People only think about switching their utilities during a move?

People don’t need to be unhappy with their Phone, Internet and Cable Packages for long to Switch.

People are mostly concerned with price when they are looking for a new Phone, Internet and Cable Package?

People find price comparisons the most difficult part about switching their Phone, Internet or Cable Package.

A few days before your actual move, you’ll need to contact your current water source, electrical company, and natural gas provider to stop service. Of course, you’ll also want to contact your new utilities providers to make sure your new home is fully functional when you arrive.

Each provider will vary, but a good rule of thumb is to notify your existing utility companies of your move 3-4 weeks in advance. You may need to call back closer to the cancellation date, but it wouldn’t hurt to make a call as soon as you know you’re moving. Make sure you inquire about reclaiming any deposits you may have been required to make when service was initially established.

There’s also the matter of connecting those essential home services at your new home. Again, it’s a good idea to set up an installation or service start date as soon as possible. An empty house is one thing. An empty house without lights, hot water, and television is something all together different.

To find which companies provide natural gas or electricity to your new home, simply enter your new address in the “Savings Widget”  above. It’s also a good time to look into connecting a phone, TV and Internet bundle through your local cable provider or telephone company.

Moving day can be stressful. However, with a little planning you can make moving a lot easier on yourself and everyone involved. You may not be the planning type, but you certainly don’t want to procrastinate when it comes to moving. When the day comes, even if you hire movers, you can still plan on a long day of strategizing and directing. To be clear, moving is tiring even if you don’t lift a thing. That’s why you should never wait until the last minute to pack. Having everything boxed up and ready to go makes the whole day faster and less stressful for everyone.

One of the time tested and mother approved packing methods has been the “Room by Room” approach. As the name implies, you pack up each room in turn. Starting with the least used room, which oddly enough is often the living room, begin sorting and packing. By starting with the least used room and working your way forward you’re less likely to find yourself rummaging through boxes looking for that item you actually still need in the days before your move.

It’s also a good idea to sort while you pack. If you spend a little extra time organizing as you pack, you’re unpacking will be that much easier in your new home. And don’t forget to wrap! Wrapping breakables in bubble wrap, newspaper, or even paper towels is much better than boxing them up on their own. Even the slim padding of a paper towel could be the difference between eating off paper or dishes the day you move.

Now, since you started packing early, you’ll have everything ready to go the day the movers show up to cart everything off. You’ll always have a few personal items and toiletries to pack up on moving day, but that’s nothing compared to packing entire rooms as the movers watch over your shoulder!

There are several essential tools in the mover’s arsenal. Boxes, bubble wrap, and tape are certainly necessities, but you also can’t forget to buy a couple of big black markers. The importance of boldly labeling all those brown boxes might be easy to overlook, but you’ll kick yourself later. Imagine trying to find something in a pile of boxes labeled with an all but invisible ballpoint pen!

Of course, your big black marker could be any color you like. It just has to be noticeable. The labels you write won’t help you if the ink isn’t clearly visible on the boxes. That means you should also label the boxes on the top as well as the sides for easy identification.

Moving is a hectic time filled with quick fixes and “get it done” answers. But a few well thought out ideas can help relieve a lot of the stress and confusion of your moving day. The big black marker could be the end of turning your boxes around and around looking for that all but hidden “Kitchen” tag.

Between the packing materials and the fuel usage, moving in an environmentally friendly way can be a challenge. With a little planning, however, there are ways to lesson the impact on the environment.

• Reduce the amount of packing materials and the total weight of your belongings by not moving unwanted items. Moving tips always suggest donating, selling or throwing away items before you move. This not only saves you time and expense, but it is also a significant way to reduce the environmental impact of your move.
• That being said, sort through your belongings early. This will allow you to estimate more accurately the number of boxes you will need. Don’t wait until you’re packing.
• Start saving bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, padded envelopes, newspaper and other packing materials to reuse as packing materials. Use towels, bedding and pillows to cushion breakable items.
• Call retail stores and ask if you can pick up boxes they would otherwise discard. Call first, both to avoid driving around looking for boxes and to ask if the lids are still attached. Retailers often cut the tops off boxes to expedite unpacking. Also, ask if they have packing material you can reuse. Companies that sell new boxes also realize the importance of reuse and many accept and redistribute used boxes for free.
• Look into renting plastic moving crates. Depending on where you live and how far you’re moving, that may be an option.
• Once you’ve unpacked, dispose of boxes responsibly. Post them online at Craig’s List or Freecycle for pick-up and reuse. Your moving company may pick them up for recycling as part of their service. Find a U-Haul location that accepts used boxes for re-use.
• Reduce your electricity usage going forward. Don’t pack your old light bulbs unless they are energy-efficient. If you haven’t done it already, now is the time to make the switch.
• Moving also means house cleaning. Use nontoxic, biodegradable cleaners.
• As furniture is being loaded and your doors are open, turn off your AC or heating unit to avoid wasting electricity and natural gas.
• As you notify companies of your new address, take the time to remove yourself from unwanted catalog mailing lists.
• When you’re transferring or setting up household services such as high-speed internet, cable TV or satellite TV, phone service, natural gas, electricity and waste, sign up for e-billing.
• Depending on where you live, there may be moving companies that use low-emission, fuel-efficient trucks powered by bio-diesel. Regardless, consider the size and type of truck or trailer necessary for your move and its fuel-efficiency.