There's no doubt that moving is a difficult process- whether you're moving around the corner or around the world. If you've never moved before, you're probably unsure of where to start and how to prepare yourself (and your possessions) for this life-changing transition. And if you have moved before, you may have forgotten exactly what's involved in the process. Worse, you may have been traumatized by a horrific moving experience which has left you afraid to move again. But don't let this fear paralyze you into inaction. By approaching the move calmly and rationally, you can survive the moving process- and possibly even enjoy it!

The first step of the moving process is finding a reliable and responsible mover. Asking friends for recommendations is one way to spearhead the search process. Consumers can also look for movers online or in their local Yellow Pages. Once you've narrowed down your options, investigate the 4 Rs of every mover on your list- or, at the very least, your top three choices. The 4 Rs include:

• Reputation
• Rates
• Reliability
• Resources

Reputation. As any savvy consumer knows, a company's reputation is not limited to the praise printed on their advertisements or website. Instead, consumers should ask for references from any potential moving company that they're seriously interested in and should check whether the company has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, some states require movers to be licensed, and checking for this certification is essential.

Rates. One of the most important factors for most consumers is the price of the move. In general, moving quotes (commonly called estimates), are based upon the weight of your belongings, the distance of the move, insurance, taxes and other services that you require. Consider whether you want a mover who will pack up your things, or whether you'd prefer to do it yourself.

Do you want the mover to provide you with packing supplies or will you acquire them on your own? Do you need special services such as the move of a piano or anything especially fragile or valuable?

When providing an estimate, a moving company will offer one of three options. A binding estimate is ostensibly a 'fixed' price to move the contents of your home, once the mover has seen in person what you own in its entirety. This name can be misleading however, because truck drivers have a right to challenge the binding estimate if they find the load to be dramatically different than the load mentioned in the binding estimate. This ability protects consumers from overpaying if their load is significantly lighter than the load mentioned in the original binding estimate. It also protects moving companies from consumers who try to smuggle additional items onto the moving truck once the rate has been confirmed. Consumers should know that the binding estimate must be challenged before the loading begins in order to be upheld. Binding estimates must be submitted to the consumer in writing and must include a list of all services that will be provided. All additional services request