Moving is a major life event that evokes both excitement and stress. Our homes are an oasis from the constant changes and insanity of everyday life. When we move to another home that oasis is turned upside down and temporarily thrown out of kilter. It makes no difference if we are moving from an apartment to our first new home to raise a family, or downsizing to something smaller now that the children are grown and have moved on to their own homes. There are always the questions and insecurities of how to arrange your items in their new home - where will my dishes fit in the cabinets, do I have enough space in the linen closet for the extra towels, where will my pictures be displayed.

But way before all those questions arise, the hard work begins. Now that youve made the decision, you wonder how to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together. First and foremost, a plan is necessary to assure that you cover all bases. Purchase a small notebook that you can carry with you at all times and jot down ideas and notes as they come to you. In your notebook, create a plan of action which should include three major categories Selling, buying, and the actual move. If this is your first home, youve just eliminated one huge step from the process that many find extremely stressful. Its almost like walking a balance beam to find the perfect home, while also having to sell your present home both happening in a timely manner.

It is important to contact a real estate agent to assist you in making important decisions about areas in which you wish to live and types of homes in which you are interested. A true professional agent will hear your laundry list of must-haves and would-likes and lead you in the right direction.

Youve made the decision to move and wonder the best way to showcase your home to get the best price possible. Many of us have lived in our homes for years, and in the true American spirit, also have accumulated much more stuff than we use on a regular basis. It is important to look at our home through the eyes of those who will walk through for the first time. This is the time to purge! Not only will your home look more appealing to those who are interested in purchasing it, but it will make your move so much easier. Another plus to purging is that your home will look larger and more spacious to potential buyers when you remove extra clutter. Its better to lighten your load before the move and have less to find space for in your new home. This is especially important if you have chosen to downsize. Sometimes a minor paint touch up or trimming of the bushes is all it takes to give your home curb appeal.

Youve prepared your home for sale and are now searching for the perfect new home, but there is one more piece to the puzzle of the move that you need to begin at this time. Your notebook will be particularly handy with this stage. Choosing a mover is one of the most important steps in this stage. It is important to locate a reputable company that is licensed and insured that has been in business for at least 3 years. Obtain a binding estimate which will guarantee your price wont change. This estimate should include a box count to be accurate. You have several options in this area some choose to have the mover do all the packing, others feel more comfortable packing their own items. Movers dont usually take responsibility for documents, jewelry, cash, or articles that are of high value unless listed on the bill of lading. Check your insurance coverage at this time to assure that you wont incur a loss if the unthinkable does happen. Keep important papers and other items with you. If the mover has left and you need birth certificates, utility contact numbers, closing papers or other items, this can create undue stress.

If you choose to pack yourself, its important to have a system that will be easy to unpack once you arrive at your new home. Nothing is more stressful than trying to find an item you need immediately and have to search through twenty boxes marked kitchen. By numbering each box and maintaining an inventory of the contents, unpacking will be much easier!

During those few in-between moments, contact the utility company, telephone company, and cable provider to change services. Its also important to complete change of address cards at the post office, alert the bank, change newspaper delivery service, obtain childrens school records, and if you have pets, assure that they will be cared for during the move. This is also a good time to contact a cleaning service to come in after the move to leave your old home in good shape for the new residents.

Moving on is both exciting and stressful but planning ahead can assure that the process will run more smoothly. Keep in mind that this is a temporary situation and that the many years of enjoyment you will receive from your new home will far outweigh the stress you experience for a few months of transition. Welcome home!