Even the simple thought of moving can be overwhelming for some. But with some careful planning, there are some things you can do ahead of time to prepare for the big move.

1. Determine your budget. Moving can be as expensive or inexpensive as you allow. Do you have enough time to pack and move all of your belongings, or is it worth the money to bring in a mover? During the moving process, will you need to stay in a hotel until your new house is ready? Consider all of your options then determine a set amount. Be sure to leave a little wiggle room just in case any unforeseen circumstances arise.
2. Arm yourself with the right supplies. Boxes, packing tape, scissors, newspaper and markers are standard protocol when it comes to packing up your life. Boxes come in every size imaginable and can usually be bought from a mover a discount price with the use of their services. When putting the boxes together, chances are you will need way more tape than you think so buy plenty. Newspaper is great for wrapping anything fragile or breakable. If you are worried about getting newsprint on your favorite dishes, visit your local paper, and they will gladly sell you a roll of unprinted paper. Use markers to specifically label the contents of each box, and if you are super organized, color code according to which room each box will go in at the final destination.
3. Leave some things behind. As you pack, ask yourself, “Do I really want/need/love this?” If not, trash the item or donate it. Many charities have drop spots for you to deposit your things, and some will even come to you. Getting rid of what you don’t want or need before the move will save a great amount of time and money in the end.
4. Contact the utility company. Don’t leave yourself packing in the dark on the last day in your old house. And the same goes for the first day in your place. Look at the calendar as you schedule shut-off/turn-on dates with the utility company, and don’t forget to do the same for you gas and water service too.
5. Don’t forget to change your address. This one is pretty self explanatory, but still, it probably won’t be the first thing on your mind. A good rule of thumb is to notify the post office of your address change a week to two weeks before the move. This will give ample time for your mail to be forwarded to the new address, and you can make sure you get all of the stragglers before you leave the old house. Also, the post office can hold your mail if you are not yet ready to have it sent to the new address.

For other helpful moving tips check out our moving checklist.

The issue of global warming isn’t just the concern of random environmentalists, Greenpeace, and Hollywood. Industries of all types are taking active steps towards more responsible environmental stewardship. The American Moving and Storage Association, and its members, such as A Better Tripp, have begun making positive actions such as seeking tax credit for EPA-compliant engines and promoting smart idling practices. The trucking industry is just one of the industries that stand to make a difference in our global distress. But we at A Better Tripp understand that even our small business can make a big impact on our community and our environment.

In conjunction with its members (ABT among them) the AMSA has sought tax credits for EPA-compliant engines and promotes smart idling practice to reduce pollution output. A Better Tripp wholly agrees with these measures, as well as the actions undertaken by the American Trucking Associations, Inc, which has created a task force to examine ways to reduce the trucking industry’s environmental footprint. The Task Force has made several recommendations, including:

• The establishment of a 65 mph national speed limit;
• The foundation of federally-supported efforts to reduce the necessity of idling twofold: though improvements to highway infrastructure and through incentives for technological advancements in truck design;
• The encouragement to take part in the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transport Partnership Program, the goal of which is to increase fuel efficiency in the trucking industry;
• The increase in size and weight limitations, to reduce carbon output and increase fuel efficiency.

As a member of the AMSA, ABT is proud to take part in the adoption of the EPA’s engine standards. The entire trucking industry has made vast steps in reducing their emissions of NOx and particular matter. However, the emission of CO2 is still a concern across the board. Legislators continue to look into the issue, and we will remain abreast of all developments.

Though the cost of operating our business may increase with the implementation of new environmental standards, particularly the reduction of CO2 emissions, we believe the benefit far outweighs any price. A Better Tripp wants to live up to its name not just for its customers but for the environment as well. As a moving company that relies on its top-of-the-line fleet, in addition to our supreme staff, to bring out customers best quality service, we vow to continue to monitor the positive steps being made to reduce our emissions and protect the one home we will never move from - Planet Earth.