Don’t Overlook These Moving Checklist Items

Neat and organized young woman sitting on an ottoman and reviewing a moving checklist.

Moving is much more than packing boxes, hiring a mover or renting a truck. Here is a checklist of  “must-do” tasks to ensure a smooth move. At least one week before the move File a new address notification with the U.S. Postal Service. Everything will forward to your new address for one year, except magazines […]

Your Survival Guide to Packing and Moving Your Kitchen

Models of packing and moving your kitchen to a new home.

Moving is hard, stressful work, and packing your kitchen may be the most difficult task of all. The kitchen has items that vary in size and degrees of breakability. You’ll need some of them as soon as you reach your new home. Food items may be perishable. It’s all a lot to take on. Here’s […]

Do I Stay or Do I Go? Selling a Vacant Home

Vacant home living room with floor to ceiling windows.

You’ve decided to sell your house. Should you move out before sellers come calling? You may not have a choice if you are relocating for a new job or in other situations, but if you do, is selling a vacant home a good idea? Advantages of selling a vacant home Showing a home you’ve already […]

Repatriation: 9 Tips for Easier Move Home

Happy African American family with labrador dog showing concept of repatriation to home country after living abroad.

As you prepare to move home from a stint working abroad, organization is key. Here are nine must-do tips for a smooth repatriation. Don’t Procrastinate The repatriation process takes time — at least several months to get everything in order. So don’t delay starting the process. Contact Landlord/Utility Companies Give your landlord notice about your […]

Educate Yourself Before Relocating

"Make the Right Move" text on tablet device on a wooden table provides advice to someone that is relocating.

Moving to a new city or even a new state is an adventure! Whether you are relocating for a job or just a change of scenery, it’s important to do your research ahead of time to minimize unpleasant surprises later. Here are eight key relocation questions to answer before you go. What is the housing […]

Should You Purchase Rental Truck Insurance?

Portrait of happy young couple carrying rolled carpet from a rental truck that's insured.

If you’ve rented a car, you’re no doubt familiar with the “loss damage waiver” car rental companies offer to relieve you of liability for damage to the vehicle in an accident. Rental truck companies also offer such coverage when you rent their vehicles for a move or to carry cargo. Insurance coverage is also available […]

Settling Into a New Community

A happy father and son walking the city street settling into a new community.

Moving to a new house creates a long “to do” list and no small amount of stress. If the house is in a new community, it’s just as important to get acquainted with the area and its people as it is to turn on the utilities.  Here are some tips for settling into a new […]

Tackling a Big Job: Moving a Hot Tub

The ultimate garden accessory a free standing cedar wood hot tub with cover.

Sellers may want to take a hot tub with them to their next house, and buyers may want to get rid of one that came with a home they purchased. Can you safely move a hot tub yourself, or should you leave the heavy lifting to the professionals? Let’s get the job done safely without […]

New Friends: Helping Your Kids Adjust After a Move

New friends with smiling faces enjoying posing head to head.

Whether you’re moving across the state or halfway around the world, your children will be forced to adjust to new routines, unfamiliar surroundings and possibly even new languages and cultures.  They’ll also face the daunting task of making new friends at school. Here’s how parents can help. 1. Keep in Touch Emails, phone calls, texts, […]

I’m Moving: How Do I Find the Best Schools for My Kids?

Group of high school students sitting outside building of one of the best schools their parents could find when moving.

When moving with children, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is a big one: Where are the best schools to send the kids? Do Your Homework If at all possible, research your options before you move. Among the choices: local schools, charter and magnet schools, private schools and boarding schools, and, if […]

Senior Choices: When Is It Time to Move On?

When the kids are grown and retirement is just ahead, it’s time to make some tough choices. Should you stay in the family home or move somewhere smaller and cheaper? Organize your thinking. Break the decision down into these broad categories: family accessibility, lifestyle and financial. Look at each separately. Family accessibility.  Location is key. […]

Four Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Moving

Selling a home and moving is expensive. No need to further add to your expenses by making costly mistakes. Here’s a handy checklist to keep you from incurring extra costs. Talk to your bank. Let a representative know you’re moving and make sure you’ve canceled any automatic payments on your old home. Besides the mortgage, […]

5 Things You Need to Know About Storage Units

While it rarely makes sense to store items long-term — the rent will eventually exceed the replacement value of your possessions — storage units can be a great help in short-term situations. When you need to move out of your old home a few months before the new home is ready — or you’re taking […]

Five Tips for a Stress-Free Move

Whether you’re moving across the country or across the neighborhood, the process can be stressful. Make things easier on yourself by employing these tips. Organization is key. Create a moving kit containing everything needed to make your move easier. Markers for labeling boxes, packing tape, moving-related paperwork, water bottles, snacks, cleaning supplies and a first […]

Moving the Big, the Odd and the Delicate

Moving is stressful enough, but extra care must be paid to the safe packing and transport of special items such as pianos, large mirrors, fine art and sculptures. Here’s how to safely move precious cargo to your new home. Pianos. Moving a piano is in a class by itself. Small upright pianos weigh more than […]

Do-It-Yourself Packing and Moving

With a little planning, the right materials and the help of some strong volunteers, packing up and moving your household is doable. Here are a few tips to make a DIY move go smoothly. How much truck do you need? Generally, the furniture filling a three-bedroom house with one living area and one dining area […]

How to Change Your Mailing Address When You Move

You’ve bought and closed on a house and moving day is fast approaching. You’ve likely made arrangements to transport your belongings, but what about your mail? The U.S. postal service website allows you to change your address online, which the service prefers for speed and efficiency. The step-by-step process can be found at www.usps.com/move. The […]

Handy Tips to Make Your Move a Success

Moving can be an exciting time, but it’s also a lot of work. Beyond the obvious jobs like packing and cleaning your entire house, lots of additional tasks must be accomplished to ensure a smooth transition to your new address. Here’s a guide. Get organized. One of the best ways to stay on top of […]

Surefire Tips for Reducing Stress When Moving With Kids

Pulling up stakes and moving is stressful. Add kids to the mix, and your stress levels may be off the charts. Look at it from a child’s point of view. You’re asking them to leave their home, their schools and their friends. Pave the way for an easy transition by following these four tips. Preparation […]

Prep Your Pets For Moving Day

Your family is moving to a new home. It’s an exciting and stressful time for everyone — including your pets. Here are four tips to help your pets survive the ups and downs of moving day. Visit the vet. Before you move, take your pet for a veterinarian visit. Make sure your pet is up […]