Lowes 9 tips to moving

of unnecessary clutter before you go. That way,

you won't have to find a place for those rarelyused

items when you get to your new home. Host

a garage sale or donate goods to a local charity.

keep track of all your mail and make a list of people,

subscriptions, and organizations that should

be notified. Contact the postal service to change

your address. Don't forget about your bank, your

insurance agent, your doctor and your vet.

utilities such as telephone, gas, electric, water,

cable and Internet access. Remember to contact

your pest control, lawn care, window cleaning

and other services to let them know about your

move. Proper planning insures that you won't be

paying for services you're not using!

moving company, make yourself available to answer

questions on both ends of the move - loading

and unloading. Review the home inventory paperwork

and make sure the driver has your contact

information and details of your delivery.

it yourself, remove all rugs, low hanging items

and tripping hazards. Keep walkways clear at all

times. Arrange for someone to take care of your

children and pets while everything is being packed

and loaded onto the moving truck.

including contents and the room in which they

belong. This will save time and questions for you

and your movers. Pack essentials like a change of

clothes, snacks, and the coffee maker and take

them with you.

pesticides and paint thinner are a few of the items

that professional moving companies won't touch.

Make arrangements to transport these items or

leave them with a neighbor. Valuables such as cash,

jewelry and important documents should stay with

you or be shipped via trackable shipping service.

leaves, make sure everything is loaded or unloaded,

for both ends of your move. Check the attic,

basement, closets, and garage for things you may

have forgotten. If something is damaged during

the move, notify your moving company immediately

and take photographs of the damaged item.

the right attitude and thoughtful preparation. It will

all be over soon -- and you'll have days, weeks or

even months (!) to unpack at your leisure. Throw

yourself a "welcome home to your new home" party

and meet your new neighbors.