Diane's Moving Blog

When you finally arrive in your new home, there's that initial excitement and relief that the hardest part of the move is over; however, such enthusiasm usually evaporates once you've had time to take in your new surroundings...new surroundings that are full of boxes - endless boxes!

I should know - we're still living with boxes after our last move. But today, I finally took the time to unpack and organize our bedroom closet. Now, I had to run out to our local home and garden shop to purchase closet organizers, additional racks and storage bins, so it took me a while to install it all and put everything in its proper place.

I do feel better. And you will, too.. I promise!

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I had an email from a woman who was moving from one end of the city to another, and she wanted to know the rules about tipping the movers. It's a good question and one that not many people ask or are even aware that such a tipping practice exists.

While I've had my share of bad movers, overall, the majority have done their job well. And when that happens, I certainly compensate the movers not only because a good job should always be rewarded, but also because I may need their services in future and a good tip will usually guarantee that they'll go that extra mile should I need them to.

Find out how much to tip and when in this moving FAQ.

Do you tip the movers? If so, leave a comment by clicking below and let us know your personal policy. If you don't tip, we also want to hear from you.

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If you're moving with children, you know they have a very difficult time leaving their friends, their neighborhood and everything that's familiar.

I highly recommend getting books on the subject, either for you to read aloud or for them to read on their own. Making New Friends is an example of a great book that helps children deal with the very difficult task of stepping out into a new neighborhood where they are the outsider. With the help of an empty box that comes to life, TJ learns to trust in himself and the power of his imagination.

If you're moving to another country, make sure you take the correct documentation. An International Drivers Permit (IDP) is recognized by over 150 countries and acts as an additional piece of photo ID.

Find out how to obtain an IDP and what to know about driving in your new home country before you leave so you can be safe on the roads. Photo © D.Schmidt

We all get attached to our sofas, mostly because they're our main source of comfort after a long work day. But moving them can be painful. I've had more than one couch stuck in a doorway or jammed into a narrow stairwell, unable to budge.

Find out how to determine if your couch will fit before you move and what to do if it's going to be a tight fit.

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A reader emailed saying that a moving company she was thinking of hiring quoted her an estimate based on cubic feet. She wanted to know if this was standard practice.

The answer is simply, no. Do not hire any company that provides an estimate based on cubic feet. This can be a sign of a rogue mover. Estimates should be based on weight, or if you're moving locally, then it can also be charged at an hourly rate.

There are two kinds of estimates: binding and non-binding. So, before you have the company come to your home, in the telephone interview, ask them upfront what kind of estimate they provide then decide if you want to take the next step.

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We've lived in so many different kinds of spaces that I can't even remember them all; some were tiny one-bedroom apartments or two-bedroom condos or three bedroom homes. And the moves that involved visas and other countries always required that we downsize, getting rid of a lot of things in order to move to a smaller place.

Whatever the reason, it's a difficult process that requires patience and time to allow yourself to make the decisions you need to make. Find out more about downsizing and the steps you need to take to help you through your next move.

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As we all know, and most of us have experienced at least once, moving, at the best of times, is difficult. So, when you add the extra emotional stress of a major life change, such as a divorce, death or economic crisis, a move can be the breaking point.

While my moves have mostly been for school, a job or to follow my spouse on his personal quest, I have had to make at least one emotional move that was probably the hardest thing I've ever done.

If you or someone you know is moving because of a life change, here are some tips and suggestions that may help them through this difficult time.

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With all the fun that Carrie and the girls have in Sex and the City, you'd think that New York might be the best place for singles to live. Well, not according to the polls.

So, before you pack your bags for Manhattan, including your dancing shoes, find out which city offers the best single living in the country.

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Now we all use our closets as a storage space, the place where all the stuff that you can't figure out where to put ends up. Even though we keep promising ourselves that someday we'll clean it all out, imagining a time when we can actually find something inside, when the shelves aren't overflowing and you're not afraid to open that door...

We keep putting it off. Well, now's the time! You're moving, so what better excuse do you have?

Find out how to organize, clean and pack your closet so you're ready to move.

Other Packing Tips

• Sell Your Stuff Online
• All About Moving Boxes
• Packing Quick Tips

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