When you choose your mover, make sure you understand what is covered by their insurance. Normally, it’s $0.60 per lb. per item, which is not a lot. Also note that this coverage is only for items the movers' pack. If a mover sees a chip or scratch, he will point it out to confirm the condition of the item before the move. Remember, anything you personally pack will not be covered. Don't forget to check your home insurance policy concerning the move. Home insurance companies usually have 'in transit' coverage for moves and if you have items going to storage, be sure to be specific with your home insurance, as such storage is not always covered.

There are a multitude of moving companies to choose from for your move: some are better than others. How do you tell? If you have a move manager, you will be given referrals of tried and true movers. You can also ask friends and relatives as to their experience. Make sure you hire a company where the movers have been with them for a solid amount of time. Even good companies sometimes have summer, less experienced, help. However, as long as the lead mover is solid, all should be fine. Not all smaller moving companies are licensed in every state. While they may move within a region (eg. Connecticut to Florida) they may not go to California. What happens then? The moving company will have a partner large van company (Allied, North American) who will transfer truckloads into their trucks and deliver. Usually the larger van companies will have shared deliveries and will not be able to give you an exact delivery date until 24-48 hours in advance of delivery. If you are not in a hurry, this might be an option. Caution: if anything is broken, it is not always clear who the responsible party is: the packers or the delivery mover. On the plus side: you will save dollars by having a shared truck You can find companies that will pack and deliver - a private truck with the same lead mover on both ends. This will be more expensive, however, you will have a definite delivery date and the responsibility remains with one mover. Do remember that as with anything, the cheapest is not always the best. Good referrals usually lead to betters choices with the happiest outcomes.

The key ingredient to a smooth move is 'The Timeline'. So you are thinking about moving. Maybe, to a different city or state or even to a different country. Whatever the reason (selling your home, job transfer, downsizing, retirement, etc.) at first glance, it can seem overwhelming which is why many people procrastinate. Having done hundreds of moves, of varying complexity, and all with their own time frame, I can attest to the power of 'The Timeline'. Begin by getting a monthly calendar. Now cross out all dates that you have commitments … doctor appointments, vacations, volunteering, etc. Unless you are simply going to throw up your hands and take everything 'as is' to the new place, you need to account for time to declutter, pack away items that you don’t need at present, decide what you want to take with you, what you think can be sold, items for donations, etc. If you are also selling your current home then many extra considerations come into play such as staging and keeping the home presentable during showings. Once you have written all that needs to get done on the calendar, you have a timeline, and will no longer feel overwhelmed as you can actually see how it will all get done. 

There are all sorts of moving companies, some more reputable than others. The following are some of the top tips to remember when hiring a mover: Ask your friends, family, associates, real estate agent and professional organizer for recommendations. Interview at least two movers and have a list of questions to ask. An estimate can be done in person or virtually. If you have a straightforward one bedroom apartment, virtual can work. Otherwise, I recommend an in person estimate. Prior to the estimator arriving for your appointment, be sure to know what it is you want moved. If it is a two or three pronged move, you need to be very clear about what is going to which location. A few items of indecision won't make a big difference in an estimate. Do not, however, tell them you will be packing x, y and z and when they show up, say, "Oh, I just did not have time and only did x." They will still be happy to do the work (as long as they have enough materials), however, it will take longer and probably cost more. When you receive the estimate, read it VERY carefully. Check the number of days, moves, packing material costs, etc. Make sure you understand exactly what you are signing (which is true for signing any contract/agreement) and be certain that any extras such as crating artwork, are discussed and included. Be aware of the difference between: (i) Non-binding estimate - final price not to exceed 10% above estimate; (ii) Binding estimate - guaranteed pricing for exact agreed upon services (if extra supplies are needed there will be an extra charge); (iii) Flat Fee - fixed amount regardless of time and materials used. Understand Insurance: The moving company usually covers a very small percentage of the total for free. They will only cover what they have packed, however, you can pay for additional insurance. Always call your homeowner's insurance agent and ask exactly what is covered for the move under your home insurance policy. As an aside, your moving crew will work very hard for you and are most appreciative of bottles of water, food (sandwiches or pizzas are popular) and a cash tip. None of these items are mandatory, however, 99% of the time they are well deserved. If you are going to tip, 10 - 20% of your total cost is the rule of thumb. Just give the tip to the lead person and he will distribute accordingly. This list, while not complete, does give many of the top tips to remember when hiring your moving company.

You have decided to downsize, however, what will you do with all of your stuff? First, decide which items will definitely be kept and moving with you. Review and make sure your new space will accommodate everything. You do not want to pay to move items that you do not want or need. Next look at the furniture, china, glassware and accessories that you may be able to sell through auction houses, liquidators, private buyers and online platforms. The items that are left will either go to donations, trash or recycling. Please remember items for donations have to be in decent shape. No stains or holes in clothing, all pieces to games and puzzles, no chips in china, etc. Different donation places will accept different items. Trash can go with your refuse company, or you can have a junk company pick up, or you can order a dumpster. Remember if you choose a dumpster, you have to put everything in it as opposed to a pick-up where they will come into your house and remove the trash, including furniture, for you. Recycling can go with your regular trash pick up. Most junk companies do not really recycle. There are also recycling specialists for different items such as textiles. Now enjoy moving into your new home!

Self-esteem is a benchmark and a cornerstone of your health. Your health is a reflection of the behaviors and habits that you choose to promote. Did you know there are seven common threads that impact your self-esteem? These threads, when upgraded throughout your life, will help you flourish, find happiness and live a more fulfilled life. Physical capabilities: Is your body able to meet your daily physical needs? Social connections: Do you act graciously and invite others to enjoy your company? Self-discipline: Are you able to remain persistent when accomplishing a goal? Financial literacy: Do you understand the laws of prosperity and spend, save and invest wisely? Strengths and talents: Can you identify and use your strengths and special talents? Self-trust: Can you trust your own perceptions about what is safe and what is dangerous? Self-image: Do you feel secure about whom you are and the image you project to the world? Take the time to reflect on these 7 threads and their positioning in your life in order to enhance your growth, happiness and success.

You might not think of cleaning as a part of managing your move, however, it really is an important part of preparing for your move. Don't forget the rarely used items While we all take pride in running a clean and orderly home, there are items that have just been overlooked, such as dishes, glasses, vases, pans, etc. which have been stuck in the back of cupboards, on a basement shelf, etc. Or perhaps the shoes that have not been worn but have been gathering dust in the closets. And let’s not forget the precious books that sit on a shelf. Whether or not you realize it, dust and grime seem to permeate shelves, cracks and air. Clean the 'keepers' As you are going through items and deciding what you will be taking with you, set aside some time to clean all the “keepers”. While it may seem time consuming, it will arrive in your new home clean and fresh and you will avoid bringing the old dust and grime into your new space. Your new home will appreciate it You may laugh, however, not only will your belongings be fresh in your new home but the air you breathe will be cleaner bringing you a healthier environment.

Plan First Whether you are moving within the same town or across country, you will save yourself a lot of heartache by planning each room before your move. Whether you do a "dirty drawing' or have access to the floor plans, make sure you know where all of the pieces of furniture will be placed in the new rooms. Color Code When I do the drawings, I mark where each piece of furniture will go in each room. Color coding is also used to associate the boxes and furniture to the rooms. Each room has its own color and I post the color coded sheets outside each room for the movers to see. This ensures that the furniture is placed correctly and that the contents go into the correct rooms. Even though people are around during the move-in, it is very helpful for the movers to have some guidelines on placement of furniture as well as to where the boxes go. Mark the Containers Paintings and Wall art are not always as easily decided and oftentimes not opened until all of the other unpacking is done. I suggest you write on each container the room you think you want it in, a short description of the contents, and tape a photo to it.