Finding the right movers and packing your home are one of the hardest things about moving. Below are some moving tips to make your move to your new home faster and easier:

• When looking for movers keep in mind, national chains have offices in each area but don't always deliver the same service. Recommendations from friends that have had a good or bad experience doesn't always mean you will have the same experience if your move starts somewhere else.
  
  
• Once the driver reaches your destination, they will usually get help from local friends or get help to unload from unemployed personnel. Check with the moving company you choose what their policy is and who the driver gets to help them unload. This sometimes goes for the loading crew as well.
  
  
• When getting quotes from moving companies make sure they list the number of boxes needed and the type and size of boxes you will need to pack your home. You can use this later to decide to purchase your supplies from a box or packing supply distributor. Most moving companies mark-up the boxes and supplies by 25-50 percent.
  
  For example a 2,500 sqft home can expect about $600.00 in boxes and packing materials. Most moving companies will charge $1,000.
  
  
• If you decide to purchase your own boxes, don't skimp. Get sturdy moving boxes. Boxes and cartons from grocery stores are not sturdy nor padded for a big move.
  
  
• If you have packers, either hired by you, or the moving company, make sure they can do the job in time for the move. You don't want packers packing your belongings for 12-hours straight. After 6-hours they should come back the next day.
  
  A 2000 sqft home with 2-packers takes about 8-hours to pack. Tell the moving company to have 3-packers or schedule the packers for 2-days.
  
  
• Once you are at your destination do not let the movers take your boxes. Tell them to keep them in good condition for any unpacking they do. The moving company will often take and re-sell the boxes the you paid for. After you are unpacked, call local storage or moving companies and sell your boxes. They will pick them up from your new home too. You can usually get $.20 on the dollar for each box.
  
  For example if you paid $500.00 for boxes from a privately owned packing supply distributor, you can expect about $120.00 for them to pickup any of your boxes that are in re-usable condition.
  
  
• If you have children, get them involved on moving day. Save a few boxes and have them pack their toys and a few items left out. Have the movers mark these boxes so when you get to your new home your children can unpack these boxes themselves. It will keep them occupied and make them feel as if they are part of the move.
  
  
• When moving remember everything gets packed. Keep at least one box to the side and take it with you. In this box you should keep a telephone (to disconnect last and reconnect at your new home.), first-aid kit, flashlight, soap, toothpaste, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, aspirin, cups, paper towels, extra prescription medicines in a zip-lock bag, and any other items you think you may need to get you by on your first day in your new home