You're Moving! 10 Tips to Make it Go Smoothly

Moving day is exciting! New places, new people, even your old stuff can somehow seem new again. But even a move that's been planned for a long time can turn hectic at the last minute. It's hard to remember it all.

There are lots of lists out there about what do or not forget on moving day...add these not-so-common tips to your list:

1) Have Lots of spare keys made: Losing keys while you're in the moving process is easy...there's no 'place' for them yet in your new digs, and putting them anywhere (including inside a box, never to be seen again) is easy to do...for your and other who may be helping. Get lots of spare keys made. You'll find the missing ones eventually, but won't have to stop moving in if someone misplaces a set...crucial if you're moving in the middle of winter, in the pouring rain, or after dark.

2) Paper! You can never have enough paper on moving day...toilet paper, paper towels for clean ups, tissue, paper plates for quick meals, newspaper for makeshift window covering and packing materials...if it's paper, save it for your moving day. When your move is over, recycle it all!

3) Where's the emergency vet? For many of us, pets are a central part of our lives, and new places, unfamiliar people, and a general disruption can be a challenge for our pets, leading to accidents or all kinds. The last thing you want to have on your hands is an emergency where you're panicked, can't think straight, can't find the phone book to look for help...know where the nearest emergency vet is at your new location before moving day, and print out driving directions from your new place if you're in an unfamiliar area.

4) Make a 2 central lists: Keep two lists that everyone helping your move can contribute to...you'd be surprised what you think you can remember on moving day, but then forget.

The first list is for replacement or broken items...every house, even new construction has issues: missing light bulbs or toilet paper holders; broken shelving, absent towel racks. If you're having help on moving day, others might see things that you'll miss, so let everyone know where the central lists are kept and ask for contributions as them come up.

The second lists is for new things...an extension cord for something that had a better location next to an outlet at your old place, maybe a second shower curtain or garbage can for an additional bath you didn't have before...even obvious things like snow shovels if you're moving from a warmer climate can help you avoid last-minute trips.

5) Where the First Aid kit? Bumps, bruises, cuts, strained muscles, pinched fingers and overall fatigue are par for the course on moving day...put ice packs in the fridge when you arrive for the inevitable, and be sure to have a first-aid kit big enough for the number of people helping with the move. And be sure your cell phone is charged in case of an emergency requiring medical attention or an ambulance visit.

6) Build a fix-it kit: Your new place, no matter how well you inspected it before arriving, will have issues. Burned out light bulbs, a newly developed leak, curtains that won't stay open...lots of little annoying things that just add to the stress of moving day. Consider these items: a few hand tools, duct tape, rubber bands, scissors, clothespins, extra towels, soap, lubricate for sticky or noisy parts, crowbar, candles and matches, phone book.

7) Chargers! You'll probably have your computer, cell phones and other electronic devices close by, but be sure your charges are easily accessible, too. Nothing is worse than a packed charger, a dead phone and no way to call out for pizza when you've reached the end of the day.

8) Business cards: Not for your business, for you. If you're moving to a neighborhood, pre-printing cards with your name, (new) phone number and email can be a great thing for friendly neighbors who come over to introduce themselves or when you do. You won't forget your new number, and you'll have a convenient way to let neighbors know you are prepared to be part of the community. Cards that fit into any printer are inexpensive at office supply stores.

9) Space heater or window A/C unit: Unless you're moving to a temperate climate or moving during spring or fall, chances are it might be a little chilly (especially with the doors open) or a little too hot (especially with the doors open). Do yourself and your helpers a favor: provide a warm (or cool) room where people can take breaks throughout the day. You'll be amazed at how grateful your helpers are!

10) The Best Gift of All: Pizza and beer go a long way, but if you really want to impress your helpers, find a local masseuse who does chair massages! It's portable, quicker and less expensive than regular massages, and even 15 minutes per person can go a long way toward thanking your heavy-lifting friends and family. You will be guaranteed to get help on your next move!