o         Keep your moving costs low, consider doing your own packing. You can also save time and purchase your packing boxes in advance.

o         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.

• Remember to contact your local post office and fill out 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.

o         It is important to book your moving services well ahead to secure your ideal moving date.

• Prepare an "Unload Me First" carton with essentials that you'll need immediately at your new home (Essential Items). Include a baggy filled with hardware from disassembled items, such as dresser mirrors and beds

• Items that can't be moved with us include: flammable items, combustible items, aerosol cans, hazardous materials (Items that are flammable, corrosive or explosive) or Perishables (Food, plants or living things that may die or spoil in transit). Examples include:

o         Drain the gas and oil from power equipment (lawn mowers, snow blowers, cars that are going etc.)

• Pack books flat, not standing on end (which may cause damage to the spines). Books are extremely heavy, so don't pack too many in one box.

o         Do not have your phone disconnected until after loading day.

o         Prepare a "Trip Kit" for moving day. This kit can contain items such as snacks, beverages and games for the kids to keep them occupied during the move. If you are stopping overnight be sure to pack items such as toothbrushes and other essentials you'll need while your belongings are in transit.

o         Make lots of lists to reduce the chance of forgetting some important task. You cannot go overboard with the list-making since any move involves endless details. With careful planning, moving can definitely be a much smoother process

• Traveling with dogs and cats can be stressful. They can get carsick, nervous and upset. Don't overfeed them before the trip, and make frequent rest stops to give them water. Always use a leash at the stop. Remember, never leave a pet unattended in the car on a hot day.

• DON'T polish your furniture! This makes the furniture slippery for the movers or yourself, also when we wrap pads around the furniture it can leave marks on the furniture where the pad was placed, do to buildup of cleaning residue!

• Final payment to movers are usually done on delivery in cash or money order.

o         Moving Truck Parking. Reserve ample parking for the truck. If parking is to be on a city street, it is your obligation to tell the movers of any meters that need to be capped by the city. In the winter, be sure to have the parking area and walkways clear of snow and ice.

• Get your kids involved with the moving process. Let your kids do some packing and let them suggest a layout for their new room. Make it fun and exciting for them to move

• Try to keep boxes to 50 pounds or less and always lift with your legs. Tape the bottom of all boxes to make certain they will hold your belongings.