House Moving is an exciting part of home living, but it does require a lot of planning and attention to detail. Aside from managing the physical aspect of the task there is also work to be done with contacting utility services, making arrangements with your work, preparing your family for the changes ahead, and many of the other small details in life. Here are six helpful tips to get your house moving on track to success:

1. Make a House Moving Checklist

Before you start doing anything compile a checklist of every bit of information you’ll need during the move. Make sure to include contacting utility services and your internet provider, packing, shopping for movers, filing a change of address with the Post Office, and any other detail you can think of. Set it all to a timeline and give yourself plenty of time. Gather any contact you’ll need and keep all of it together in your checklist. This is also a good place to keep important personal documents like bills and social security cards. Keep your checklist handy during the entire house moving process; never pack it up.

2. Pack with a Method

Give yourself plenty of time to pack so it will not be too stressful or strenuous. Plan it out so you can pack maybe 1-2 boxes a day and get everything finished in a comfortable timeframe. Plan your packing process out to pack room by room and prioritize the order in which your rooms are packed based on necessity. Consider leaving the restroom and kitchen for last. As you pack up rooms use this opportunity to make an inventory list of everything you’re packing to better account for it all when you unpack. Organize the list by room and label your boxes with the contents and their destination room. When you’re moving to your new home if you have your boxes clearly labeled by room then your movers can unload them directly from the truck to their destination.

When packing up your household try not to have boxes weigh over 40-50 lbs., for your own benefit. More boxes of a manageable weight are generally less work than a few less boxes that weigh substantially more. As you pack your boxes put heavier items in the bottom and generally try to pack delicate items together and with plenty of protective wrap. Also, don’t items loose in a packed box.

Dresser drawers can be utilized for packing as well. They’re perfect for larger, bulkier items like comforters and pillows. Blankets, towels, and clothes can also be utilized while packing as protective covers.

3. Know What You Can and Can’t Pack

Household plants can’t be packed into moving trucks. In fact, moving plants to another state actually requires a gypsy moth inspection from the USDA – APHIS Cargo Inspection Policy Department (which can be found at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/). Certain plants are banned from entering or leaving certain states altogether, if you are planning on moving out of state consult the USDA for more information.

Dangerous, flammable, corrosive, and explosive goods are illegal to move and should be disposed of properly. Visit http://www.earth911.com to find nearby disposal locations for hazardous or recyclable goods.

In the weeks leading up to the move you should be trying to efficiently consume the perishable food in your refrigerator. Try not to buy any groceries in the week before the move, and use this opportunity to clean out your fridge and pantries.

4. Hire Help

Professional full-service moving companies are a big help in house moving. Full-service movers will pack your household electronics and appliances with professional equipment and protection and can also handle furniture assembly and arrangement. Professional movers have the expertise and equipment to make moving day substantially easier and a good moving company will make every effort to ensure every detail is taken care of.

When hiring a professional moving company it’s important to gather quotes from at least three different companies and compare their prices and reputation before making a decision. Sites like http://www.yelp.com offer reviews of companies written by consumers. The Better Business Bureau, an intermediary between customers and businesses, offers reviews and a basic rating system that covers over 4 million businesses. Businesses participating with the BBB adhere to its standards and participate in systematic self regulation. Reviews can be found at www.bbb.org.

When you gather quotes you will need an inventory or closely estimated weight of your load for the moving companies to better determine the time and manpower required. Moving companies should have a relocation consultant available to visit your site and generate a quote better tailored to your needs. After you’ve gathered your quotes and compared the company’s prices and reputations book your date as soon as possible. Get a direct contact going with your customer service representative and don’t hesitate to call them with any questions you may have or problems you encounter.

5. Look Into Having Kids and Pets Taken Care Of

Having children and pets around on house moving day can be stressful for everyone involved, especially the kids and pets themselves. Having a close relative or a daycare look after your kid and putting your pets in a kennel is a good way to make moving day not only easier but safer as well. Keep in mind that kids and pets can have a harder time adjusting to the changes. It’s a good idea to try and set up your child’s bedroom, at least minimally, beforehand so they have a comfort zone ready.

6. Have a Daypack on Moving Day

The day before house moving, prepare a duffel bag or backpack with essential items you’ll need while the rest of your house is packed up. Consider including clothes, toiletries, snacks, your moving portfolio, your cellphone charger, keys, and anything else you’ll need on moving day.

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