No-Stress Moving: Make this traditionally hectic time easier on yourself and your family

Moving is a major undertaking for anyone, especially if children and pets are involved. With these tips from Ellie and RE/MAX, you'll see how a bit of preparation in four easy steps can help simplify your move and relieve some of the stress.

1. Getting Ready -

We suggest that you first attend to the details that most people leave until last when moving. Accomplishing the small tasks will help to emotionally prepare you for the planning and physical work ahead.

a. Once the moving date is set, begin by arranging to close bank and other local accounts and/or have them transferred to your new address. Notify any direct deposit or withdrawal sources of the change so you will not miss income or payment periods. By tending to your finances early in your move, your statements will be sent directly to your new home rather than going through the mail-forwarding process.

b. Visit schools and request that your children's records and transcripts are forwarded to new schools in time for their first day.

c. Call your doctor(s) and dentist(s) and ask for referral physicians in the area of your new home.

d. Send "Just Moved" notes to your friends and family members; be sure to note your actual moving date.

e. Gather important personal documents such as wills, stocks, bonds, birth certificates, etc, in one place, such as an unused suitcase or briefcase for personal transport by you.

f. Arrange for temporary accommodations if there will be a short waiting period between leaving your old home and moving into your new one.

g. Coordinate your moving date with your employer(s), if necessary.

h. And, finally, decide whether you're going to employ a professional moving company or move yourself.

2. Organizing Your Move

a. Start by cleaning out closets, storage areas, children's toy chests, garden and hobby paraphernalia, and the garage.

b. If you have enough clothing, furniture, and odds and ends, hold a garage sale. You'll earn a little extra money to invest in the move.

c. Obtain packing boxes, packing materials, and plastic wrap for your furniture from the moving company you've selected, or purchase them from a truck rental company.

d. Begin packing. Carefully wrap and pack your most fragile items first and store them for moving day. Next, pack your least essential items such as extra linens, garden tools, workshop equipment, bake ware, pots and pans, etc. Be sure to indicate the contents on each box.

e. Begin using all perishable food and condiments, especially if your move is to a distant location.

3. The Minor Details

a. Call utility, cable service, water and paper delivery services with a closing date and final billing address. Establish a turn-on date for the same services in your new home at this time, if possible.

b. Visit the Post Office and secure a moving kit. In it, you'll find post cards to send to all publications, credit card companies, and other entities from which you receive regular mailings and bills. Complete and mail the post cards.

c. If you will be driving to your new home, have your vehicles checked out thoroughly, especially the fan belt, brakes and tires.

d. If you don't plan to drive to your new home, now is the time to make travel reservations and obtain your tickets.

e. If you are leaving the area, find new homes for your houseplants since they do not travel well. You may not be allowed to take them across state lines and most professional movers will not carry them inside a van.

f. If your pets are moving with you, visit your veterinarian for a final check-up and traveling tips.

g. Pay current bills, including those that will become due during the days of your move.

4. Moving Day

a. Fill a cooler with drinks and snacks for the day.

b. Empty and clean the refrigerator.

c. Do a final walk-through after all boxes and furniture have been removed to ensure that cabinets, closets, and drawers have been emptied.

d. Leave your forwarding address for the new owners so they can send you any mail they receive.

e. Place the garage door opener, sprinkler key, manufacturer's guides for appliances, heating and air conditioning, pool and spa equipment, etc., on the kitchen counter where the new residents will easily find them.

Good luck on your move…Enjoy your new home!