then that’s the only time when you should opt-out of the insurance. Otherwise, get it. If you doubt the wisdom of this advice, check the internet for real-life stories.

In addition to offering you insurance options, a professional housing moving company can take care of packing your belongings. It may seem uncomfortable to have someone else packing up your things, but they are professionals. The experience they have in doing this kind of task will save you headaches, time, and damaged items.

Professional housing moving services are not above reproach, however. As is true with most things in life, the only person looking out for you is you! Do not blindly accept that everything that happens is okay. Be a proactive mover. Chances are, when you were searching for an apartment for rent or houses for rent, you didn’t just accept what the classified ads said—you actually went and saw the property for yourself. Apply this same wisdom to the professional services you hire.

One good tip that seems obvious: be there. When your moving service is at your residence, you should be, too. Your mere presence will encourage the moving professionals to stay professional.

Another tip is to provide the movers with directions and mileage estimates. Even if they say they have their own information, find a reason to give them a copy of your information. If you’re very polite about it, they’ll have a hard time denying you that. If there’s some dispute about the mileage incurred during the move, you have the paperwork showing what the movers should have been doing.

With any paperwork provided by the moving company, read the fine print. It’s the same advice any lawyer would give you, so do not disregard it.

Finally, in the case that you do have a dispute with your housing moving company, there are some resources available for you. Contact the AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association), and ask for arbitration services. You can also check with http://www.protectyourmove.gov to see what help they can offer you. Finally, the Better Business Bureau is available for filing and helping to resolve complaints. Good luck in your move and stay informed.