| Finally, the negotiations are over, your old house is sold, | | | | when they're packing your groceries at the check-out |
| the papers have all been signed for the new home, | | | | aisle, you're probably not the gifted packer in the family. |
| now you can relax. Well, that is, after you finish | | | | And while I cannot describe here how to be a Zen |
| MOVING! Moving, or relocating (moving to a different | | | | packer, I can share a few tips that will help immensely : |
| city) is said to be one of the most stressful of all | | | | -Your friends may have offered (or may have been |
| human activities. Despite all our modern technology - | | | | recruited) to help you move. DO NOT ask them to |
| even in the computer age - it still comes down to | | | | help you pack - this is not part of the deal. |
| packing tape, rented trucks, and the hunt for boxes. | | | | -Start about 2 weeks before moving day, and tackle |
| And when you combine the stress of moving with | | | | one room at a time, starting with the least used rooms. |
| new jobs, new colleagues, added responsibility at work, | | | | -Pack a Travel Bag (things you will need immediately |
| and kids starting new schools and making new friends, | | | | before, during and after Moving - toothpaste/toiletries, |
| well it's no wonder people find it stressful. But moving | | | | spare clothes, toys/books for kids) |
| does not have to be stressful. Look at it this way: you | | | | -Pack heavy things in small boxes, light things in big |
| and your family are moving to a beautiful new home, in | | | | boxes. Always pack heavy items on the bottom. |
| a new city, with new friends to meet and new places | | | | -Like objects go together (books with books, CDs with |
| to discover. With a few simple tricks, you can | | | | CDs) - Wrap plates, cups, and breakables in |
| transform a stressful move into an exciting new | | | | newspaper (mark box FRAGILE) |
| chapter in your life. | | | | -FOOD - some food-stuffs can be packed (tin-cans, oil, |
| THE MONEY | | | | dried goods,etc) - as these things are usually packed |
| When estimating moving expenses most people allow | | | | last, they can be put in open boxes (no lid), this way |
| for immediate costs like rental vehicles, and gas, but | | | | they won't have other boxes stacked on them, and |
| forget to include other, particularly long-term expenses. | | | | they can easily be accessed. |
| Many people find they spend extra money during the | | | | -Refrigerator - Start using up (and not replacing) |
| first year of their move. People tend to eat out a bit | | | | refrigerated foods about 2 weeks before moving day. |
| more - especially in the first months - you'll be wanting | | | | If you are just moving across town, most things in the |
| new things for that new house, plus new accessories | | | | refrigerator can probably be taken with you (though |
| for kids attending new schools. Make sure you do a | | | | buckets of ice cream, gallons of milk, etc. can really |
| little research on the standard of living in your new city; | | | | make a mess if spilt). If you're moving across the |
| is it higher? if so, factor in fuel prices. If you're making | | | | country, you will have to consume it or discard it. |
| the move from South to North there are typically | | | | THE COUNTDOWN |
| higher electricity & heating bills to consider. Don't be | | | | MOVE - 30 DAYS : Gather boxes, reserve rental |
| alarmed if you find that you're moving to a more | | | | vehicle/arrange moving company, fill out Change of |
| expensive area, as there usually is a silver lining (higher | | | | Address documents at Post Office MOVE - 15 |
| heating bills usually mean lower air-conditioning bills). The | | | | DAYS: Recruit friends to help on Big Day, Begin |
| trick is to know these things ahead of time. | | | | Packing; Arrange utilities (phone, cable, electric, etc.) to |
| THE MOVE | | | | be terminated at old home and started at new home; |
| By now you have drawn up a moving budget, allowing | | | | Transfer/close bank accounts as necessary, print a |
| for your new (higher) salary, expenses the company is | | | | map of the route you'll be taking, with planned stops |
| covering, and all the immediate and long-term costs | | | | along the way. MOVE - 24 HOURS: Gather moving |
| discussed earlier.For those who have chosen the | | | | tools: good packing tape, box-cutter knife, markers for |
| 'Hands-off' Method (hired a moving company, packers, | | | | labeling boxes; fuel up the car (check oil, tire pressure); |
| and bought plane tickets for the family, you should still | | | | pick up rental vehicle; call & confirm with movers; |
| pack your priceless bone china family heir-looms | | | | gather tickets & credit cards if flying; make sure to |
| yourself (to anyone else they're just plates!), pack a | | | | have ready cash for moving day (unanticipated |
| Travel Bag (change of clothes, toiletries, first aid kit, | | | | expenses). |
| music, books, kids' books/toys ), and, sadly, deal with | | | | Many of these tips may sound simple, and that is the |
| the refrigerator (see below) . For those choosing the | | | | key - there is no magic or million dollar solution to a |
| 'Hands-on' Method, read on. | | | | stress-free move. Moving, or relocating should be a |
| PACKING | | | | positive and exciting experience, and if you take your |
| If you are the kind of person who stands in wonder | | | | time, and plan things properly, it will be. |