Summer is peak season for buying and selling homes — and with that, comes the not-so-glamorous reality of packing boxes, hauling furniture and discovering just how many books you own. (Spoiler: It’s always more than you think.) But moving doesn’t have to feel like a Herculean chore. With a little planning and the right professionals, it can go from stressful to — dare we say it — kind of satisfying.

Professional movers know the game inside and out. They’ve seen it all, from third-floor walkups to oddly-shaped heirlooms. While they handle the literal heavy lifting, you can focus on the excitement of settling into your new space. Here’s how to make your move smooth, smart and as close to painless as possible.

Hiring tips

Hiring movers is like picking a dance partner — you want someone reliable, skilled and able to avoid stepping on toes. Here’s how to find the right match.

Check their credentials

If your move crosses state lines, the company should have U.S. Department of Transportation registration. You can check this (and any complaint history) at protectyourmove.gov. It’s a quick way to separate the pros from the fly-by-nights.

Ask for the tariff

“Tariff” is the moving industry’s term for their list of costs and charges. A good tariff spells out every cost — from stairs and long carries to particularly hefty items like pianos. No one likes surprise charges on moving day.

Know what you’ve got

Movers rely on the info you give them to estimate costs and time. So come prepared with details: square footage, furniture inventory and anything unusual.

Avoid big deposits

Most reputable movers won’t ask for more than a modest deposit — generally under $500. If a company demands a large payment upfront, that’s a red flag. The bulk of the bill should be due upon delivery.

Planning tips

Now that you’ve picked your movers, let’s talk strategy. These steps will help you stay in control (and maybe even enjoy the process).

Book early

Weekend moves fill up fast—especially in summer. If you’re planning to move Friday through Sunday, reserve your spot at least a month in advance.

Protect floors and walls

Foot traffic and furniture don’t mix well with polished floors. Lay down moving blankets, carpet film or cardboard to prevent scratches. Wrap furniture edges to avoid dings in doorframes and walls. A little padding goes a long way.

Scout the trouble spots

Narrow hallways, winding stairs, tight driveways — flag these potential issues early. Giving your mover a heads-up avoids mid-move surprises (and extra fees).

Keep a packing inventory

You’d be surprised how quickly a few boxes turn into a mountain of stuff. A simple checklist helps you track what you packed, where it went and what to check off when it arrives.

Put it in writing

Always get a written estimate — and if any scope of work changes (like suddenly needing storage or extra help), make sure the changes are documented too.

Inspect promptly

You only have a short window to report damage after the move. Don’t delay—check your belongings and file any claims ASAP.

Consider what to move yourself

If you have items of sentimental value that money can’t replace, such as Grandma’s fine china, you might want to move those yourself.

With these tips, your move won’t just be easier — it might even feel like a fresh start instead of a frantic scramble.

Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column.