Below are some tips and suggestions we hope will make your move more enjoyable and less stressful. Please also take a look at our Packing Tips.

Before Moving Day:

• Plan to move on a weekday if you can, when banks, utilities and government offices are open.
   
• Order preprinted address labels with your new address as soon as you know it. It makes the change-of-address process much easier.
   
• Keep a utility log to check service-transfer dates. If you're moving locally, leave the power and water on at your old address a few extra days so you can go back and clean up after your move.
   
• Start using up most of your food items. Not only will be there be less to transport, but you will also avoid the risk of food spoilage. This is especially true with frozen foods. Never let them thaw and try to refreeze them again.
   
• Don't forget these details when inspecting properties: check out where TV, phone and internet connections are located.
   
• Do research when you can. If possible, try to talk to neighbors or visit a close by coffee shop. The more first hand knowledge you have of your new area, the better.
   
• When looking for properties, don't forget to measure the space for your refrigerator and other kitchen or laundry appliances
   
• Important documents such as wills or deeds, jewelry, photographs, and home videos are impossible to replace. It's wise to consider moving these and other important belongings to a safety deposit box while you move.
   
• Find out if your homeowners or renters insurance policy covers your belongings in transit.
   
• A mild sedative may be your best bet for keeping your pet relaxed during your move. Talk with your veterinarian. Cats and small dogs are best off making the trip in a pet carrier. If your pet is too big to travel this way, keep a leash on it at all times. And since your dog or cat is used to water from the "old neighborhood," you might want to take some along - to keep "Spot" from getting an upset stomach during the move.
   
• If moving locally, you may want your pets to spend moving day with a friend. Animals can become confused and frightened during a move.
   
• Make sure that direct debit and billing links to your bank accounts are organized to handle any changes resulting from your move.
   
• Certain times of the year are busier moving times. It's wise to plan ahead and make sure there is availability on the day you want to move. Most people move on the first weekend of the month. If you have to move on a weekend, try to schedule your move on another weekend.
   
• Most gas, water and electricity companies require several days of prior notice for disconnecting and reconnecting your services. Contact your individual utility companies for specific details.
   
• General rule of thumb is if something hasn't been used in over 12 months, seriously consider selling or donating it. Help from a family member or friend will ensure you remain objective.
   
• You'll have more time to enjoy settling into your new home if you clean your belongings before they are moved.
   
• Budget wisely for your move. There are always unexpected expenses that pop up as you settle in. You may need a new hose or other forgotten items.
   
• As you prepare to move, consider donating unwanted clothing and household items. You'll eliminate clutter and support an important cause. One choice, Goodwill Industries, provides job training for persons with disabilities and other special needs. To find a Goodwill donation center near you, call your local Goodwill Industries (listed in the white pages of your local telephone directory).
  
  

Getting Ready to Move:

• It's a good idea to compare measurements of the doorways and hallways in your new home. You may actually need to sell or donate some items.
   
• Fun music will create a positive mood when it's time to start packing and unpacking. Turning the TV on may be too distracting.
   
• Remember that time is important on moving day. For instance, if you have a waterbed, it is likely to take around two hours to empty the water! So plan ahead and consider doing certain tasks the night before.
   
• Garage sales are a great way of getting rid of those unnecessary and unused items. If you are holding a garage sale, decide beforehand whether you will negotiate or fix prices. Regardless of what you decide, it's a good idea to price ticket everything.
   
• Use colorful tags to indicate each destination if your furniture and household items are being delivered to different locations.
   
• Be sure to settle all bills that may be overlooked in the move a few days before moving day.
   
• Remember to contact your local post office and fill our forwarding address forms. Additionally, leaving a small welcome card with your forwarding address for the people moving into your old home is a nice way of asking for any additional pieces of your mail to be redirected.
   
• Things that you have a hard time parting with, but which will inevitably be stored in a garage, storage facility, or shed after the move should be packed in stackable containers that are rodent and dust proof.
   
• Pack items you know you'll need (sheets, towels, toiletries, tissues and a change of clothes) in your clothes hamper on moving day and you'll know just where to find them at your new place!
   
• Put plastic bags around the hoses of your washing machine and secure them with rubber bands to prevent leakage in transit.
   
• Choose a "packing room" ahead of time and box up a few things each day.
   
• Wrap lamp shades separately with clean, non-printed packing paper.
   
• Mark each box with its contents and destination room. That way, you and your helpers will know where each box belongs at your new home.

Moving Day:

• More hands make the workload lighter as long as everyone knows what they're doing. Delegate specific duties to your helpers on moving day.
   
• It is wise to arrange finance for quick cash to cover unexpected or emergency moving-related expenses.
   
• You'll be able to browse through some wonderful memories in years to come by making a video or album of your old home. Don't forget to include neighbors and friends!
   
• Be prepared to order take-out food or eat out on the first couple of nights in your new home. Chances are you'll feel too tired to cook, but even if you do feel like cooking, most of your kitchen appliances will probably still be packed away.
   
• Did you know that a couch can usually be moved into your new home more easily by standing it on end and twisting it through the doorway?
   
• A close friend or relative can help out on moving day by acting as a message center for you if you don't have a mobile phone.
   
• Load houseplants last and unload them first.

End of Moving Day:

• Boiling cinnamon sticks will give your old and/or new kitchen a clean, fresh scent.
   
• Want to create a homely atmosphere? Try baking a loaf of bread or brewing a pot of coffee just before your home is open for inspection.
   
• You should always shut and lock all windows and doors as you leave your old home on moving day.
   
• Before you begin to unpack, don't forget to wipe out all cupboards and shelves. You can also use shelving paper to line cupboards and drawers.

After You've Moved In:

• A coat of fresh paint is a cheap and effective way to rejuvenate tired furniture to look fantastic in your new home.
   
• Planting a few self-seeding perennials can be a cheap and effective way to add color to your new garden.
   
• Your local newspaper can be a great resource for finding out about facilities, services and events in your new neighborhood.
   
• After you've moved, it's a good idea to let all your electrical appliances return to room temperature before plugging them in.
   
• Don't forget to be environmentally friendly! Flatten all your moving boxes for recycling.
   
• New wall hangings, cushions, and throw rugs can be an extremely cost effective way to adapt your color scheme to complement your new home.
   
• Don't despair if you are not totally happy with your new home on the day you move in. Keep in mind that most homes can be adapted over time to suit your lifestyle and tastes.