If you’re planning a move it most likely has you pretty excited or stressed out (or both). A lot of time in situations such as this, little things can get overlooked regardless of how simple they may seem when your life is a little less hectic. Following are some quick tips to check off before you close and lock the door of your “old place” for the last time. Sure, some seem pretty basic, but you’d be surprised how a list such as this has saved countless headaches and countless dollars.

• Walk the perimeter of your home and look for any stray tools, pet or children’s toys, or lawn items
• Retrieve all hidden keys that you may have tucked away under rocks or behind planters
• Check the washer, dryer, refrigerator and freezer for anything you might have left behind; and make sure all water taps have been turned completely off (this goes for outside taps, as well)
• Walk through each room and check inside closets and cabinets and behind curtains — as you check each cabinet, leave the door open so you can visually see that it has been emptied
• Go to each window to assure that it is latched and that the backdoor is locked
• As you move to the front of the home make sure each room’s light (and ceiling fan if there is one) has been turned off as well as the thermostat
• As you approach the front door and start to feel sad about seeing it for the last time, think about the excitement that awaits you in your new home

There are dozens of checklists to be found online for undertaking a move but we’ve found there are some things people just don’t remember to do. Here are a few of our top missed moving items that you should remember when you’re going through your next move:

Get new cable/satellite: Everyone remembers to turn on their water and electricity but don’t forget that it usually takes a day or two to get your media rolling. Contact direct star tv or your cable company to make sure you’re all set up for the new place.

Cancel your newspaper: If you’ve got a running subscription to a local newspaper you’re going to want to cancel it or change the address if you’re staying the same city. It can cost you money and let people know you’re not in your home.

Contact your insurance company: If you’ve got homeowner’s or renter’s insurance be sure to call ahead and change the address before you move in. Your policy won’t cover any moving day accidents if you’ve get to update the information.

Notify for Your Change of Address: The move from one home to another is stressful enough as it is, let alone once you get settled, trying to notify everyone of your change of address. Even though your life is in a whirlwind as you try to move your belongings from one place to the next, life still goes on and bills still come. So here is a list of who you need to notify of your change of address: mortgage company, or old landlord, all banks that you have accounts at, electric company, gas company, propane company, phone company, cell phone company, internet provider, cable company, and or satelite company, water bill, usually city office, employer, car, home ,rental, health, life insurance companies.I found some more information here. Next we cover all credit card companies, car loans, personal loans, recreational vehicle loans, other mortgages on other homes. Also, your township, county, or city offices for property tax reasons. If you own a business, thats another long list, similar to the above list. Now after you have done the above, there is all your family and friends that you like to keep in contact with, your church or place of worship, your accountant, lawyer, and your childrens school. Keep in mind this list is daunting, but take it one step at a time and everthing will work out fine.

Ask for Referrals: Are you making a major move in the near future? It can be a time of confusion and stress. You need the help of professionals to get you through this time. There are lots of people who would like to help you. Realtors are in abundance and moving companies make lots of promises. It is hard to decide who to choose to help you on this adventure. Start by looking on the internet and in the local yellow pages to see who is available and what services that they have to offer. You can then start doing your homework. It takes a little bit of time but it is worth it in the end.

Most reputable businesses will be happy to give you a list of references. References can come in the form of referrals. These are people who have used their services in the past and can tell you what the experience was like. Although it is easy to over look this step, do not compromise. You will be happier in the long run and will have security that the business or person you are dealing with can carry out the promises that they are making to you. So remember to Ask for Referrals: That’s the Best Reference.

Moving can be very stressful and whether you do it yourself or have professional help, it is difficult. Often children are confused and don’t understand what is happening to some of their favorite toys. It is also a good time to downsize some of those broken or older toys you do not want to move. Just like adults, children sometimes find it difficult to part with some of those well loved things. Many times it is also confusing leaving friends and family and the kiddos of the family are often not sure where they are going to be ending up.

Many people find it a good idea to have the children stay at Grandma’s or at day care while packing and unpacking. It will make the move easier and the kids will be happier when they arrive at the new home to see their room all set up. The kitchen is important to get settled, but the children’s rooms should be next on the agenda. Safety is always important and children can often get into dangerous cleaning products or be forgotten with all the confusion going on with the move. If possible arrange for the little ones to spend the day somewhere else. You will be glad you did and it will make your move a lot smoother.

Moving can be a headache, when we really must focus on the task at hand. For those of us who have pets, they can distract our focus from important details that need our concentration during the moving process. Consider pet day care to minimize distractions.

There are many pet day care facilities and establishments that operate from the homes of animal lovers, they are great places to get quality, comforting, secure care for our pets, while we focus on the details of moving to a new residence.I was looking for more information and found it here. Pet day care centers take care of the daily needs of pets, including walking and play time, brushing and bathing, also special dietary needs.

Pet day care is available at many veterinarian practice’s, often pet boarding and daycare facilities are listed in the yellow pages, also check you news paper for listings. Don’t forget to ask what the pet day care offers, aside from feeding, Will they exercise the pet? Are pets kept in a crate or cage?, Do they have a secure area to play?

Take pets on a tour of their new home, and outside grounds. Speak in soothing, reassuring tones, animals are intelligent and will comprehend, helping ease the transition.

When you are looking to move, it is important to have everything that you will need to pack your belongings. Failure to do this can result in spending more time driving to the store to purchase items and can put you behind schedule. When you are behind schedule, it often increases your stress level and makes an already stressful time much more stressful. If you take the time to organize your supplies before you even start packing, the entire experience can be fun and rewarding.

Some of the supplies that you will want to have available are boxes and packing tape. By having boxes of various sizes, you will be able to accommodate all of your belongings. If you do not want to purchase boxes, you may be able to visit your local grocery stores in order to get boxes from them that food has been delivered in. You will want to make sure that you have enough packaging tape so that you can tape up the boxes as you pack them. Then you will not be tempted to take anything out of the box until the day of the move.

Along with boxes and tape, it is important to have a marker and a notebook. Some people will use a color coding system where each room has a different color marker on the box. If you do this method, it is important that you write in the notebook which color is for each room. Another reason for the notebook is an inventory to make sure that all of your belongings arrive safely at your new home. When you finish packing a box, make sure that you mark it on the inventory page so you can keep track of how many boxes should be in each room when you arrive.

Ask for Help: It’s hard to do Alone

Moving alone can make moving day a difficult and challenging day. You will find that most individuals will happily set aside some of their time to help you move into your new house or apartment.

Check with your friends to see if they have a truck that you can use on moving day. Talk to your friends that are big and strong, they will be able to help move the large pieces of furniture. Unless you want total mayhem, you will need to delegate activities on your moving day. Always bring extra cleaning supplies to the new house or apartment. Having friends to help you clean is a great plan. You never know what the previous tenants may have left behind.

Moving day is always a stressful and challenging day. Having friends to help on moving day expedites the process and eliminates the stress of moving into the new house or apartment. Friends may also show a little more tender loving care (tlc), when transporting your items, so you will have fewer broken or missing items.

After all the boxes are moved plan some fun activities such as a picnic lunch. It’s time to relax and enjoy your new home.