TIPS FOR A NO-STRESS MOVE

Now that the weather is getting warmer, more people are moving. Moving can lead to new, exciting possibilities, but it also means leaving behind the people and places you love. While some sentimental items can be taken to your new place, many memories just aren't transportable. To ensure that everything with your move goes smoothly and that your treasured belongings arrive safely to your new home, prepare with these stress-free tips.

1.RESEARCH YOUR MOVER Look at publicly-available information. All interstate movers are required to be both licensed and registered with the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. That site will also have complaint reports for registered movers. Your local Better Business Bureau also tracks complaints.

2.GET AN ESTIMATE You need an estimate based on a walk-through. If the mover refuses to do so, or insists that you sign a contract (or make a deposit) before doing so, find someone else.

This is a big deal because of the “110 Percent Rule”, which says interstate movers cannot require you to pay more than 110 percent of the price given in a non-binding estimate in order to get your property from them. It prevents movers from holding your property for ransom. If you’re moving intrastate, most states have a similar rule for those movers.

Note that there’s an exception from the federal 110 Percent Rule for services incurred after the estimate is signed.

3.INSURANCE Make sure that your mover is insured, and don’t work with one that isn’t. Federal law requires interstate movers to offer liability coverage for any damage to your property at no cost. However, the baseline coverage is 60 cents per pound per item, regardless of the item’s value. Most movers also offer additional coverage for a fee, which you should consider after reviewing the terms. Before declining such additional coverage, think of how much your items are worth, and if 60 cents per pound is enough to make it right if something happens.

4 .MAKE ROOM FOR NEW MEMORIES

Taking every item of sentimental value with you to your new home is not always possible. Moving is the perfect opportunity to organize and purge items you don't need or won't use in your new residence. To lessen the load on moving day, hold a garage sale or donate unwanted items to a local charity. If you're trying to sell your current home, the less clutter the better.

5. ORGANIZE, DON'T AGONIZE Starting the process early can help avoid nerve-wracking, last-minute packing, and give you time to be a bit nostalgic. Before you begin boxing things up, take videos and photos of each room to preserve your memories of that space. Don't forget to include outdoor areas like a backyard tree house or handprints in the patio cement.

6 . PROTECT DELICATE POSSESSIONS

To ensure your belongings arrive safely, it's essential to pack possessions with extra care. Safeguard breakables with wrapping materials designed to protect fragile goods, such as bubble wrap cushioning, for the best protection.

Next, have your movers pack items in clean, sturdy containers in a variety of sizes. Large boxes should be used for bulky, yet lighter furnishings, such as pillows and blankets, and heavier objects should be in smaller boxes to avoid unnecessary strain. Make sure boxes are sealed securely. Be sure to label boxes clearly, marking them on the sides of the boxes, not the top. This step makes it obvious what's inside, even if they're stacked. You also can use different colored or printed packaging tapes to color code each room - red for the bedroom, blue for the kitchen.

7. HAVE HELP ON HAND If you’re moving to a location close to your old home, recruit friends and family to help with unloading and unpacking. You'll love showing off your new place, and it'll help with the transition to see that loved ones aren't too far away to make the trip.

Put together an "open me first" box with the gear you'll need immediately, such as tools to assemble furniture, cleaning supplies and shelf liner for drawers, closets and kitchen cabinets.