Moving into your new home is an exiting time! In order to make your move easier, we’ve put together a list of tips for you.

Packing Tips
	Important supplies: boxes, permanent marker, bubble wrap, newspaper, tissue, tape, scissors, tape measure.
	Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
	When removing screws or other loose items from an object, place them in a plastic bag and tape it to the objects they were removed from.
	Label each box to indicate the following:
		Which room should it go in
		Whether it is fragile
		Should it be loaded last so it will be unloaded first
	Pack books tightly in small boxes.
	Pack medicine in a leak proof container.

Important Document and Files
You may want to keep these documents at your fingertips before and after the move:
	All medical records (immunizations, physician contact information, prescriptions)
	Marriage license
	Family social security numbers
	Veterinary records for all your pets
	Moving company contact information
	Last two months utility bills from your previous location
	Recent copy of your credit report

Garage Sale
What items do you really need? What items can you do without? Consider having a garage sale to eliminate moving unnecessary items to your new house. During this process you may find items you can donate to your favorite charity.

Moving Companies
If you are considering hiring a moving company, here are some tips that can help your move go smoothly.
	Get a binding estimate from the moving company. Make sure the amount is written in the contract.
	Inquire about their on-time record and other comments with the local Better Business Bureau.
	Have the contract include a guarantee of how many hours the job will take, allowing an overrun of no more than 10%. Be sure all charges are listed on the contract.
	Document an inventory of your belongings.
	Inform the moving company how many stairs are in your new home.
	Examine all items carefully before signing a receipt.

Valuables
Be sure to transport your valuables, whether personal or financial, with yourself.

Pets
Make special arrangements for your pets. The Independent Pet and Animal Association International has a lot of useful and reassuring information.

Plants
Plants don’t move well particularly in extreme hot or cold weather. Consider transporting your houseplants in the family car or give them away. Be sure to check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one state to another.