Nearly 35 million Americans got a move on by changing home addresses in 2017, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey data. No matter if a residential move is cross-country or down the block, people need to be prepared to leave their comfort zone, according to Scott Michael, president and CEO of American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA), based in Alexandria, Virginia. AMSA is an organization of 3,500 international members that include movers and the moving industry's equipment suppliers.

"It seems that Murphy's Law is always in effect when you move, no matter how much you plan," Michael says. "The moving process can become a lot less stressful and easier the more you can plan ahead."

While the end of the month and summer are the busiest time and season for moving, Michael says people can often save on professional movers' fees if they can be flexible.

"Scheduling a move during off-peak times with professional movers can take some of the stress out of changing residences, because people might not feel as rushed," he says. "And while people can certainly make a move locally by themselves, having professional movers to do the heavy lifting -- both literally and figuratively -- can help make for a seamless transition."

To ensure a smooth move, Michael says it's imperative to make sure any professional moving company is both licensed and insured and has a proven track record, with customer references.

"While local movers will often charge by the hour, certified interstate movers will charge by weight and mileage," he says. "Before hiring a company, get at least three estimates and keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. You get what you pay for, and you want to be dealing with a reputable company, since most of your earthly possessions will be boxed up in a truck they're driving."

Preparing for a move eight weeks out is ideal, Michael says. View a move as an opportunity to first clear away the clutter before having moving companies come to give bids on a residential relocation.

"You don't want to move things that you're never going to use in your new house," he says. "If possible, know the layout of the new home and begin to decide placement of household items you want to bring from your current residence."

After purging unwanted items, it's then time to pack as you proceed to your new home. If you're going to pack yourself, begin the process at least one month before the move and have on-hand the necessary supplies: boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap and permanent markers for labeling. If a professional mover is doing the packing, arrange for it to be done one or two days before loading begins.

"Know that professional movers aren't liable for breakage if you pack items yourself," Michael says. "An easy way to begin the packing process is to start with nonessential items, such as holiday decorations, unused toys and the linen closet."

Keep like items together, and pack books in smaller boxes so they are easier to lift. Mark the outside of every box with its contents and into which room the box needs to be placed inside the new home. If possible, have a blueprint of the new home and assign each room a number. Write the corresponding number of the room on the outside of each box, so movers know where a parcel should be deposited when unloading.

Indicate easily breakable contents by writing "FRAGILE" and "TOP LOAD" on the outside of the box, so movers know not to put a dish pack underneath a box of bowling balls. Place arrows indicating the top of boxes, writing "THIS SIDE UP" on parcels with contents you don't want upended.

Some of the most important moving parts of a move have nothing to do with loading the physical contents of a home. Three weeks before the move, arrange to have utilities (gas, electric, phone, cable and water) disconnected in your present home and connected at your new home.

If planning an interstate move, have your vehicle serviced, and ready the car registration and insurance records for transfer, notifying the State Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address. Transfer bank accounts and withdraw valuables from safe-deposit boxes.

"Make sure to go through the list of items that movers cannot pack and transport before moving day," Michael says. "At the top of that list are hazardous items that are considered explosive, flammable or corrosive."

Lock valuable documents or sentimental items in the trunk of your vehicle, so you are responsible for the safe transport of nonreplaceable items. Also, for long-distance moves, have at least two weeks' worth of medications packed, along with medical records.

Donate food to local pantries or shelters, since food items cannot be transported in long-distance moves, due to pests. Defrost and dry out the refrigerator, especially if it will be making the trip with you.

On moving day, make special accommodations for children and pets, especially since the activity could be perceived as confusing and upsetting. "While a move is disruptive, it's important to be on hand to answer questions and give directions to movers, staying until they're finished," Michael says. "Make sure the driver has directions to your new home, and notify the moving company how you can be reached during the move."

Before leaving, complete information on the bill of lading or document evidencing the receipt of goods for shipment, as issued by the mover. Carefully read the document before signing, making sure to keep a copy of it, along with the mover's inventory list, until your possessions are delivered and any claims over potential breakage are settled.

Above all, flexibility is the name of the game on moving day, Michael says. "The best piece of advice I can give those who are moving is to get a good night's sleep the night before," he says. "It will just help you handle an extremely stressful day better, and help you to have a well-rested outlook as you begin a new adventure."

On the Move

For moving tips and to find a list of qualified movers, click the "Consumers" category at Moving.org.

Universal design has universal appeal for homeowners of all ages. New construction residences that utilize universal design concepts allow people to age-in-place, says Steve Soriano, executive vice president of Robson Resort Communities, based in Sun Lakes, Arizona. Robson Resort Communities include seven retirement developments featuring approximately 40,000 homes located throughout Arizona and Texas.

"People are starting to think about where they want to live long-term before they retire," Soriano says. "The key is to consider finding the home you want to live in before issues like walking the stairs or needing assisted-living care take over."

In residences, universal design refers to a broad spectrum of modifications that can inherently make a space more livable and accessible for both aging and differently abled individuals. Universal design can be the embodiment of one-level living with wider doors, an entrance with no stairs, nonslip flooring and readily accessible switches and home controls.

Soriano says considering how one can grow older in a home with certain amenities is, hopefully, like purchasing an insurance policy that is never used. "A house with good design just works for its inhabitants, no matter if they are able-bodied or in a wheelchair," he says. "You hope that -- as you age -- you remain active, but in the event where one may need physical accommodations, having a home design that has planned for these possible eventualities can make all the difference."

As people age and move into the retirement phase of life, they may find themselves downsizing from a large family home and moving into a housing development, such as one built by Robson Resort Communities. These residential developments can feature a central clubhouse, swimming pools, golf course and social calendar programmed with activities, along with newly built homes inhabited by a community of like-minded active adults.

But if relocating to an all-inclusive retirement development isn't an option as you age, finding and/or renovating an existing home to accommodate one-level living can also be a figurative step in the right direction toward implementing universal design concepts.

Open Spaces

If homeowners are investing in smaller, ranch-style homes, they want to utilize every square-foot of space in it. Anecdotally called "smart-sized" homes, these residences have an open floor plan design that ideally does not have a hallway, which many architects consider a waste of livable square footage.

One-level living starts on the way to the front door, Soriano says. "It takes more space to grade a pathway to the front door that doesn't require a step up," he says. "The site needs to be prepared properly, so that the pathway gradually slopes away from the house and drains away from the foundation."

Passages with wide clearances are also essential around the kitchen island and bathroom vanity. "It's important to have a one-level kitchen island that has a maximum clearance on all sides," Soriano says. "In the master bathroom, we design a cut-out in the master bath vanity so it is wheelchair accessible."

Clean Design

Today's universal design principles have cleaned up their act when it comes to accessibility and safety around plumbed structures. Levered door and faucet handles are easier to open and close than traditional round knobs.

There's no mudslinging over locating a laundry/mudroom between the kitchen and garage in homes with universal design. People can deposit items in the mudroom before entering the house, and laundry doesn't require scaling stairs.

In the master bath, shower doors are built wider and grab bars can be cleverly disguised as towel bars, which make accommodations accessible without a sterile, institutional look. A low-threshold shower works for people of all ages, but one of its most important design components has nothing to do with water pressure, Soriano says.

"When we build a master bath, we always form a concrete shower seat, so people can sit down and safely shower with a telescoping fixture," he says. "We have found that a zero-threshold shower is problematic, but if folks have one, they need to be very careful that water doesn't leak onto the floor."

Ceramic or porcelain tile is the flooring of choice for master baths because of its durability, cleanability, water- and slip-resistance. While porcelain tile that looks like stone remains a popular choice, manufacturers have moved beyond standard square fare. Porcelain tiles now have a wood look with linear plank sizes and slip-resistant finishes, and can also be used for exterior applications. This gives homeowners the design freedom to create visual connectivity between the interior and exterior of the home.

Bringing the Outside Indoors

Creating an environment that encourages outdoor living is what many newly constructed homes strive to achieve, Soriano says. "Homes that have a kitchen which flows into a family or great room are an informal and fun way to entertain," he says. "With sliding doors from the great room to an outdoor patio, gatherings can just spill outside into the courtyard area."

An attached patio extends a house into the landscape and can be furnished like an outdoor room. Especially in warmer climates, having an outdoor "room" expands a home's livable space.

Declutter Before Downsizing

One of the tenets of universal design is to have a clear space to allow for greater accessibility and mobility. So before making a move from a family home to a smaller, one-level house, it's important to clear away the clutter.

"Getting rid of things you no longer need or giving items away to others who will treasure them is a great way to cut down on housekeeping, too," Soriano says. "With less stuff to maintain, you will have more time to pursue other things that interest you."

Universal Design Driven

For more information, contact Robson Resort Communities at Robson.com or 800-732-9949.

Especially during the holiday season, homeowners welcome guests, but want to protect their household from unwanted intruders.

Today's security systems are both high tech and high touch, with systems that can be integrated with a house's HVAC system and remotely accessed, says Dave Pedigo, vice president of emerging technologies with Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), based in Indianapolis. The nearly 30-year-old association has 3,700 worldwide members that deliver technology solutions -- including security systems -- into homes.

"When it comes to a house's security system, we are often talking about it in terms of a 'smart' home, or one in which the electronic systems -- such as heating, cooling, sound and security -- reliably connect to the Internet and can be controlled by a touchscreen or remotely by a mobile device," Pedigo says. "Some of the most effective security systems have cameras that are hidden in plain view."

When it comes to electronically securing a home, homeowners shouldn't be alarmed by all the component choices available. An electronic security system should be customized to your home, and can include sensors on doors and windows, alarms, cameras and fire and flood detection.

"The technology for security systems is becoming more reliable, such as a motion detector that isn't set off by a pet in the house," Pedigo says. "Also, security systems are quickly moving toward being voice controlled through the development of Amazon's Alexa, Google Home and Apple's HomePod."

Considering an electronic security system for your home shouldn't set off a panic button, but neither should it lull you into a false sense of safety. It's important to also invest in the physical security of a home, by reinforcing doors and windows and adding additional lights around a house.

Installing a residential security system is only as effective as law enforcement's response to a home's tripped alarm. Homeowners can choose to pay an additional monthly fee to have the system monitored by a third-party security company. An unmonitored security system relies on watchful neighbors or cameras that are accessed through mobile devices.

Pedigo says many new-construction homes are pre-wired for "smart" home applications, in which a house's systems are all interconnected. "If a fire is detected, the heating and cooling systems will shut down, so the chance of being affected by smoke inhalation is reduced," he says. "In the same way, if an alarm is tripped inside the home, the lights outside can flash off and on, so law enforcement can find a home with ease."

When it comes to securing a home, some homeowners think outside the box and buy a prepackaged electronic security system and install it themselves. Security components manufactured by companies such as Nest, Ring and Kuna have popular applications that record video of people approaching the front door.

Maxime Veron, director of product marketing at Nest Labs, based in Palo Alto, California, says their product is modular, so a homeowner can add different components and services based on specific security needs. "The Nest Secure alarm system and security cameras are simple to set up and help you keep an eye on your home, inside and out, from anywhere," Veron says. "We've made a security system that is easy to live with for everyone that needs it, but tough on the intruders."

Fewer wires may be needed as more electronic components become compatible with wireless equipment and controllers. But despite dreams to be wire-free, the power for wireless systems still has to be hardwired into a home. And a wireless way of life isn't without its drawbacks, Pedigo says.

"Hardwiring a home is still the most reliable and secure way to implement an electronic system," he says. "While technology is moving toward creating more wireless systems, you can experience interference or a disruption of service based on other wireless devices operating on the same frequency in your home or your neighborhood."

Pedigo says professional installers of wire-free security systems can create a wireless, secure network that has seamless coverage within a home. Professionals can then use a spectrum analyzer to set the proper channel for the wireless devices so there is no interruption of security services.

One of the most popular security devices is video that can be captured from a doorbell or light fixture outside a home or apartment. "Especially during this time of year, when packages can be left on the stoop, a homeowner can have documentation of people who come to the door," Pedigo says. "Security starts outside the home, so people inside can feel safe and comfortable."

Now, monitoring a home can be as easy as pulling up the security system app on a mobile device. And while having a security system doesn't prevent crime, it's meant to give a homeowner peace of mind, knowing the property is being monitored, Pedigo says.

"The goal is to install a security system that never sees an intruder," he says. "Also, one of the best additions to a security system is also a wireless, age-old one: having a dog."

Security Clearance

Consult a local Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association professional to install security and "smart home" technologies by visiting www.cedia.org and clicking on the "Find a CEDIA Professional" box.

Do-it-yourself modular home security devices can be purchased at Nest.com.