Even if you've hired movers who are courteous, efficient, and ethical, they still have one potential pitfall: They're human. And that means you may wind up with a lost or damaged item. So what should you do if a box of belongings arrives in pieces -- or just fails to materialize?

• Reread the Bill of Lading. It contains the terms of your agreement -- including information on the type of liability you and your mover agreed upon.
• Check every item on your inventory sheet -- don't sign anything until you've checked each box. Make a note of the damages.
• File a claim within nine months of the move. The sooner you file, the stronger your case will be.

Now that you've successfully cruised through moving day, you can start turning your new digs into a home sweet home

• Unpack one room at a time. The kitchen is a good place to start -- it's the hub of most homes, and besides, too much takeout can be hard on the wallet
• Establish a sactuary within your home. Choose one room to decorate immediately, and fill it with your favorite items. You can retreat to this room when you need a break the rest of your work-in-progress.
• Add quick, inexpensive decorative touches to the whole house in the first few weeks -- you can remove them as you implement home improvement plan.

Once your house is in order, take some time to explore your new community. Start with the nuts and bolts:

• Find the nearest post office, bank, grocery store, police department, fire department, and hospital.
• Update your driver's license and car registration with the DMV; if you're not a fan of standing in line, log on to your state's DMV website.
• Register to vote in your new district, and find out where the nearest polling location is.
• Call your town's sanitation department and see if curbside pickup is offered for trash and recycling.
• Get acquainted with the rules and regulations of your apartment complex or homeowners' association.
• Send e-mails or moving announcements to your friends and family with your new address and phone number.

Friends can help you feel at home -- but first you need to find them. Here's how to meet a few good candidates for your social circle:

• If you belong to a church, club, or professional organization, find a local chapter.
• Join a recreational sports team.
• Check the local paper for community events or festivals.
• Go online and search for people with similar interests.