Tips to help make your next move painless.

• Call your mover well in advance to help insure they can schedule your move on the date you want.
• When you've set a delivery date - stick to it! If your mover has to unload your belongings at a warehouse because you're not ready when you said you would be - you will be charged for the extra labor, as well as storage charges.
• When the sales associate surveys your home, be sure to show him everything you want to move. This will help avoid surprises later.
• Avoid setting the move date near the beginning or end of the month. Movers are busiest at these times. If possible, try to avoid moving near the end of summer to avoid the rush of folks trying to move before school opens.
• Keep your children involved and informed about your plans. Moving is a traumatic experience for many young people. Leaving their friends behind is tough enough. Don't alienate them further by ignoring their needs and fears. If they feel they are a part of the planning process they will be much happier - so will you.
• Clean out your entire house of stuff you don't need. Be brutal. If you have boxes that haven't been unpacked since your last move, maybe it's time to think about getting rid of them.
• If your moving a lawn mower or other gas powered equipment, be sure to drain all gas and oil from it. No flammable liquids can be transported on public carriers.
  • The same goes with hazardous materials. Remember, many household cleaning solutions cannot be moved. Use them up before your move, leave them behind for those moving into your old home, or give them to a neighbor.
• Valuables, such as jewelry, legal documents, currency, and important papers, should be handled by you personally. Keep them in your immediate possession.
• Perishable foods should be used or given away before your move.
• Since you're reading this, chances are pretty good you have a computer. Be sure to backup your hard drive before your system is moved. keep the backup media with you. Use the shipping blocks that came with your printer to secure the printhead or cartridges, or tape it in place.
• Be sure to let everyone know you're moving
  • Newspaper Carrier
  • Trash Collector
  • Pest Control Company
  • Lawn Service Company
  • Post Office
    • Turn in a Change of Address Form to have your mail forwarded. Be sure to contact everyone who regularly sends you mail to notify them of your new address before your forwarding order expires. Yes, even credit card companies.
  • Bank
    • Arrange for your accounts and contents of any safety deposit boxes to be transferred to a bank in your new neighborhood.
  • Contact your Doctor, Dentist and Pharmacist to have your records sent to a new provider. They may also be able to help you choose medical professionals in your new neighborhood.
  • Utility Companies
    • Telephone -- Electricity -- Gas -- Water -- Fuel Oil -- Cable TV -- Propane Service
    • Local Internet Service Provider
• Make up a separate box of things you'll need right away at your new home.
  • Toiletries
  • Sheets & Pillowcases
  • Towels
  • Tissues
  • Baby Articles
  • Light Bulbs
  • Hand Tools
    • Hammer
    • Pliers
    • Screwdrivers
    • Drill and drill bits
    • Assortment of nails, screws, etc.
  • Medicines / First-Aid Kit
  • Personal address book with important phone numbers