Moving Expert Offers Tips To De-Stress Your Move.

August 5, 2004 -- Joe Harrison, President of The American Moving and Storage Association describes moving as, "one of the most stressful events in a person's life, ranked as high as the death of a loved one or divorce."

Stressful doesn't begin to describe the modern move. From uprooting the kids, turning off utilities and hiring a mover, moving is more than simply stressful it is borderline traumatic.

Matt McCabe, General Manager of on-line moving boxes company, www.movingdayboxes.com, offers some quick tips to minimize your moving trauma and keep you sane, alive, and happily married through your move.

Tips
Fill out the United States Postal Service change of address form 6-8 weeks prior to your move.
(www.usps.com/moversguide/welcome.htm)

Let the IRS know you have moved by filing Form 8822. You can download the form right from the IRS web site. (www.irs.gov)

If you are hiring a mover, get at least three binding estimates. Also check out the Better Business Bureau's website (www.bbb.org) to see if any unresolved complaints have been filed against your mover.

Know your moving rights. For interstate moves ask your mover for the government-issued guide, "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move." Movers are required to furnish you with this guide upon request. It is a red flag if your mover doesn't provide this guide when asked.

Pack according to season. If you are moving in Spring or Summer pack all your winter items together so you don't have to unpack those boxes until next season.

Pack your current phone book. You may have to call businesses or friends in the area you moved from and this can come in very handy.

The tendency when packing is to get large boxes and fill them to the top with items. The problem then becomes lifting the boxes. Try to use smaller boxes and pack them tightly. You will be better able to carry the small boxes and reduce the chance of injuring your back.

If possible board your cats and dogs on moving day. The constant flow of people and furniture on moving day can be stressful, especially for older pets.

Try to minimize grocery shopping the last month before your move. Use all the old cans of soup and packaged goods that haven't expired. This way, you won't have to pack food as part of your move and you will have cleaned out your pantry. If you do run out of food go out for a bite to eat. Chances are you will need a break from the stresses of packing, and the chef of the house will surely appreciate it.




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