If you're among thousands of people who are looking to move to a new home or a new community, there are many ways to help make your household move easier. These suggestions will help to get your life and your possessions organized for a successful move.

Here are some things to do prior to moving:

Make a list.
Write everything down! You'll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. You'll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don't put the list down unless it's in a place you'll call Packing Central. This is where you'll find your labels, marking pens, box tape and other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific -- "A-D files" is better than "files," and "dishes" rather than "misc. kitchen."

Have plenty of supplies.
You'll need LOTS of boxes--probably more boxes than you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier.
Have about 10 boxes set aside to use for last-minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing and cleaning supplies. You'll need strong packing tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household goods. Again, you'll need a lot more supplies than you think, so get extra and the packing will go smoothly.

Utilize wardrobe boxes.
These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging. Measure the clothes in your closets (including coat closets) to see how many wardrobe boxes you'll need. You can also use them for closet storage boxes, shoe boxes and other bulky items such as fabric bolts, large baskets or gift wrap tubes.

Don't make the boxes too heavy to lift. One mover told the story of someone who put a bowling ball in a wardrobe box! When the box was lifted off the truck the bottom gave way, sending the bowling ball on a wild ride down the ramp, across the street to the gutter. (Is that a strike or a spare?)

Strategize wardrobe box use.
If you're doing the packing, get things organized as early as possible. A few days before your move, fill some sturdy handled shopping bags with bulky closet items such as shoes, sweaters, belts and jeans. On moving day, fill the bottom of the wardrobe boxes with some of the shopping bags, then add your hanging clothing. Pack hanging items tightly so things won't move around and fall off of hangers. Finally, cover the shoulders of your clothes (a dry cleaning bag works well). You'll have fewer boxes, and closet items remain together. Also, the shopping bags will make it easier to retrieve your belongings from the bottoms of a tall wardrobe box.

Color coordinate.
Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home, put a matching sticker on the door to each room. The movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the destination. It's also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want boxes stacked ("boxes here, please") to keep them out of furniture and traffic areas.

Keep things together.
Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps and extension cords with appliances. Small, loose parts can be attached to the item they belong to with tape or placed in small envelopes -- to keep picture hooks with pictures, shelf brackets with a bookcase, a special wrench and bolts with the wall unit. Keep larger corresponding items (such as a cable TV cord) in Ziplock bags, and tape these to the underside or back of the item. As a backup, have a "Parts Box" open on the kitchen counter and fill it with cables, cords, parts, pieces, brackets or nails that are removed from any items of furniture. Keep this box with you or mark it well with a rainbow of colored stickers so it can be easily located on move-in day.

Pack ahead.
Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day. You don't really need five radios or TVs around your house for the last few days there. Box up your shampoo and extra toothpaste and live out of a travel case for the last week or two. Wastebaskets can also be packed (put things in them!) while you switch to using plastic grocery bags (hang them on a cabinet door or door handle to collect trash).

Consolidate cleaning supplies.
If you must clean your old place after moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and rags. Clean anything possible ahead of time (the inside of kitchen cupboards, the oven, windows, etc.), and if possible, vacuum each room as movers empty it.

Use your luggage.
Fill luggage and duffel bags with clothing, sheets, towels and paper goods. Even for local moves you'll be able to quickly spot your navy suitcase holding your favorite sweaters, whereas "Box #189" might remain elusive for days.

Safeguard valued items.
It's a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections or antiques, with you.

Keep important papers with you.
Your list of "important" papers might include: birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, closing papers, realtor info, maps and more. Keep them with you!

Personal boxes.
Use brightly colored storage tote boxes, one for each person. Let each family member fill theirs with items they'll want 'right away' in the new home -- a set of sheets, a towel, a couple of extension cords, a phone, nightlights, address book, pens and paper, keys, kleenex, travel cosmetic case and so on.

Moving is one of those events you want to occur quickly so you can get on with your life. At Pair of Guys Movers, they seem to understand that, and the company's goal is to exceed your expectations and make your move as cost efficient and stress free as possible.

As anyone knows who has made a move, there is more to moving than merely transporting your belongings from point A to point B. According to the folks at Pair Of Guys Movers:

-All their movers are full time professionals hired and trained by them. They don't employ day labor.

-They provide all necessary tools to do the job right. Besides using dollies and padding to protect your furniture, Pair of Guys movers carry their own set of tools to disassemble and/or reassemble furniture. They'll even stretch-wrap upholstered furniture at no additional charge, and they never charge an extra fee for stairs.

-They offer competitive hourly rates and several payment options.

While most moving companies are either national giants or part of a franchise system, Pair of Guys Movers has found its niche, combining the best of both worlds. The business operates on a statewide scale, while maintaining small-town, friendly and personalized service. They live here just like you do, not seven states away, providing customer confidence in knowing that the company will be available before, during and after your move.

Pair of Guys Movers is able to handle any size commercial or residential move, local or long distance. They can do weekend moves, too, offering a flexible schedule to meet a customer's needs. The movers are fully trained, licensed and insured. They have a reputation for being helpful and caring and their demeanor is polite and professional at all times.

In addition to offering moving services and free onsite estimates for qualifying jobs, Pair of Guys Movers sells a complete line of boxes and packing supplies, and offers packing and unpacking services as well. They can even load or unload a customer's rental truck.

For more information on Pair of Guys, call (770) 888-0037 for a free rate quote, or email pairofguys@gmail.com.

www.PairofGuys.com

Source of moving tips: Coral Nafie of about.com

Pair of Guys Movers Inc.
pairofguys@gmail.com
www.pairofguys.com