Are You Moving to a New Home? 9 Tips to Make Moving Day Less Painful

Unfortunately, people often change residences at very stressful times of their lives. It may be a new job, marriage, divorce or an ill parent. Whatever the situation, it is often a stressful time of their lives. While it's impossible to make the move with no aggravation, these10 tips will help make the move less painful.

1) The wheel is considered one of the most important inventions of all time for a reason. It's a good tool! You must get a wagon or wheel barrow to help you move and haul all the stuff you need to move. It will save your back and knees. If you don't have a wagon, borrow one from a neighbor...borrow two.

2) You must be the best of friends with the trash can. Now is your chance to throw away all the stuff you haven't used for the past years. If you end up moving everything, you have lost a golden opportunity to simplify your life. It is not out of the question to rent one of those big dumpsters you often see at construction sites. You may be throwing out some fairly big things so don't be stingy here.

3) If you've hired movers, DO NOT let them move fragile things like your computer or items that can not be replaced. Don't think marking the box "fragile" will help. Assume that whatever they are carrying may get broken. Decide what you must carry and you move it.

4) If the move is big, offer to buy the workmen lunch. We aren't talking about a 4 star restaurant here, just $10 each. It will be money well spent. The movers will take better care of your items if you are nice to them and go beyond what is expected. Offer them some liquid refreshment on a hot day and a small snack.

5) Go to a box store and buy a bunch of standard sized boxes; 12 x 12 x 16 is a good size. You'll also want several of their bigger boxes also. The key here is to standardize the size of the boxes so they are stackable. Keep in mind, however, a big box with lots of stuff in it is heavy and difficult to move. (You did get the wagons didn't you?)

6) Wardrobe boxes are worth the extra expense. It makes storing and carrying you clothes much easier.

7) You will need a packing day. This is the day where your dishes and all those breakable collectibles need to be carefully packed. It's very tedious and sometimes back breaking work. You should use soft padding for all those breakables; maybe your towels. Invite your friends and have a pizza party but hold off on the alcoholic beverages until AFTER the work.

8) Mark all the boxes with some vital information that will make the job of unpacking much easier. First, write if the package is fragile. Second, write the room where the box should go. Third, write 1 of ..., 2 of ... and so one. When you have the total number of boxes for each room, add that number to the 1 of ...

9) Lastly, a good tip, if it is deserved, would be appropriate. If the movers were courteous and made a good effort to be gentle with you things, they deserve it. About $20 per person is a good benchmark.

While your move will not be without its challenges, these tips will help make it more pleasant.