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The big day is finally here -- now it's time to sit back, relax, and reap the rewards of all your meticulous planning.

Okay, just kidding. There's not a lot of room on the agenda for R&R today, but at least you can rest assured that you've done everything in your power to stave off potential moving-day nightmares. Now it's on to your next task: making the day go as smoothly as possible.

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If you've hired a moving company, you may be tempted to let them run the show. After all, they do this for a living. But if you supervise the process, you'll save yourself a lot of chaos in the long run. And whether you're working with pros or pals, provide snacks and water for everyone who's helping out. It'll keep their energy up, and it never hurts to inspire a little goodwill in the people who are hauling your stuff around.

In Transit

Before you leave your old house, give the movers your cell phone number in case either party gets delayed or lost. Try to arrive at your new home before the moving truck does; otherwise you may be billed for the thumb-twiddling period.

If you're driving a rental truck, take it slow -- the extra weight will make the truck harder to handle. Watch out for low clearances, especially if you make a pit stop at a drive-thru window. If you stop along the way, lock the cargo door.

Unloading

While your boxes are being unloaded, oversee the process and make sure they end up in the right rooms. (You did label them, right?) You don't want to be rummaging through the basement for your coffee pot tomorrow morning. In fact, try to banish as little to the basement as possible, because you'll be less likely to unpack the boxes you can't see. You might end up feeling like you're in a permanent state of transition; worst-case, you may not discover any damages until it's too late to file a claim.

Above all, don't overdo it. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, make moving your sole task for the day -- schedule cable installation, phone service, and internet hookup for after you've settled in. Stay hydrated, pack snacks, and take short breaks when you need them. Moving day might be hectic, but if you're prepared, you can help it go off without a hitch.

Go to "Moving Guide"