Step 1: Get Organized
It all starts with planning and organizing. Like any big project, you need to plan the work and then work the plan.
*Purchase moving supplies: tape, markers, scissors, pocketknife, newspaper, blankets, moving pads, plastic storage bins, rope and a hand truck. Free boxes can usually be obtained at a local supermarket, but consider purchasing wardrobe boxes for moving clothes.
*Have a garage sale to clear out unwanted items and plan accordingly. Consider donating unwanted items.
*Keep a detailed record of all moving expenses. Your costs may be tax deductible depending on the reasons for your move.
*Make back-ups of computer files and determine how you will move this delicate equipment

Step 2: Get In Touch
*Hire a reputable mover or rent a moving truck. Be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau, get estimates, purchase moving insurance and get referrals or references
*Two weeks before moving day, contact your telephone, electric, gas, cable/satellite, refuse and water companies to set a specific date when service will be discontinued. Verify this date with your real estate professional as well.
*Contact utilities in your new town about service start dates, including Internet & long distance telephone services
*Notify healthcare professionals (doctors, dentists, veterinarians) of your move and ask for referrals and record transfers
*Register children for school and ask for school records to be transferred
*Notify lawn service, cleaning and security companies when service should be terminated.
*Tell clubs, churches and organizations of your move. And if applicable, see if membership fees can be partially refunded.
*Advise the post office, publications and correspondents of change of address and date of move.
*Check your homeowner's insurance and make arrangements for new coverage.
*If you are moving to a new state, see if you will need new car insurance
*Pick up items from your dry cleaners

These tips have been provided to you by Century21.com. Keep posted for more Tips.

6-8 Weeks before move
• Organization is the key for a smooth move and this is the time to start working on the details of your move.
• Determine the weight of the shipment. The amount of packing performed by the mover contributes to the cost of the move.
• Determine the items that you will pack and those that you wish the mover to pack.
Call non-profit organizations and give away items that you no longer need and make arrangements for their disposal (yard sale, gifts to charitable organizations or family and friends).

4-5 Weeks before move
• Order the necessary packing material such as boxes, bubble wrap. Be sure to identify which boxes are necessary for the move. Labeling is key.
• Identify the contents of each box and the room in which it is to be placed at destination.
• Arrange for applicable information to be provided by schools for children transferring from one establishment to the other.
3 Weeks before move
• Call the current utility and phone companies to disconnect services the day of the move.
• Call the same companies from above and reconnect your service is the new location.
• Where necessary reserve elevators and/or loading docks. If Condo or apartment building, locate these elevators.
2 Weeks before move
• Alert friends and family new changes of addresses to contact you.
• Make the new change of addresses at the post office to transfer your mail to a new location.
• Arrange for the discontinuation or transfer of delivery services (newspapers, magazines, etc...).
1 Week before move
• Work on appliances that need to be ready for the move, such as freezers, refrigerator.
• Make arrangements for moving costs and other expenses
• Pickup information from schools to be transferred to location.
Moving day!
• Provide the new phone number and all other phone numbers where you can be reached while shipment is in transit. Make sure to take along the destination agent's name, address and telephone number.
• Provide the driver with clear directions to your new home
• Let MovingUwithcare.com agents handle all the rest!

This is the first of the several other TIPS we will provide you in the next few months to prepare you for the upcoming season. We will give you advice on how to choose the right company. WE will give you the tools the make the right decisions. Stay Tuned!