Cutting the stress during a change of
address
By Terri Sapienza
The Washington Post
Summer is quickly approaching, and that means warmer weather, longer
days and lots of people moving. About 43 million people in the United
States move each year, according to the Census Bureau, and summertime
is the busiest season.
Moving is no doubt stressful, but planning ahead can help reduce
the toll the process takes on all parties involved. A few basic suggestions
when planning a move: Start early, move on a weekday (when banks,
utilities and government offices are open), and keep in mind that
the beginning and end of each month are busy times for movers, regardless
of the season.
The best advice comes from MaryScott Tuck, director of transportation
statistics at the American Moving and Storage Association: Get some
rest. "You will approach the move with a much better attitude
with a good night's sleep.''
The AMSA offers other hints for making moving day go more smoothly:
-
Be available on all loading and delivery days. Movers
will have questions.
-
Arrange the house closing to occur
on a day other than the loading and unpacking days, if
possible. This will help eliminate the stress of having to
be available for the movers while trying to concentrate on
your closing.
-
Fill out change of address cards about six
weeks in advance. Be sure also to notify friends, relatives,
insurance agents, credit card companies, motor vehicle
bureaus and magazine subscription services.
-
Start packing
at least four weeks in advance. If your mover is doing
the packing, arrange for it to be done one to two days before
loading begins.
-
Remember to reserve your apartment elevator
for pickup and delivery dates, if needed.
-
Set aside
valuables and personal items. Cash, coins, jewelry, photographs
and personal items should be put in the vehicle that
you will be taking with you. Or send them ahead via a trackable
delivery service.
-
Have a good breakfast the morning of the
move. And remember: No matter how prepared you are, things
occasionally go wrong. Relax.
