Have you done a long distance move?

I’m talking about a long distance move you had to arrange, not one handled by your employer. I’ve done several of the latter, but this one I’m doing alone.

I’ll be moving cross country this spring and have just started my research. My main concern at the moment isn’t cost—I know it won’t be cheap—it’s all the negative online reviews I’m reading that is discouraging me. I haven’t spoken to one person on the phone who doesn’t sound like a used car salesman!

Can you share any experience/advice that might help me in this labor of love… and hate?