Your move isn't complete once your movers unload all of your possessions. The real work - unpacking and settling in - is about to begin. There are certain necessities that can help you enjoy your first few days and it's important that you can quickly find them, so the items should all be in one box.

Martha Stewart refers to this as the "first-night box." Here is a list of essentials that you should consider packing into one convenient box so they're readily available in your new home.

Tools
You don't need every piece of equipment, but having basic tools handy can help you avoid some major stress while settling in. Put a hammer, drill, screwdriver and wrench into your first-night box. You may have to assemble furniture like your bed frame and it's important that you're able to find the right tools without rifling through all of your possessions.

Food supplies
Keep snacks handy to avoid small hunger pangs while unpacking. Only bring non-perishable food, to avoid spoiling. Additionally, you should have plates, cups and water in your first-night box. You may not have time to cook a full meal while settling in, but you can use basic table settings and order out from a local restaurant.

Linens
Eventually, you'll have to call it a night and go to sleep. Pack your sheets and pillowcases so you can make your bed and get a good night's rest. You'll also likely work up a sweat while unpacking and want to shower before hitting the hay. Keep a few towels handy so that everyone can bathe.

Spare clothes
It may be a day or two before you can unpack all of your clothes. Include several different outfits into your first-night box so you don't have to recycle some garments. Additionally, if you're moving with your kids, you should have a few spare sets of clothing in case they have any accidents or track dirt in from outside.

Toys
As noted above, relocating with children presents a unique set of challenges. Entertainment can be a particularly difficult hurdle to clear. Make sure you can quickly find some of your children's favorite toys so they can play without demanding your attention. You can also encourage your kids to go outside and play with the neighbors to make new friends.

Toiletries
Proper hygiene is essential even while you're moving. Toothbrushes, soap, toilet paper and deodorant should all be in your first-night box.

States may have special requirements for moving pets

If you are moving across the country or overseas and are wary about how the transition will affect your pets, you are not alone. Moving can be a stressful experience - even more so for animals. They are used to roaming around their natural habitat, a place they've become accustomed to. In order to make the transition easier for every member of the family, there are a few things to keep in mind when transporting your pets.

There are different laws regarding pet transportation from state to state as well as overseas. Before you plan your move, make sure you are well informed on the regulations you must follow when transporting your pet to your new home. In some states, you have to harness your pets for the duration of travel, while others are a bit more lenient.

Another thing to keep in mind is that professional moving services do not transport pets, so you have to plan accordingly and find appropriate accommodations. Not to mention, your beloved dog or cat will feel more comfortable traveling with you.

If you're looking to make your move easier, consider consulting a moving and storage company such as Mooney's Moving & Storage an interstate agent for Stevens Worldwide VanLines. The moving company refers its clients to professional pet movers who can assist with the logistics and transportation of animals across any distance.

Tips for packing basement belongings

Items stored in your basement could be used occasionally to brighten up your residence. For example, holiday decorations could provide your house with colorful lights that make your residence stand out at specific times, but these belongings spend the majority of the year in your house's basement. 

However, you're moving, and it's necessary to bring belongings stored in your basement to your new address. Check out the following tips to successfully transport possessions stored in your basement between destinations. 

1. Use extra precaution
A safe approach benefits people who are preparing to move items from their basements. 

Examine the items in each box and ensure that these belongings are crucial to keep at your new residence. You should dispose of possessions that have fallen apart or are beyond repair before moving day. Additionally, all belongings should be stored in strong, sturdy moving boxes that are properly labeled.

2. Start early
Moving all of your possessions can be time-consuming, but you can get a head start by taking stock of the possessions stored in your basement early in the relocation process. 

Packing supplies are essential for moving day, so purchase moving boxes, tape and other items in advance. You also can spend time cleaning up the basement as you collect your belongings, as this could help you save time later. 

Support from the professional relocation movers at Mooney's Moving & Storage agent for Stevens Worldwide Van Lines provides significant benefits during your move. These relocation experts specialize in local & long distance moving and are ready to help you transport all of your possessions from one destination to another. 

3. Evaluate your new residence
Just because you're moving items out of your basement does not guarantee that these possessions can be stored in the same area of your new home. 

Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your new residence's basement before moving day to fully understand how much space is available. An extensive review ensures that you can effectively keep the items you once stored in the basement in the same area at your new address. 

Unfortunately, some items could be difficult to move from your property's basement, but solutions are available. In some cases, you could take the possessions apart and put them back together after moving day. You also can sell specific belongings before your move through online resources, yard sales and other venues.

Take advantage of the available opportunities before your move to clear out your basement. When you're done, you can enjoy a successful relocation that enables you to take plenty of your possessions to your new residence. 

Should I move to my vacation destination?

For some homeowners, short vacations aren't enough and they decide that moving out of state to live in their favorite relaxing spots is the best solution. Living in a tourist area isn't the same as visiting it for short amount of time.

As with any city, there are advantages and disadvantages to living in an area that's primarily known for housing vacationers. Read on for a look at some of the benefits and downsides you should keep in mind before hiring a household moving company to transport your belongings to a tourist town.

Pro: Entertainment

No vacation is complete without going on a few adventures. Moving to your favorite spot means you'll be close to your favorite attractions. For instance, you'll no longer have to drive for hours to go hiking or swimming. You can enjoy your hobbies year-round rather than relegating them to a few days.

Con: Seasonal trends

MSN Real Estate recently pointed out that living near popular tourist destinations is usually a boon for small businesses. The news source also writes that some enterprising residents rent rooms to travelers. While it can be exciting to see so many new people, eventually their welcomes can become overstayed.

During popular vacation months, you can likely expect long lines in your favorite establishments and massive traffic delays. The flip side is that your neighborhood will turn into a ghost town once the tourists go home, which can be very dull.

Pro: Booming economy

American Financial Resources writes that tourist destinations often have some of the best local economies. While the hospitality industry does particularly well in these areas, small businesses and other sectors also see increases in patronage once vacationers come to town.

The primary advantage of regular economic upswings is that it's very easy to find work - especially seasonal positions. Moving to a tourist hot spot may be the best solution if you've been considering a career switch or have struggled to find employment in your current location.

Con: Too much of a good thing

Sometimes the best part of vacations is that they provide a change of scenery. It's a break from the normal routine. A tourist attraction you love for two weeks every summer can quickly become old hat when you live near it 365 days per year.

Once you decide where to move, contact Mooney's Moving & Storage agent for Stevens Worldwide Van Lines. Long distance moving can be difficult and relocation movers from Stevens can ensure that all your belongings are safely packed and shipped to your new abode.

Make a moving day calendar

The weeks leading up to moving day can be busy, especially if you're completing an out-of-state move. Thankfully, developing a calendar helps you track daily tasks and effectively manage your time before moving day. 

Check out the tips below to make a reliable moving day calendar. 

1. Consider short- and long-term goals
Moving begins the moment you acquire your new residence. The ultimate goal is to safely move all of your belongings between locations, but achieving this aspiration is rarely simple. 

Take a step-by-step approach to moving day. Rome was not built in a day, and a successful relocation includes many issues that need to be resolved in advance. 

In your calendar, incorporate daily goals that will help you get ready for the big day. Outlining everything that needs to be completed before your move and incorporating a few items into your daily calendar is crucial for a successful relocation. 

2. Stay the course
Unexpected challenges can arise at any time during the moving process, but you can prepare for potential difficulties. 

Maintain flexibility with your daily calendar, and if a problem requires immediate attention, devote extra time to this issue. Ignoring the complication could only cause it to worsen, and if you overcome this problem instantly, you can move onto other tasks. 

Stay focused on your goals to enjoy a successful moving day. The calendar could change at times, but you can dedicate the necessary attention and resources to issues to ensure you're ready for your relocation. 

3. Get expert support 
Inexperienced movers could struggle from the get-go, as these people could encounter a wide variety of challenges and only a short amount of time to prepare. 

Thankfully, expert assistance is available from the talented moving professionals at Mooney's Moving & Storage. These relocation specialists provide additional guidance and have earned their reputations as first-rate out of state movers by delivering consistent support for local and long distance trips. 

Hiring relocation movers gives you access to a vast array of resources before your move. The skilled moving professionals at Stevens understand that no two moves are exactly the same and will ensure that you are fully satisfied with the support you receive throughout the relocation process. Within a short period of time, the relocation movers at Mooney's Moving & Storage agent for Stevens Worldwide Van Lines will get you ready for the big day and help you enjoy a worry-free move. 

Tips for finding and staying in temporary housing

During most corporate relocations, employees have to live in temporary housing after moving out of state. Companies hire state to state movers to help their workers relocate according to the corporate schedule, so many permanent residences are not available on the arrival date. Displaced staff members have many options when it comes to finding temporary housing. Additionally, employees should be prepared for slight lifestyle changes while they wait for their future homes.

The following tips can help you live comfortably in a temporary residence.

Research your options

According to Moving.com, there are three options for displaced employees - hotels, extended-stay hotels and rental properties. The first choice is the most common because workers can easily find rooms at a chain for a reasonable rate. Additionally, many workers don't have to wait longer than a few days for their houses, and standard hotels provide the best accommodations.

Extended-stay hotels combine the conveniences of inns and permanent housing. The news source writes that this lodging option allows renters to stay in a comfortable environment that resembles a regular house without paying for utilities. Workers can stay as long as they want. Meanwhile, rental properties like apartments require leases and displaced workers have to pay for basic services.

Moving.com leaves out a possible alternative to those three choices - staying with loved ones. If you have friends or family members in a new area, ask them if you can stay for a few days before your permanent residence becomes available.

Pack light

Regardless of which housing option you choose, you won't be staying there for long. In most cases, there is a brief overlap between homeowners leaving and you moving in, so the wait will likely only last a few days. You do not need all of your belongings during this period. Leave most of your possessions with your household moving company. Most services offer short- and long-term storage so you do not have to worry about your personal items while living in temporary housing.

Only pack the essentials when you're staying in a rental property. At most, you should have two bags full of clothes and other necessities like phone charges. Sort through all of your belongings and decide what is most important. Pick the items that you use every day and keep them with you at all times. The rest of your belongings can be given to corporate relocation companies for storage.

Why people move

The decision to move is not one that people take lightly. The process usually takes months before someone finally hires a household moving company, pulls up their stakes and heads to a new location. In 2012, the percentage of Americans who decided to move increased from a record low in 2011. The United States Census Bureau reports that 12 percent of the population relocated last year, up from 11.6 percent.

Finances are always part of the decision, but money matters are rarely the primary motivation to move. Important aspects of everyday life like proximity to family, employment opportunities and other considerations play more significant parts in most relocation plans.

Moving on up

The most common motivation for moving is a better house. The National Association of Realtors recently reported on a survey from the Census Bureau that shows that 15 percent of all movers want to improve their living conditions.

The news source speculates that economic recovery has a significant impact on how Americans move. Since the recession ended, people have found stable financial footing and can afford to make changes to their lifestyles. Some homeowners had to delay their relocation plans during the tougher years and can now afford to buy new houses.

Family

According to the survey, family was the second most popular reason to move. Over time, families start to spread around the country. In some cases, it becomes important for members to come together and eliminate the distance that separates them. In most cases, far-flung relatives choose to relocate to where most of their family lives.

Alternatively, the popularity of multi-generational homes has begun to grow lately. Families have been saving money by keeping three or four generations under the same roof. The frugal strategy forges bonds and helps keep families close together.

Employment opportunities

The job market has steadily improved alongside the economy, but some areas have added more positions than others. Moving out of state to find work is a popular strategy for many job seekers, especially recent college graduates. It is easy for young workers to relocate for employment because they do not have many ties to their current homes.

If you're moving into a better house to be near family or find work, call Mooney’s Moving & Storage. Experienced state to state movers ensure that the transition runs smoothly whether you're moving to a neighboring town or across the