Every time we move house, we swear it will be for the last time but it never is. Whether you’re buying or renting, moving home is one of those itches we simply can’t scratch until we actually up sticks and move somewhere else. New Year is a busy time for movers in Naples, real estate agents advise it’s one of the busier times of year, whatever the financial climate.

I have always moved myself, until I got married that is. Then things got complicated, we bought more furniture, and cushions, and all of a sudden there was an awful lot to move. This time round we got movers in to do it for us. While it was an extra expense on top of the new house and all the other costs, it was the best money we spent. Being able to hand it all off to someone else to take care of while we concentrated on the details was the best feeling ever.

Preparing for the movers is an art form. While you might think to leave everything for them, doing much of it yourself will lower the cost, and make sure everything goes smoothly.

Label all the boxes clearly. Pick a spot on each box and put the label in the same place on every one. Number them sequentially so you know that each one has arrived, and none are missing. It also pays to label them fragile or this way up if there are breakable things inside.

Move your prized possessions yourself. The TV, a piece of art, PC, whatever. If you value it highly, move it yourself. Then you know it will get there in one piece and you won’t have to spend weeks trying to get compensation from the movers. Most movers aren’t animals, but they are more interested with getting the job done that being over-careful. Even well packed items can get damaged, and accidents can happen.

If you have the time, or the energy, pile your boxes up either in a central place, or easy to get to places. That way the movers can load much quicker. Make sure anything labeled fragile is separate from the other boxes, so they should be loaded last.

If you can, disassemble your own furniture the day before. That will save time and money. Your moving quote will be much lower if you do all the preparation yourself. While it might be more work for you, it means the move will be completed much quicker and you’ll have some money left over for some celebratory champagne.

Keep any animals out of the way. If you have a dog or cat running around, someone is going to get hurt, and nobody wants that. Have them stay with friends, family or in a kennel or cattery for the day. It lets you worry about the move instead of them. Alternatively, clear a room and shut them in with some food and water until everyone is out.

Moving is a stressful business, and we can definitely recommend getting movers in to do the donkey work for you. By being prepared to prepare everything it shouldn’t cost as much as you fear, and things are much more likely to go smoothly if you’re in control.

I recently dined at South Street City Oven & Grill, located in beautiful Naples, FL, not too far from the downtown historic district and just about five minutes away from the gorgeous beaches of the Gulf Coast.

As I walked through the front door, I was first taken by the sheer size of the bar. It's hard to determine if this is a bar or a restaurant, but as I soon found out, South Street is one of the few to manage the balance well. Aside from the great selection of high tables, low tables, and booths, “The Street” is also home to an enormous granite topped bar, boasting 50 seats to belly up to.

Being a bit of a loner, I decided to opt for the bar as a setting for the meal to come. As I sat down, I was immediately greeted and offered a beverage. At 5:30pm I was right in the peak of happy hour, having an assortment of beer, liquor and wine specials to choose from. I chose the Pomegranate martini from their “Classic Cocktail” menu, boasting about 20 top shelf mixed drinks, all priced at just $5 for happy hour.

Glancing through the menu, I found a few standard options for appetizers, as well as some new ones. I settled on the old standby of Calamari ($11.99), and a new favorite, the Bistro Chips ($8.99). The calamari was flawless. Fresh tasting, a wonderful light crispy batter, and a zesty marinara dipping sauce are delicious. The surprise lay in the secondary dipping choice, an alfredo sauce. Never had I tasted something so unexpected. While unconventional, the alfredo sauce brilliantly complemented the calamari.

As for the Bistro Chips, I am in awe. Home fried potato chips, crisped to perfection, topped with melted bleu cheese crumbles, a homemade bleu cheese aioli, and balsamic reduction. On paper, the most bizarre combination of flavors, on the palette, the most brilliant. The slight spice to the aioli beautifully complements the zing of the bleu cheese, while the sweet and tangy balsamic glaze pulls it all together. Finishing my cocktail, I moved on to a pint of beer to complement my upcoming dinner.

South Street I was told, is famous for its Philadelphia roots, so I knew I just had to try their cheese steak. On recommendation from my server, I ordered the cheese steak ($8.99)”wit wiz”. Chopped prime rib, nestled on an authentic hoagie bun, topped with sauteed onions and cheese wiz, a liquid cheese sauce. Heaven on earth. Simple and delicious, a home run for me. As I finished the last bits of beef and cheese, I didn't think I could eat another bite. Until I heard the word “Krimpet”. Tasty Kake, out of Philadelphia of course, is the home of the Butterscotch Krimpet. Golden yellow cake topped with a thick ribbon of butterscotch icing, who could resist? South Street orders the Krimpets in straight from Philly, only to douse them in a tempura batter, flash fry them, and tuck them into a pillow of vanilla bean ice cream. Follow that up with caramel and butterscotch toppings and you have a recipe for success. At $4.99, well worth the sticky fingers you'll surely endure.

Wrapping up my experience at South Street, I perused the familiar pop culture paintings that adorn the walls, such as Billy Idol, U2, X-ray Spex and the familiar Love Park icon from Philly. To my shock, the artwork I'm told is all courtesy of one of the staff members, a bartender and longtime friend of the owner. As I left The Street, I was intrigued not only by the menu, but every new surprise that lay ahead. With so much to explore, I knew it was only a matter of time before I returned for more.