Money Saving Tips

6 Tips to Make Moving Easier

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

I just bought a beautiful new house and am so excited to move in...except for one thing: the actual moving part! To me, moving is the most stressful thing in the world and it's making me sick to even think about it. How can I successfully move while staying organized and not getting completely stressed out?

Sincerely,

On the Move

April Masini's advice:

Dear On the Move,

Moving is one of life's biggest stressors -- up there with birth, death, marriage, and divorce.

Below are some ways to make moving easier:

1. Don't do it yourself. This is one place where it pays to hire someone to move you. You may have done it in college, but if you're over the age of 21, you need professional movers.

2. Shop around for movers well in advance of your move. Have three movers who have been recommended by friends, come to your home and give you a bid. Consider how many people they will have moving you (more people will take less time), and how long they think the move will take.

3. If you're packing yourself, collect boxes well in advance. Just because you see them empty at the market all the time does not mean boxes will be there when you need them.

4. Label boxes by room -- in the new location -- in different colors. Make the labels big and clear so movers whose first language may not be English, can see and read them.

5. Start your move early in the morning -- the earlier the better. There are always things that happen, unexpectedly, along the way that take a few extra hours.

6. Feed your movers. Order pizzas, sodas, and waters. Fed movers work better. Don't forget to tip them, too.