Are you moving "long distance"? Well, you just might be and not know it. For example, if you live in Harrisburg, PA and are looking for Harrisburg movers to move you to another county, MelissaData.com considers that a "long distance" move. In fact, more than 17 million people a year move outside their county, MelissaData.com reports (while most people, more than 23 million) move within the county they now call home.

Regardless of where you'll be moving, below are some tips to help make your move, whether you use a Harrisburg moving company or not, as safe as possible.

First of all, make sure the any moving company you hire is reputable. Be sure to check references and ask for proof of their insurance. Check the company's rating with the Better Business Bureau. You might also check with your local American Automobile Association (AAA) for names of good Harrisburg movers.

Make the necessary changes to your utilities billing address. Many utility companies allow you to do this online. You should give the company your move in move out dates at least two weeks before your move.

You also should notify your bank and credit card companies. You certainly don't want credit card information coming to your old address so that the new tenants can read it. Financial institutions often need at least two weeks to change information, so the sooner you notify them, the better.

If you're unsure what utilities are available in your new town, check with your realtor. If you're moving to a rental, your Harrisburg moving company will be able to tell you which utilities service the Harrisburg area.

In that vein, be sure to notify the United States Postal Service about your address change. You also can do this online. You want to try to make sure your mail stops going to your old address the day you move (or certainly the day before any new tenants/homeowners move in).

If you're the new homeowner, change your new home's locks as soon as the previous owners move out.

Once you're in your new home, replace the batteries on your home or apartment's smoke detectors and fire alarms. After all, you don't know when -- or even if -- the previous tenants changed them regularly.

Finally, get to your know your neighbors. This not only will help make your life in your new home safer (you'll learn more about who lives in the area, their habits and quirks), you'll also start making new friends, and having friends over to watch the big game or for game night is really what helps make a new house into home.