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Make A Smooth Move 

An article of six ways to make your move easier appeared in the Lansing State Journal with these helpful tips.  

1)  If you plan a do-it-yourself move, start early by  collecting sturdy boxes of different sizes, use magic markers, heavy duty tape, newspapers and twine. You may need to rent a moving truck 6 to8 weeks in advance.

2)  Write the contents and room for each box packed so you can organize quickly as the items are unpacked.  You can mark the boxes as fragile, open first or load last so you can find what you need when you are unpacking.    

3)  If you have a moving company, you need to research companies and costs at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance also. Ask them to survey the items you are moving and then ask questions about the packing process and actual cost at that time.

4)  Fill out a change of address card with your local post office, don't forget to change your address with your magazine subscriptions.  Most monthly bills have a place for change of address on them.  

5)  At least one month before the move, go through closets and storage to choose the items you will not be moving and eliminate them with a garage sale or local charity.

6)  Research gas, electric, cable and telephone service providers at the new home an arrange for new utilities to be connected the day of possession.  Don't forget that many areas have both a phone service provider and a long distance provider.  Remember to have a final reading on gas and/or electric and cancel telephone, cable or other service at your existing home.