Given that moving house is up with divorce and the death of a loved one on the stress scale, it is little wonder that people relocating from one city or country to another look to others to do much of it for them.

Whether it is a removalist that does the packing or unpacking or companies specialising in cultural change, who wouldn't rather have someone else out there looking for the right house in the right area, negotiating a place in a school or child-care centre and generally making them feel welcome to a new city or country?

Many relocation specialists will tell you there is nothing cheap about moving. Yet if time is money, then the right help could save thousands.

"Where we add value is we get people settled more efficiently and effectively than they ordinarily would on their own," says the principal of Sydney's Relocation Specialists Julie Hanley.

"If someone comes to a city for the first time then we can usually get them out of temporary accommodation and the kids into school within their allocated temporary accommodation deadlines. We are also some people's first friend in some cases."

Relying on their contacts within removal firms, real estate agents, schools and utility companies to get things done, there is almost nothing a relocation specialist won't do to assist someone's move.

Removal costs aside, relocation services tend to start at about $1500 depending on exactly what is needed. Basic services include assisting with the right location for people, area orientations, home inspections and school enrolments.

Plan early

Kathy Nunn, director of Melbourne's Elite Executive Services, says early planning can help someone keep costs down.

Her first tip to people preparing to pack up and move either interstate or overseas is to "start getting rid of stuff early".

"People carry around a lot of junk; they keep files going back donkeys' years and the costs mount up just carting it around," she says.

In the case of useful items, she advises people to start giving them away to friends early. Discard anything that is outdated technology; electronic items not compatible with your destination; books you have read and do not use; items that have been outgrown; anything damaged; clothes that don't fit.

If you plan to donate furniture or items then organise the right companies to come and look at it early.

"People can end up paying a lot of money for someone to remove stuff that charities consider junk," Nunn says.

Check storage costs rather than shipping everything. You can always have things in storage sent on to your new home if you need them but may be able to avoid undue expense by taking only what you really need. Fewer items arriving also means rental accommodation choices widen.

If the house you are leaving is to be rented out then start comparing property managers early.

"Do your research on the fees and services they charge," Nunn says. "Who you go with can save a lot of money."

She says planning ahead can also save costs when you arrive somewhere.

"If you are not focused then short-term accommodation can blow right out. If you don't have schools or child care lined up then you could end up paying a lot for babysitters or nannies."

Anyone moving with pets might have to factor the additional costs of quarantine or boarding accommodation, the cost of which can quickly mount up.

If it is an interstate move it might be cheaper to drive a car between cities than put it on a train or truck.

Removalists

There is no shortage of removal companies to choose from. Like many services, a recommendation from family or friends is a good place to start but it is also important - and many firms insist on it - to get several written quotes from removal companies.

Victoria's Department of Consumer Affairs identified common concerns about removalists regarding damage or loss of property during moves as well as furniture and goods not arriving, delays, pricing problems and overcharging.

Ways identified by the department to avoid the pitfalls include making an inventory of the items the removalist will handle; asking for a written quote including a condition report for the items to be moved; researching insurance coverage for household items during the move; keeping a record of all the items self-packed, including their condition; and reading all documentation carefully.

It is cheaper for someone to pack and unpack themselves but if time is a factor at either end of the move then it may be worth paying someone else to do it.

The mover's checklist

* Decide whether to use professional movers or do it yourself.

* Book a firm date for moving and arrange time off work if possible.

* Make sure your new house allows access for large appliances and pieces of furniture.

* Redirect your mail and change your address

* Plan ahead. Get rid of as much junk as possible through charity bins or garage sales.

* Complete an inventory of all items packed.

* Check your insurance policy - will it cover the move?

* Arrange for disconnection and reconnection of electricity, gas, telephone and water.

* Don't forget to cancel newspapers, cleaning, gardening, pet grooming and other local services.

Source: Australia Post