Did you know that moving is one of life's most stressful events? Whether you're moving across town or the country, you need good planning and wizard-like multi-tasking skills to keep your stress levels in check. If you're moving to a new home, our real estate agents have helpful tips to keep you calm and focused.

• Start Planning Early
  To reduce stress, you should start planning for your move at least two months in advance. To keep things organized, make a to-do list of important tasks:

• • Research moving companies and get at least three quotes.
  • Check out moving insurance to protect your belongings.
  • Change your address and forward your mail.
  • Update your address with doctors, schools, banks, and credit card companies.
  • Shut off utilities and services at your old home and turn them on at your new home.
  • If you're renting, notify your landlord of your move and return the keys.
    
    
• Gather Your Packing Supplies
  Whether you decide to hire a professional or move yourself, you'll need some packing supplies to get the job done right. You can find packing supplies at local U-Haul stores or home-supply stores in your area. Here are some things you will need:

• Cardboard boxes (buy uniform sizes for easier loading and transport)
• Wardrobe boxes with clothes hangers
• Bubble wrap for breakable items
• Packaging tape and a tape dispenser to seal boxes
• Colored magic markers to label boxes by room

When packing, don't forget to pack an "essentials bag" with several changes of clothes, pajamas, toothbrushes, toiletries, child and pet essentials, and medications, so you don't have to look through mounds of boxes to find them.

• Get Rid of Things You Don't Want
  Before you start packing, get rid of items you don't want to take with you. To make things easier, sort items into three categories—Throw Away, Recycle, and Donate. Once items are categorized, get them out of the house immediately so they don't get mixed up with items you're moving. Donate clothes and household items to Goodwill or local thrift stores, donate old towels and blankets to local animal shelters, and schedule a pickup for bulky furniture items.
  
  If you're like most buyers looking for Bowling Green homes for sale, you want a clean, organized, and comfortable home. Don't make the mistake of packing everything you own and sorting it out later. Why pack it and clutter up your new home if you don't want it?
  
  
• Don't Forget About Your Pets
  If you have pets, be aware they can become frightened and anxious by abrupt changes in their living environment. You may find them hiding in closets or under beds to feel safe. While packing and moving, try to create familiar surroundings by keeping their bedding, food bowls, and litter boxes in the same place. If you go for daily walks, continue that routine while packing and when you get to your new home so they become familiar with their new surroundings.
  
  
• Hire Professional Movers
  If there's room in your budget, hire a professional moving company to handle the job. Moving yourself is much more stressful, time-consuming, and exhausting, to say the least. Professional movers are well-trained and equipped to handle heavy lifting, loading and unloading trucks, and getting furniture and boxes into your new home. They can also provide boxes, help you pack, bubble wrap fragile items, and label boxes. Review your three previous quotes, then choose the most affordable and reliable company.

If you're considering a move to the Bowling Green area, contact us so we can help you find the perfect home for your family's lifestyle.