Apartments come with strict regulations about what pets are allowed, so check before you sign a lease. If you have a fish or reptile, wait to move them until everything is set up and you’re ready to do a special move just for them and their aquarium/terrarium.

For a dog or cat, be sure you have a carrier before the move. On moving day, it’s best to designate a “safe room” or even a crate for your pet to help them get used to the new space. Keep everything they need in the safe room, and let them explore the rest of the apartment in their own time.

It is best to book a moving company two to three months before your move-out date. This provides enough time to compare rates, organize your belongings, and find an available crew for your desired day and time. While you might find movers with only one or two weeks' notice, some companies require booking up to 90 days in advance.

Planning ahead is especially important if you're moving during the busy summer season when demand is highest. Summer weekends, in particular, book up quickly. Securing your movers well in advance helps you avoid the stress and potential extra fees of last-minute arrangements.

Moving across state lines is a similar process to moving within a state. Packing, loading, and unloading of trucks will follow the same process. The primary difference is during transportation, where your belongings may be loaded onto a dedicated moving truck or combined with other shipments, depending on the distance. Your moving company will offer tracking and ongoing communication of your boxes.   

The average cost to hire professional movers is approximately $1,700, but the total price can range from as low as $920 to over $12,000 depending on the move's complexity. For local moves, typically under 100 miles, costs generally fall between $920 and $2,530. Long-distance moves are more expensive, with prices ranging from $2,700 to $10,000 or more.

Several key factors influence the final cost:

• Distance and Home Size: The mileage of the move and the size of your home.

• Number of Movers: Hourly rates can range from $25 to $50 for one or two movers, increasing to $100 to $200 for a team of four or more.

• Services: Additional services like packing, unpacking, and storage will add to the cost.

• Specialty Items: Moving large or delicate items such as pianos, vehicles, or large aquariums incurs extra charges.

• Timing and Access: The time of year, your specific moving date, and the ease of access to your home can affect rates.

Don’t forget to account for other potential costs like moving supplies and tipping your movers.