Easing the transition from one home to another

Whether you're looking to upsize to a larger residence, preparing for a work transfer, or you just want a change of scenery, the decision to move can be exciting. It can also be stressful and strenuous, however, and not just because of the many changes you face at your new home.

The moving process doesn't always run as trouble-free as you might first expect. To ensure a more seamless transition, it's important to tie up loose ends and plan properly, and well in advance.

The first step you need to tackle is arranging for a moving company early in the process, says Michele Lerner, author of "Homebuying - Tough Times, First Time, Any Time" (Capital Books, 2009).

When it comes to finding a reputable moving service, Mary Kurek, a visibility consultant based in Atlantic Beach, N.C., suggests first asking your real-estate professional for referrals. Generate a quick list of two or three prospects and call each. Be sure to ask for, and get in touch with, their references. Lastly, try googling the movers to search for positive or negative online reviews.

"Be wary of out-of-town movers, who can run late for the pickup or be full when they arrive, wreaking havoc with your schedule," says Joe Fell, the co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship in Braintree, Mass. "Be clear on insurance, as well. Know what is covered and what isn't, and ask how the moving company handles damage and repair."

Hiring a moving company can cost anywhere from $500 for about five hours locally, to $1,000 or more - especially if it's a long distance move.

"Don't fall victim to lowball quotes. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," says Fell. "Get a written quote, and make sure it lists what you are moving, where it is being picked up, and where it is going with lots of specific details."

"Even if you are going to move yourself in a U-Haul truck, it still might be wise to hire movers to pack and unpack the truck," says Barry Izsak, a certified professional organizer and founder of Arranging It All in Austin, Texas. "You think you will save money doing all that lifting yourself, but if one person hurts his or her back and needs to start going to a chiropractor after the move, what have you saved?"

Izsak also recommends avoiding moving at the beginning and end of the month, if at all possible. "This is when moving companies are most busy and will not deal on the price," he says. "They are much less busy during the middle of the month and are more likely to cut prices to get your business."

Depending on the distance, scheduling a weekday move may also be less expensive, says Barry Salottolo, a licensed broker and owner of Westchester Spaces in New Rochelle, N.Y.

After lining up the physical movers, the next most important task is scheduling new service with all the applicable utility providers.

"Contact all the utility companies and the cable company to come to your new location on or near your moving day," says Lerner, "and contact the postal service to arrange for service to change. Also, notify magazines, newspapers and any other regular deliveries you receive."

As you approach moving day, plan to thoroughly clean, de-clutter and, if necessary, paint or wallpaper the new home.

"The wisest thing to do is to call in a cleaning service," says Izsak. But when you first get there, "you should still expect to wipe everything down again with a glass cleaner or all-purpose spray."

The biggest challenge, whether you are moving from a small place to a larger one or a large place to a smaller home is, "the reorganization of your possessions," says Lerner. So those preparing for a big move should spend the necessary time "sorting their belongings into three piles: items to keep and move, items to discard in the trash, and items to donate or sell at a yard sale."

The best way to save money on a move is to not move things that you don't want or need. "Do the sorting and purging on the front end," says Izsak. "You can also do the packing yourself to save money."

Don't be afraid to chuck the junk, says Fell. "We all have a tendency to want to hang onto things we don't need."

Other than your major appliances and a any fragile antiques, "your audio and video equipment is probably your next biggest household expense, and your next biggest problem when moving," says Kurek. "Before you move, show whoever is going to install your equipment to the new home to measure and check outlets and connections. Be sure to take photos of the back of your existing audio/video set up and tag your wires to identify where they belong."

Lastly, as moving day approaches, be prepared for the physical move to take longer than you expect.

"Allow for the worst possible scenario and hope and plan for the best," Salottolo says. "Even the best moving companies can have problems with trucks, personnel, traffic and weather. Always allow extra time for problems."