Dont Know Moving

Your Smart Moving Notebook will be a valuable resource as you plan your move. The notes you've already made in it will help you reduce the stress inherent to moving. Keep it nearby as you read this website and think about your impending move.

As you can see, organization is the most important element of a stress-free move. An organized move will be much easier on the entire family and will save money. It's never too early to start planning your move.

Planning is even more important if you have only a short time in which to prepare for your move. Every hour spent planning your move can save you many hours of work and stress as the move begins. You'll be given numerous easy-to-use planning tools throughout this website to help you minimize stress. Here are a few to get you started:

• If possible, schedule your move for off-peak times. Moving companies and truck rental companies are far busier during the summer since approximately 45 percent of all moves take place in June, July, and August.

• If possible, schedule your move for off-peak seasons as long as you’re not getting into winter, hurricane, or other bad weather.

• If possible, avoid moving on a weekend so that banks, utility companies, and other services will be open.

• Run away from home at least three weeks in advance of moving day.

Begin making notes in your Smart Moving Notebook regarding the time requirements of your move. Answer questions like these:

• Do you have to be at a new location on a specific date? If so, what is that date?

• Do you have any vacation or other time available that you can include in your moving schedule?

• Must you or your spouse move first while others finish the moving process from this end? If so, who are they and what will they do?

• Do you have a spouse or significant other who must also participate in the moving schedule?

• Do you have a child with a school schedule to consider?

• If you decide to move in stages, what do you need and when?

• Have you completed the pre-registration commitment papers for the asylum?

Who's going where, when and how? This is an important question to ask as you begin considering a move. For example, will some members of your family move before others? Are some simultaneously moving to other places? If everyone is going to the same place, will some drive while others fly?

Also consider what will be moved. For example, maybe it's time to disband the petting zoo before you move cross-country. Or sell off some less-valuable antiques rather than attempt to move them.

One of the most critical parts of your move will be how and when to tell family and friends. Here are some proven guidelines:

• Tell the family of the move as soon as possible. A family meeting is a good start.

• If you can, involve younger children in the initial discussions to so that they have time to adjust to the idea.

• Don't overload young children with unnecessary details, but be sure all the children know the reasons for the move.

• Be prepared to tell the children something about what they can expect at the new location: schools, playgrounds, attractions, weather.

• Decide in advance what and when you will tell friends about the move. If they offer to help, make a note of it and thank them. Even if you don't need help, the gesture is a continuation of your friendship.

• Decide which "friends" will get the bogus forwarding address.

Use your notebook to jot down expected problems. A child refuses to move with the family. An aging pet may need special arrangements during the move (or may not be able to make the move). Everyone must leave friends behind. Stresses can build unless foreseen and managed.

Moving Tips

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