How much to tip movers is a tricky topic. Like any service for which you usually add a tip, a lot depends on the level of service you receive. It gets more complicated because, unlike dining out, people don’t move often enough to get a feel for how much to tip.

Amounts for the Movers’ Tip

There are no hard and fast rules about tipping movers. But here are some of the more common approaches

• 15%-20% of the move cost split among the movers. Some recommend a 10% tip, but that seems low if the service is good.
• $5-$10 per hour per mover for long distance, $4-$6 for local moves.
• Flat tip of $20 – $50/ mover
• Minimum of $20/half day of moving work.

Keep in mind that tipping is not mandatory. There may be times when a tip is not earned. If the crew is discourteous, late, slow, or not careful with your belongings, it is within your discretion not to tip or tip on the lower end.

Tipping movers a bit more may be warranted. Are they responsive to your questions or request? Do you have a lot of small or fragile items to which they give appropriate care? Do they take great care in protecting the old or new home during the move? You may find the moving crew does other things that justify a bigger tip.

Beyond Tipping Movers to Show Appreciation

Good movers work hard. In addition to deserving a nice monetary tip, you can show your appreciation throughout the moving process. Simply thanking them when you see them taking care of a special item or letting them know you appreciate the extra padding they’ve laid out can go a long way.

• “Thank you” means a lot as a mover is working throughout the day and would be welcomed.
• Providing some beverage options and snacks for them the grab during the day.
• Clearing a path between the house and the moving truck shows consideration and makes the movers’ job safer.

From tipping to simple words, showing appreciation to your movers doesn’t take much and can go a long way to making the move easier for you and the professionals.

If you are moving internationally,  your to-do list will be full. There will be a lot of items that may not be on a list for a domestic move. Some of these items are obvious to most movers. Others may not become apparent until after your move, becoming more frustrating than if you planned ahead.

For international movers moving for their job, you should have the advantage of company assistance. They can help with proper documentation, initial housing, and even banking.  But, even corporate aid will not cover all of the elements you need to address.

Official Documentations for International Movers

Each country has requirements for those wanting to move from foreign countries. Some requirements may be unique, but some common elements exist. 

Passports

For any international travel from the U.S., you will need a passport. Whether taking a trip or moving, you will need an updated passport. Upon arrival to a foreign country, you will be required to present the passport at Customs before entry. 

If the intention is to move permanently and change citizenship, you will need to follow the process for citizenship and apply for a passport in the new country. The citizenship requirements are different for each country and beyond the scope of this article. Just remember that it needs to be planned out well before making any move.

Visas or Work Permits

There are numerous types of visas. Visas are documents that demonstrate your permission to be in a country. From temporary to work Visas to longer-term Visas with the intent to achieve residency, each Visa has criteria to be met.

Read the details for the destination country’s visa requirements. For most, even a “work visa” has many subcategories. Take a look at the work visas for the UK. There are many types of “work visas.” There are other types of visas as well. Be sure you are applying for the correct visa, given the purpose of moving overseas.

Import documents

When moving household goods to another country, you need documentation to show what is being moved, file appropriate forms and pay fees specific to your destination country. Some have eliminated fees, while others generally have nominal fees for personal property.

Your chosen international mover will be able to assist you with the documentation needed and how to fill it out. You may also be able to create a power of attorney for your mover to handle all the documentation without your involvement. If your mover seems uncertain about any of this, find another mover.

Miscellaneous Documents

In addition to the official required documents for moving internationally, you should also bring your personal documents. Like in the US, you may need to provide proof of certain things like education, age, place of birth, etc. Collect and make copies of these documents: Birth Certificates, driver’s licenses, school documents, immunization, and other certificates if relevant to your field of study or business. Don’t forget your pets, you’ll want to have all their paperwork together.

Insurance while Living In Foreign Country

Each country has its own insurance requirements. In addition to mandated insurance, you want to be sure you can protect yourself and your property. 

Health Insurance

Depending on your destination, healthcare is covered by the government, private insurance, or a mix. While there may be government-covered healthcare, residents and visitors do have to pay into the system to be part of that coverage. Since the insurance schema varies by country, you need to investigate the requirements before you move.

Here are some international health insurance companies. 

Property Insurance

From personal and household belongings to autos to homes (if you purchase), protecting property is important. Researching your options before arriving will make it much easier once you are in your new home.

Depending on your circumstances, you may have other insurance needs. Once in the country, contact an agent or several insurance companies to discuss local options.

Healthcare and medication

For you and your family, establishing your healthcare provider prior to your move is a good idea. Once there, if you find it doesn’t suit you, you can change. But you don’t want to leave this until it is absolutely needed.

Three general healthcare areas to work out before you move:

• Primary care services for checkups and well being
• Urgent care/emergency care facilities in your area
• Prescriptions:
  • Are your recurring medications available? Are substitutes?
  • Where is the pharmacy or dispensary?
  • How do prescriptions work in your new country?
  • Can you bring your medication from the US?

Phones & Communications While Abroad

When moving internationally, you will have options for telephone and internet services in most countries. Conduct some research before the move to be ready once you arrive. You may be able or arrange service prior to your move of you have your destination address worked out.

Cell Phone Service in Foreign Countries

In most European countries and Asian countries, you will likely find cell phone service even easier to access and better quality than in the states. While you may have a domestic mobile phone and plan that can work overseas, you should consider getting a local cell phone service in the new country.

While living abroad for an extended period of time, having a local plan and number will make it easier for new friends and acquaintances to contact you and vis versa. Additionally, there is a lower chance of service issues, and you’ll have local resources to help sort out any problems. 

Most likely, you will opt for the local provider’s pay-as-you-go service. Each country has its own primary provider and there may be decent secondary providers as well. As with all things nowadays, a simple Google search will bring up the infrastructure resources you need.

Internet Services

How you approach internet service overseas depends on your intended usage. If you are working from your home, then establishing a primary internet service provider will be critical. Like cell service, each country, and often local within the country, may have its own provider. Some have national, government-provided internet access (for a fee), while others are commercial. As you look for your new residence, be sure to speak with the agent about establishing service for each location you are considering.

If you are not a heavy internet user with your computer, you may be well served with your cell service. Through your phone’s hotspot wifi settings, you can connect your computer to the internet. This is not ideal for heavy internet users, but for occasional use, it is a good option. Check your local cell provider’s plans to be sure they support hotspots and have decent data allowances.

Electronics Overseas

Whether traveling or moving, using your electronics overseas can be tricky. For one thing, your US plug will not work. At the very least, you will need an adapter. But that is not the biggest issue. Around the world, countries have different systems with varying voltage and amps. 

You will likely need an adapter that moderates the incoming electricity to work with your electronics. Failure to use the proper adapters will result in damage to your electronics, if not outright destroy them. Some “universal adapters” are available, though we suggest using adapters that are specifically designed for your new country.

One consideration is to replace your equipment with domestic equivalents. This can be tight on the budget, especially when looking at items like computers. But, it reduces the risks presented by using your US-designed devices overseas. 

Money & Banking Overseas

Since we have become so reliant on credit cards and internet banking, it may be easy to ignore the challenges you may face overseas. Don’t. There are some important steps that will make overseas transactions easier and lower your risks.

Credit Cards

With credit cards, make sure you contact your provider and let them know you will be overseas. If you don’t do this before you leave, your card transactions may be declined. As banks become more vigilant in fraud prevention, the criteria for rejecting charges will likely include foreign institutions without prior notice.

If your credit card is issued by a local financial institution or even a national one, consider obtaining a credit card from an international institution. Access to customer service and issue resolution will be better if your institution has regionally available resources. 

Banking institutions

Like credit cards, a local bank may benefit you, depending on your length of stay. From local deposit to easily accessible assistance, the physical location in your new city will make banking easier. 

Some companies in the US may also have international locations, so it is worth checking. If not, look into local options prior to moving. The rules for establishing an account can vary by country, so don’t wait until after the move to research the requirements.

Hard Currency

Before leaving the US, convert US dollars into the local currency of your new country. While credit cards can get you by in the US for an indefinite amount of time, this may not be true in all places. And, until you are sure your credit cards will be honored, hard currency is a necessary backup. How much you convert will depend on where you go. In some countries, $50 may get you a meal, while in others, it can get you through several days of meals. Check before you go.

Moving Overseas with Pets

If you are bringing a pet, become very familiar with the rules of the country to which you are moving. Some are very lenient as long as your pet has the basic vaccines. Others restrict what animals are allowed to enter. Some countries may require a quarantine period. Given the varied rules among countries, do not assume knowing about one (even a neighboring country) provides the information for another.

Essentials Bag For International Movers

Every move has its uncertainties. Between delays and lost items, you can find yourself without some belongings. The mover’s essential bag is a simple idea: Pack a back of things you will need upon arrival. For domestic moves and international moves, there is some overlap. But, the difference are really important.

Documents

You do not want to be without important documents in your new country. Keep a legal size envelope to hold these, not just a folder dropped into the bag. You should also take photos of all your documents as a backup… can never be too safe.

Computers, tablets, electronics

This will seem obvious but double-check. Devices used for work and entertainment can easily be dropped in a box while packing up your old home. Some items are easily done without for a few days. But, if movers are delayed, or it simply takes weeks to ship your items, will you want something you’ve boxed up?

Also, bring the plug/power adapters in your essentials bags.

Medications

Have your needed medications available. It is best to bring these in your essentials back rather than checked in lugged.

Clothing

In any move, packing an essentials bag is important. This bag contains everything you need to make it until your movers arrive with all your belongings. For international moves, clothing is a big part of the contents. 

It may be tempting to pack as if you are going on a vacation. But, you should be practical and first determine what you will really need. Will there be work events that you have to attend or upcoming special occasions that will happen soon after your movers are supposed to arrive? Pack for these, as international shipping can get delayed. Provide yourself with a 2-3 week buffer for your planning.

Beyond the above, consider your needs and what you might need. Make these part of the essentials bag. Each person should have one, and it should be part of your carryons. Do not check in the essentials bag as your luggage.

Final bit for international movers

Ask questions of those who have moved to your specific destination. While planning for an international move, in general, is important, there are nuances for every country that you won’t know unless you speak with someone who has already made a move. Most people who move to a new country will be happy to speak about it. There are online forums, perhaps work colleagues or ex-pat communities. Reach out and get their input.

When you review the movers’ websites, you may notice a lack of discussion around moving insurance. Part of the reason is that your items are not insured while moving in the sense to which most people are accustomed. It is not that there is a total lack of coverage, but it makes little sense to the average person.

Federal Law requires carriers (movers) to provide minimum coverage for damage or loss to your items. But, the coverage is implemented much differently than you may be used to seeing in things like a homeowners policy.

Movers Release Value Coverage

The standard coverage is provided as part of every move. The basic carrier liability or “release value coverage”  has no relationship to the value of the items. In the transportation sector, much is based on the weight of items, and liability coverage is no exception. The basic coverage is $0.60 per pound, regardless of the market or replacement value of the items.

In other words, an item like a vase that weighs 3 lbs may be worth $50. But, at $0.60/per pound liability coverage, a person would only be reimbursed $1.80 if it should be broken.

Movers would be hard-pressed to obtain reimbursement of a sufficient amount for most belongings. 

Full Value Protection

Carriers must also offer the option of Full Value Protection. This coverage has an additional cost, and the details are directed by the policy the mover has. While movers are required to make Full Value Protection available to their customers, the moving company’s policy details can differ.

Ask for the detail on how the fair market value, replacement value, or repair costs are calculated. You’ll also need to be clear on the price for the coverage. 

Liability Insurance

Separately from the required coverage offerings by the carriers, you can also obtain a private move policy. Typically, these will cover the replacement cost of the items in question, less the carrier’s release value coverage. This can be purchased directly from insurance providers or through your carrier if they provide access to 3rd party insurance policies.

Steps to take for Movers Insurance

Though movers are required to provide minimum coverage or access to full-value coverage options, moving customers should not wait until after the move to understand the coverage requirements. At a minimum, it is the responsibility of the customer to:

1. Obtain the details of what is covered for each coverage option
2. Understand the claims and reimbursement processes
3. Provide a list of high-value items, their condition, and their replacement cost
4. Perform a post-move evaluation of your items, comparing the conditions outlined on the list of high-value items.
5. Submit all claims in a timely manner.

Knowing what is not covered

It is important to understand the limitation of the liability the carrier has for your property during a move. It will be frustrating to believe you are covered only to have the claim refused. When you sign up for coverage or accept basic coverage, you should also obtain the policy details, as mentioned above.

Some basic items like houseplants or anything perishable will not be covered. Basically, some common sense should come into play. If it can die or rot, it’s not covered.

If a carrier did not pack the damaged items, and the damage can be tied to shortcomings in packing (too little padding, for example) provides grounds for refusing a claim. The more the carrier handles during the move, the easier it is to validate a claim. 

Natural disasters, acts of God, or acts of mother nature, however you want to put it, your items may not be covered. Be sure to understand if damaged items from such events are excluded from coverage.

To learn about the damaged item coverage from your carrier, you will need to engage them in the conversation actively. Be proactive and obtain the information prior to signing an agreement. If you wait until after the move to know what is covered, you will have a minimum coverage amount and likely not recover the full value of any damaged items.

When you’re moving from one state to another state, this is technically considered a long-distance move, even if just over the state line. There are a number of things you have to do in a new state that will impact your timeline and the steps you take after you move in. This is important whether the move is a couple of thousand miles or just a few miles over a state line. 

Here are some things to keep in mind.

New State Property Registrations and Licenses

Vehicle information

Transferring a car or truck between states requires registering the vehicle & a title transfer. Typically, you will need the title and registration from the originating state. 

If you have recreational vehicles, including boats, motorcycles, campers, and even trailers, most states have registration requirements for these as well. Double-check that you have all your paperwork together to handle the transfers simultaneously. 

It might be tempting to make the transfers via mail, but it’s best to go to the DMV. The DMV personnel can assist you with the paperwork and ensure everything is in order, so you do not have a lot of back-and-forth with the bureaucracy of the new state.

Driver’s Licence or state ID

Since you will need to transfer the vehicle information & registration, and it’s best to do that in person, get your new license set up at this time as well. Before you go, read the state’s requirements. Some may require full-blown testing with driving, eye, and test exams. Others may simply require the old license to be exchanged. Know what you should expect before you go.

Business registrations

Many people run businesses from their homes, and some require local registrations. It is easy to leave this off as not immediately important, but best not to. Catching up on state requirements can be tricky.

Insurance in Your New State

Auto Insurance

Check your auto policy or contact your agent to determine the coverage you will have during your move process. Also, ask for recommendations for agents or companies in your new state. Most people have carriers that write policies in multiple states, but that does not mean your policy transfers. So, don’t assume that because your insurance company is national, your policy simply transfers. You will need a new policy based on your new home.

Recreational vehicle insurance

The same is true of your other property insurance coverage. Even if a vehicle does not require state registration, make sure it is part of the consideration for insurance coverage. From property damage to liability, you want to be sure you are covered.

Health and medical 

The vast majority of medical insurance coverage is based on your location. If you do not have a company covering your health insurance, start investigating early. Your insurance policy from your old state won’t cover you in the new state. It is best to get the policy set up to be in place when you move in.

Banking in a New State

For most people, the majority of banking is done online. Because of this, it is easy to forget about local bank access. If you occasionally use the local bank branch, review the locations of your current bank to see if they have a location convenient to your new home. If not, then it is better to find a location from another institute prior to moving and opening an account prior to moving.

New State Taxes

Hopefully, you have researched the tax differences between your new state and your old prior to your move to the new state. Some states have similar tax setups. But, where there is a difference, it can be surprising. Depending on where you move, the daily repercussion of the taxes can be surprising. 

Sales Tax

Sales taxes impact daily purchases. In some states, there is no sales tax, while in others, it can be upwards of 10% with overlapping taxing authorities. In addition to state sales taxes, local governments may also have taxing authority. 

State Income Tax

Like sales taxes, some states have income taxes. This has obvious implications for your take-home income. It may be higher or lower. 

Property Taxes

If you are purchasing rather than renting when you move to your new state, you will need to consider the impact of property taxes. A great way to manage property tax payments is to have an escrow set up as part of your mortgage payment. The lending company will be responsible for making the payments, ensuring the amount is incorporated into your monthly budget.

Schools in Your New State

Moving with children adds extra twists to any move. When moving to a new state, you may be facing different sets of requirements. 

State-level class requirements

Each state must follow certain guidelines from the federal government but also add its own requirements; more or less physical education, English math, the arts, etc. While your child may have fulfilled requirements in your old district, it may be different in the new district. 

Testing & Capability Requirements

In addition to different education requirements, each state may have different standards for each level. It is possible that your child will be ahead or behind the new classmates. Prior to making a move, it’s a good idea to speak with school administrators to ensure you understand what will be expected of your child’s education and a given age. 

When moving, there are many tasks to accomplish. When the move is across state lines, there are either more tasks, or the tasks can be more complicated. It is best to get the process started early to ensure they are done properly. 

One way to get better acquainted with the differences between states is to speak with the people who live in the new state. Your future neighbors (or current ones if you’ve already moved) can give you a good idea of the schools, taxes, and such. Good conversations can also shed light on aspects of living in the state that may not have been obvious before your move. Learning from those who have lived there is a great way to get a real perspective.

When you move to a new house, cooking can be challenging. Not just the first or second meal, but for the first weeks and even months while you still discover favorite bowls and utensils tucked far away, deep in a box that landed in the wrong room or didn’t look important when you first moved in.

But don’t dismay – we’ve gathered a list of 10 meals that can be made with a microwave, one microwave-safe dish, and one utensil (plus groceries, of course!) so you can cook when you have just one kitchen box unpacked and ready to go.

#1 – Potato Chip Hotdish

A guilty pleasure, potato chip hotdish is made by tossing rich pantry staples into a casserole dish and microwaving until hot. It’s really that easy!

You can find the full recipe here: https://www.bigoven.com/recipe/potato-chip-hotdish/1795318.

#2 – Ham-Wrapped Pickles

You don’t even need a microwave to make this decadent lunch or snack; just pickles, sliced lunch meat, cream cheese, and a spoon or a knife.

Here’s the recipe if you’d like to give it a shot: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/ham-pickle-wraps/

#3 – Easy Microwave Chicken Divan

You can make a pan of delicious chicken for supper with just a few pantry staples, including a couple of cans of chicken and parmesan cheese. Consider serving it over baked potatoes to make it more filling.

The whole recipe is here: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/236969/easy-microwave-chicken-divan/

#4 – Microwave Fried Rice

Are you craving Chinese food during the first week in your new house? This recipe has you covered! It takes less than ten ingredients and less than 10 ten minutes, and best yet – you need just a bowl, a mug, and a spoon.

You can find the full (and easy) recipe here: https://tasty.co/recipe/microwave-fried-rice

#5 – 4-Minute Chicken Quesadilla

You’ll have to use either canned chicken or store-bought grilled/fully-cooked chicken for this one, but it’s super quick (just a couple of minutes), super festive, and super easy even if you haven’t unpacked yet.

You can find everything you need to know here: https://tasty.co/recipe/microwave-4-minute-chicken-quesadilla

#6 – Omelete In a Mug

Try this delicious omelet in a mug! Aside from just four ingredients, you only need a mug and fork.

You can find the whole (tiny) recipe here: https://tasty.co/recipe/microwave-3-minute-omelette-in-a-mug

#7 – Barbeque Chicken Nachos

Craving food that doesn’t taste like it was made in the microwave? These decadent nachos have you covered. Of course, they require a few more ingredients (still less than 10), but all you need is a plate and a bowl for this easy finger food!

Here’s the recipe: https://tasty.co/recipe/microwave-4-minute-bbq-chicken-nachos

#8 – Microwave Mac ‘n Cheese

For single-serving macaroni & cheese with just four real ingredients (water, salt, and pepper don’t count), try this quick and easy recipe from Tasty!

https://tasty.co/recipe/microwave-5-minute-mac-n-cheese

Moving is chore enough in itself; take care of yourself by keeping the most important things close to the truck’s door and using these great easy recipes to take the pressure off during the first week!

A woman owns an average of 19 pairs of shoes, while most men own between 10 and 20 pairs, depending on their lifestyles. If you plan a household move, you’ll want to pack your shoes carefully to protect them.

Here are some shoe-packing tips.

1. Sort

First, sort your shoes. One survey demonstrated that most women wear only five pairs of shoes regularly. Of course, the number of shoes you need will vary. However, chances are you have shoes you don’t need. Go through your shoe collection and sell or discard those you haven’t worn in years.

2. Freshen

Wash sneakers and non-leather shoes with soap and water and dry them.

Then, provide an opportunity for shoes to air out so that you don’t pack odors with the shoes. Most shoes will be odor-free if you set them out overnight before you pack them. You can place those that have an unpleasant smell in the freezer for a while.

Make sure the shoes are fully dry before you pack them. As an extra precaution, you can put powder on the insides to draw out any excess water.

Pack an unused tea bag in each shoe to keep them fresh during the trip.

3. Prepare

Gather the right packing materials. While a newspaper works for packing many items, the newspaper can stain shoes. Use non-colored packing paper or paper towels to fill around your shoes.

Also, gather bubble wrap around shoes to prevent dirty shoes from wiping dirt onto clean shoes. Bubble wrap is better than plastic bags because it doesn’t rip.

4. Stuff

Put a rolled-up pair of socks at the toe of each pair of shoes to help them maintain their shape. You might also want to add rolled-up socks to the heels in some pairs.

5. Tie

You don’t necessarily need to box sneakers individually, but you may want to tie the shoelaces of each pair together. This trick may help you find them more quickly at your destination.

6. Prioritize

Consider which pairs of shoes you’ll need the quickest at your new home.

You’ll probably wear sneakers for the move. But you may also want to have handy a slip-on casual shoe and another pair of work shoes that you can wear with most of the clothes in your wardrobe. If you wear shoes for a specific sport regularly, you’ll want to keep these handy, too. Put all these essential shoes in a separate, well-marked box.

If you’re moving to a climate with seasons, prioritize and pack your shoes by season. This way, you won’t waste time in the first few weeks of your move unpacking shoes you won’t need for months. Mark the boxes as “Summer Shoes” and “Winter Shoes.”

7. Box

You’ll want to protect your dress shoes and strappy sandals. Box them individually in shoe boxes with packing paper around them. You can buy shoe boxes or use plastic bins if you don’t have the original boxes.

8. Pack

Place the shoeboxes in larger moving cartons to keep them organized. Pack the heaviest and bulkiest shoes on the bottom to prevent damage to more delicate shoes. Also, mark boxes as “shoes” and “fragile.” Avoid putting heavy boxes on top of the packages that contain your shoes. 

Get a Move On

Let us help plan and complete your move. For more tips on packing for a move, click here.

On the day you move, it’s common to take advantage of daylight. But what if you don’t have much daylight? What if your schedule demands an early or late start?

Moving at night isn’t quite the same, but it’s possible. Use these tips to help you stay safe and organized from start to finish.

1. Book in Advance

If you can’t move during the day, you’ll probably need to book your move earlier. Some companies don’t offer 24/7 service. If you need it, you’ll want to have the best options.

When browsing companies, be specific about your availability for moving time. Plan to call several of them to confirm.

As you consider timing, be realistic about what you’re able to commit. The last thing that you need is a last-minute change or cancellation because the time no longer works for you.

2. Confirm the Details

Moving at night can make it more difficult to follow up with others. You’ll want to confirm all the details in advance.

Check in with the utilities at your new home to be sure they will be ready when you arrive. Confirm the start and end time with the moving company at least a day or two ahead.

There’s always the possibility that you’ll need to call someone unexpectedly. In this case, you might want to keep the companies’ overnight phone numbers on hand.

3. Buy Extra Supplies

Moving almost always calls for more supplies than you think you’ll need. The trouble with moving at night is that you can’t just rush to the store to get more.

Instead, plan ahead and buy extra supplies. Follow recommendations for the number of boxes and other packing materials you’ll need based on your home size. Avoid the temptation to skimp.

If you buy a lot of supplies to have just in case, consider shopping at a store with multiple locations and keep the receipts. You might be able to return them if you don’t use them.

4. Add Lighting

The thing you’ll need most of all is lighting. You’ll probably have lighting at your old home, but what about your new home? It’s wise to turn on the utilities beforehand, but it’s not always possible.

Consider investing in a handful of portable, battery-operated LED lighting options. These tools are lightweight, easy to position, and may provide more light than a regular flashlight.

5. Watch for Hazards

Although moving has hazards at any time of day, nighttime makes them easier to forget. If you can’t see it, you don’t know it’s there.

Perform a nighttime walk-through of the areas you will be loading and unloading. Look for tripping hazards, insufficient light on walkways, and other risks.

You can solve most of these problems by adding more light, but others might need a different approach. Make a list of the hazards and come up with possible solutions.

Moving at night offers certain conveniences, but it can also complicate things. Be sure to have a quality professional mover help you.