NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - We just moved into our new digs at CNN Financial News. Are you gearing up for a move? If so, you'll want to think twice before you put all your worldly goods in the hands of a stranger.

The Department of Transportation receives up to 4,000 household moving complaints each year. These complaints are typically about loss and damage, poor service and overcharging. To make your moving experience a little less stressful, here are today's five tips:

You've probably heard that moving is one of the most stressful events in a person's life. It ranks up there with death of a loved one and divorce, according to the American Moving and Storage Association.

CNNfn's Gerri Willis shares five tips on making your moving experience a little easier. Play video (Real or Windows Media)

But if you plan ahead, you can ease the burden. The AMSA suggests you begin making arrangements for your move at least four to six weeks ahead of time.

With the summer just a few months away, if you are planning a move and haven't made arrangements just yet, you'll want to get right on it. Summer is one of the busiest times for moving. Most families want to get it over with while school is out. Therefore, from May through September movers are extremely busy.

Also, many people try to move at the beginning or end of a month, because that is when most rent and mortgage is due. By planning early, you will increase your chances of getting the mover you want and the pickup and delivery dates you need.

One extra tip: Many movers will lower their prices between the months of October and April. Log onto www.moving.org for a Countdown to Moving Day checklist as well as other useful advice.

Picking the right moving company is critical.

Let's face it, if you don't shop around, you risk having your worldly goods held hostage until you pay an exorbitant fee for services. And, in addition to working in the real world, many have moved online to scam unsuspecting consumers with slick Web sites and low-ball offers.

David Longo of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says consumers' rights and responsibilities are outlined in a new law that applies to all interstate moves. (And, fortunately, many of the new stricter rules are being observed by state consumer agencies.)

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Beginning May 5, the FMCSA requires all "household goods carriers" (movers) to provide written estimates, deliver goods on agreed upon dates, publish truthful advertisements with their name and Department of Transportation number.

Whether you are moving in or out of state, many of the steps to take to find a reputable mover are the same. Of course, you'll want to check references. Talk to friends, family or neighbors. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau or log onto www.moving.org for a list of AMSA members.

See if your mover is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at www.fmcsa.dot.gov or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT. In the near future, the FMSCA is launching a link on its Web site that will list the number and type of complaints filed against certain carriers.

Experts warn of relying on price estimates over the phone and especially over the Internet. Sometimes circumstances won't allow it any other way.

If possible you want to try to avoid "sight unseen" estimates. Try to have an "in-home" survey of all your items in order to receive an accurate cost estimate. Even then, if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Try to get estimates from at least three different companies so you can compare prices. The estimate should always be IN WRITING.

The cost of an interstate move is usually determined on the weight of your belongings and on the distance shipped. But there may be additional costs for materials and packing services you need.

A legitimate moving company should have a professional estimator who is trained to survey one's belongings. Make sure to show the estimator every item to be moved. And don't forget about those secret hiding places like under the bed, in the garage or in the attic.

The mover will also want to check for any barriers. Are they going to have to climb four flights of stairs to get your belongings? Or are they going to find flights of stairs when they arrive at your new residence? That could cost extra.

With that said, most movers usually offer two types of estimates: binding and non-binding. If you want certainty and know exactly what items you are going to move, go with a binding estimate. But keep in mind that anything added to the move later on could result in increased charges. So be honest with your estimator from the start.

Naturally, a non-binding estimate is not guaranteed. This is an approximation of the cost based on the mover's survey. The final cost is determined later once the shipment is delivered.

Keep in mind that under federal regulation of interstate shipments, with a non-binding estimate, your mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the estimate plus 10 percent. In other words, 110 percent of the original estimate. But the remaining charges must be paid over a 30-day period.

David Sparkman of the American Moving and Storage Association says one thing many consumers are guilty of is underestimating just how much of the packing they will do on their own before moving day. The movers then arrive, nothing is packed, and the movers end up charging more for the additional work.

One last point, do not ever sign blank paperwork or documents you don't understand.

Get this: One in five moves involves a claim for damage. Whose responsibility is it? Well, the devil is in the details.

In general, your mover is legally liable for loss or damage that occurs during the move and during any services listed on the bill of lading.

However, there are different levels of liability. The most economical protection available is called released value. You can get this at no additional cost, but chances are you won't get back the full value of your item. Under this coverage, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound, per article.

The FMCSA gives the example of a 10-pound stereo valued at $1,000. If your mover lost or destroyed it, it would be responsible for no more than $6.00.

Another option is full value protection. This is the more comprehensive option but also the more expensive one. Under this plan, items that are lost, damaged or destroyed will, at the mover's option, either be repaired, replaced or there will be a cash settlement.

You'll have to pay an additional charge for this. That will depend on the value you place on your items and on the deductible level of coverage you choose.

When your shipment is delivered, take the time to look through the items BEFORE the mover leaves. If the goods are damaged or even missing, ask the mover for a company claim form. This form must be filed within 9 months of delivery.

All movers should offer you a neutral arbitration program if a dispute arises. If you are not satisfied with the settlement from the company once you send in your claim form, you can submit a loss and damage claim with the carrier's dispute settlement program or seek further court action. Log onto fmcsa.dot.gov or moving.org for more information on arbitration claims.

On moving day, you'll feel lots of pressure to move quickly. The best advice is to slow down and take three critical steps to ensure a successful move.

Be present the day the movers arrive and as things are being packed. This way you can keep an inventory of your items and answer any of the movers' concerns about the condition of certain items. Your very presence will ensure better handling of your household goods.

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Next, carefully read over all documents. Among the most important is the bill of lading. This is a contract between you and the mover. The driver who loads your shipment must give you a copy of the bill of lading at the time of loading. Hold onto it.

You'll also want to be in touch with the movers along the way. Ask the mover how they can be contacted during the move.

If you're doing any of the packing yourself, log onto www.realtor.com for packing tips. However, you may want to leave the fragile items for the movers. In some cases, the movers will take responsibility only for what they pack.

Gerri Willis is a personal finance editor for CNN Business News. Willis also is co-host of CNNfn's The FlipSide, weekdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (ET). E-mail comments to 5tips@cnnfn.com.