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In the last 2 years, I have moved 7 times, ranging from neighboring cities to entirely new states, because of my job. In that time, I've picked up some tips that might help you.

1. As soon as you know you're going to move, before you even start planning, start gathering up packing materials. Check with your local stores, and even friends and family, to see if they have any boxes you can spare.

2. Call the Chamber of Commerce in your new city, and ask them for advice on setting up local utilities and for any tips they might have.

3. Check ahead of time with companies in the area, including cable, telephone, water, electric, etc. The worst thing in the world is to move into a new place, and discover you don't have electric yet.

4. If you are planning on hiring a company to pack and/or move your possessions, get several estimates and check for reviews of the company. A friend picked the company with the lowest bid, only to have them arrive a week late with her stuff.

5. Take the things you use most often, and pack them separate from everything else, and label the boxes. It will make things a lot easier if you don't have to search through dozens of boxes to find your computer cord.

6. Label every box, and if possible, put an inventory list on top. That way when you get to your new place, you know what boxes need to be unpacked first, and what can wait.

Good luck!

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Eblin.
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