Moving can be one of the most stressful events in one's life. In fact, it is often ranked in only behind death and divorce as the worst causes of stress. City moving is no exception to this rule. With the several unique challenges you can come across, moving within a city can often become as complicated and difficult as a move across country. Over the years, I have moved several times and used several Boston moving company types and have learned some tips and tricks that will help your city move go smoothly.

1. Set up appointments with three reputable moving companies. Shopping for a mover is not the most fun you will have this year but choosing the right company is very important. Be sure to ask your Boston moving company for references and run a check with the Better Business Bureau.

2. Choose the right Boston moving company. Remember that when moving all your worldly possessions, cheaper may not be better. Also realize that several buildings in and around Boston are union buildings and, if located in one of these, you will have to hire a Boston moving company that is unionized.

3. Since summer is peak moving season, try to be flexible about when you move. The last few days of the month are often trouble for most Boston moving companies because that is generally when leases expire and city moving demand is at its highest. Also, factor in local events that can complicate your move such as Marathon Monday or the mass departure and arrival weeks for the local colleges.

4. Ask your mover about valuation and how it works. Often time movers do not address insuring your goods, especially on a move that is charged on an hourly basis. By exploring these options, you can determine what level of protection you should place on your items and be able to minimize the effect of any damage that may occur.

5. Check with your buildings regarding elevator use for your move day. Many buildings in and around Boston require you to reserve the elevator or limit the hours it can be used for moving as to not inconvenience other residents. Usually, the concierge or the building manager will be the contact for the schedule.

6. If your Boston moving company does not mention anything about parking permits, ask! If your building does not have a loading dock or private parking, the moving trucks will have to park on the street. Remember that you are paying by the hour so a bad parking situation could cost you a lot of money in the long run, not to mention the increased likelihood of damage from exhausted workers. Your Boston moving company can advise you on how to obtain the parking permits you need and many will give you the option to have them deal with the permits for a fee.

7. Stay away from internet based moving companies. Often times these companies are merely move brokers who do not own trucks or warehouses. I have heard horror stories where everything seems to be going smoothly until the day of the move, and then the moving company never shows. Always have a sales person come to your home to do an in home survey. A visual survey will insure the estimate is accurate and will also allow you to learn more about the people that will be moving all of your worldly possessions.

8. When the agent tours your home during an estimate, show him/her everything that is being moved. During this process the sales person will be able to determine any pieces that may become a problem on the day of the move. Many places in Boston require large, bulky items to be craned out of a window due to narrow or awkward stairs.

9. Prepare for packing. If you are packing yourself, start collecting boxes, plastic containers, newspapers and Styrofoam or bubble wrap material ahead of time. Have everything packed in advance of moving day. It may be a good idea to by professional packing supplies for your more valuable goods. These can be purchased from most any Boston moving company.

10. Get rid of all flammables such as cleaning fluids, aerosol cans and matches. Drain fuel from your lawn mower and any other machinery.

11. If you are moving antiques, you may want to get a written appraisal of antique items to verify their value. Never wax or polish wood furniture before a move as it softens the wood and makes it more vulnerable.

I hope you find these tips to city moving helpful. Finding a Boston moving company can be challenging. Moving will always be a stressful event and city moving can prove challenging, but with proper planning you can eliminate the chances of a problem filled move.