Click the play button on the video window to the right to see the show segmentMoving season 2009 is now underway! Each year millions of Americans move, and half of all moves take place between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Even though the average American moves 12 times in his or her lifetime, it never gets easier.
So much is happening when you move, often it means saying goodbye to what's familiar and hello to the unknown. And, it often involves a change in jobs or schools, too.
Add to that the hassles of packing, unpacking managing all the logistics, the struggles of buying and selling a home - it's understandable that moving is ranked among one of life's most stressful events.
HGTV's Host of "
Designed to Sell," Clive Pearse has these practical tips to help you prepare for your big move.
Pearse says remember to practice what he calls The 3 E's
#1 Be Economical.
#2 Be Environmentally-responsible
#3 Be Efficient!
According to Pearse you can be economical, - just move less stuff. Think about ways that you can get rid of clutter and items you no longer need or want.
1. Sell your unwanted stuff online or at a yard sale - you can earn some cash, while saving money because you won't have to pay to move them. And of course you can always donate to charity.
2. Next, think free packing materials - why pay for them when there are items all around you that will do the job just fine - and are free.
3. Take all of those plastic grocery bags you've saved, bunch them up and they can make great filler when you're packing boxes.
4. Ask friends to save any packing materials from parcels they've received -- items such as bubble wrap and styrofoam peanuts.
5. Ask grocery stores, copy centers, or shops in your local mall, for free boxes.
These items are free AND environmentally-friendly, since they're being reused.
Finally, Pearse says be efficient. We're all very busy, and saving time is very important. Moving is a long, arduous process and once we've started; we want to get it over with quickly.
If you want to save on utilities and services to be connected and ready to use when you move in to your new home, Pearse offers his favorite tip.
Pearse says the best - and easiest -- ways to connect your TV, phone and internet is with one quick call or online visit.
He suggests you to visit
Cable Movers website or give them a call at 1-877-9TV-MOVE and you can transfer your services from your current cable company to the company at your new home. It doesn't matter if your move is across town, or across the country.
