At denvermovers.net, we’ve coordinated countless Denver relocations, and that has allowed us to identify the most common rookie mistakes. In order to help your move be a success, we’ve compiled the most important tips here.

• Preparation is the key. Begin preparation at least 30 days in advance, but if you have the luxury of more time, use it. In addition, hire your moving and packing companies as early as possible. They are great assets, so use them.
• Check with an accountant at the start of the preparation process. Depending on your situation, relocation can be a great tax write-off. If so, you’ll have to know what paperwork, such as receipts, to collect as the move unfolds.
• Do not gamble on moving and packing companies because the risk is significant. Use a service such as the one here at denvermovers.net or do your homework. Interview and research these companies before choosing one.
• Prior to signing on the dotted line, carefully read the fine print. Don’t be shy about admitting a lack of understanding. These contracts can be complex and use foreign language. Take them to an expert, if need be.
• If you opt to handle the move yourself rather than use a moving company, plan your route carefully. Visit the Colorado tourism website or contact the CDOT. Know what roads are off-limits to moving trucks and similar details.
• While driving, it is important to take extended breaks. Simply stopping to eat isn’t good enough. Use rest areas to stretch and walk around. The toll of a long trip can be harsh, and something as simple as fresh air can do wonders.
• However you move, have a mover’s kit. This kit should include emergency money, ample change for tolls, a cell phone, a spare fully charged cell phone battery and a cooler filled with enough water and snacks to last a week.
• You’ll also need a survival kit, which should contain a first-aid kit, aspirin, pain relievers, medications and prescriptions for family and pets. Overfill prescriptions prior to leaving to give yourself a grace period upon arrival.
• Familiarize with your new home before you arrive. Newcomer’s guides are available through the Denver Chamber of Commerce, and major newspapers, such as the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News, will mail you a free copy.
• Change of address does not end with the post office. Contact relatives, friends, insurance agents, credit card companies, social security and any mail order accounts, and give your new address to closed accounts just in case.
• Set your discontinuation dates with utilities and other service well in advance even if you have to guess, although always guesstimate long. If details change, simply call them back. Don’t expect to remember it all at crunch time.
• Set aside a special box for essentials. These essentials are items that won’t fit into either of your kits. Pack this onto the moving truck last. It’ll be the first box off the truck, and in case of emergency, you’ll have easy access to it.
• You should not load cartons yourself, if you’ve hired pros. However, you should be on hand at all times to answer their questions, provide any assistance they may require and double-check cartons as they become accessible.
• If using professionals, as they’re loading the truck, don’t be shy about directing them. They are the experts, but they don’t have the knowledge of your possessions and destination that you do. Do not, however, get in their way.
• The inventory is the most important step while the movers are packing. Have an inventory ready to go when they arrive, and then account for everything as they load it. This is the only way to assure that you don’t lose anything.
• Once you have loaded everything onto the truck, perform a walk-through of the house before closing the truck. The supervisor should do this with you, and at this point, you should both have signed off on everything.
• As you unload, one family member should handle inventory. Check those form boxes as the cartons come off the truck. Deal with damaged and missing boxes immediately. You can save cartons with many items for later on.
• As you unload, have the movers take the boxes directly to their rooms according to the labels on the boxes. Make sure, however, that they maintain a clear path from all entryways into all rooms and areas we’re they’ve unloaded.