Since their rise on the planet earth, humans have been a species ‘on the move’ in moving. Shifting places is our history and, more than anything else, our life in today’s urban settings is almost inconceivable without changing residences and/or locations many times through our life. Moving has long become our need and to assist with it, we can now hire the services of moving companies.

Alternatively known as removalist or van line, a moving company offers its services to help people shift places, within the country and/or in foreign travel. Making use of their special moving vans and containers, these companies promise movers ease in shifting from one place to another without worrying about the safe relocation of their possessions. Of course, people looking to change places need to take care of some important points regarding the process of moving. If you are thinking of shifting places, here are our 10 Moving Commandments to guide you through your transit.

1. Insure Your Possessions: Most important in moving your possessions, especially the more valuable ones, is getting them insured. Insurance may or may not be offered, or offered selectively for different objects, by moving companies. Check with the company for insurance coverage before hiring its services.

2. Arrange for Cleaning: Unless you are absolutely sure (and fond) of your cleaning skills, get professional help for cleaning your new destination. Check with moving companies to see if they do it and ask about the charges, if applicable separately from the moving process. Also, clean all the household items well to make sure they remain sellable, in case you choose to sell some of them over.

3. Consult a Moving Specialist: If you don’t have the time, energy, or will to supervise the moving process, seek the services of a professional moving specialist to do it in your stead. Even if you are moving on your own, consulting a moving specialist will get you some very helpful guidelines.    

4. Hire a Moving Company: Gather information about the services of a reputed moving firm in your area. Carefully judge them for affordability and the range of services. Before deciding on a company to hire, tell them the details of your moving needs. Remember to get all quotations – pricings and service details etc– in written.

5. Notify Your Contacts: Inform all your contacts, including the home-delivery services, of your new address. Register with the new authorities if you are settling in a different jurisdiction. 

 
6. Arrange for Storage: Many people need to use storage facilities in the process of moving items. Except some possessions – plants, eatables, pets, and dangerous/toxic chemicals – storage companies accommodate almost anything and deliver it to your new place. Keeping a complete list of all the items given for storage is important.

7. Seek Childcare and Temporary Stay: You need someone to take care of the children and/or pets on the moving day(s). Look for help in family/ friends. Also, if the moving process is going to take longer than a day, you may need to arrange for temporary accommodation. For this purpose, it is better to check in a hotel so as to avoid the need to get social with the people around you.

8. Move Gracefully: The moving day is usually a tiring one, so take good rest before setting out. Upon reaching the new place, check the facilities and their functionality. Remember to change all the locks and take meter readings. Try to stay calm and cheerful since fatigue and travel is likely to throw you out of sorts.

9. Gauge the Security: Visit the local police station and get information on criminal activity in the area, especially in your immediate neighborhood. Ask for their advice on essential security measures and improvements in the area.

10. Improve the New Place: Now you can enjoy your new place. But who knows if you might need to sell it before long. To make sure you get more than, at least as much as, the money you spent on the place, try to improve its condition for maximum possible profit in future.