Planning Your Move - Moving is a Process, Not an Event
Author: Jennilyn Bylund
From http://www.propertysold.ca/

The task of moving is a daunting thought and can quickly become overwhelming when you think about all the preparations and decisions that need to be made. The age-old adage, don't bite off more than you can chew, rings as true as ever when making plans to move.

A successful system for many is to divide the moving process into "bite-sized" pieces and deal with it one bite at a time.

Organization is key when beginning the moving process. If you want to experience minimal stress in the moving process, starting early is your best bet.

Making plans and checking off items on your checklist a month before your moving date is not going overboard; in fact if you will be playing it smart. But, before jumping in head first, invest in a "moving notebook" that includes a pad a paper and several sorting dividers. This will help you keep track all the important information you collect, including research, documents and checklists.

Have a pad of paper in the front of your notebook with to-do lists beginning with the pre-move checklist. This first list should range in items from developing an inventory of belongings to making travel arrangements. Below is a suggested list, but is not all inclusive. Think about items you will need to add that are specific to you and your family.

Collect important documents, including medical and dental records, x-rays, prescription histories and children's school records. Put these in one of the dividers in your notebook to keep it together. Talk to your doctor and dentist for possible referrals. Make copies of documents in case they are somehow misplaced during the moving process.
Document a complete inventory of your belongings to prevent potential problems in the event that you would need to file an insurance claim. Record possessions with pictures, video tape and serial numbers.
Send in change-of-address forms with a date when you would like you mail to be forwarded (magazines, credit cards, post office, utilities and bank).
Transfer membership records for organizations and institutions you are involved with.
Make all travel arrangements for all members of your family that are moving, including pets (i.e. airlines, truck or car rentals, and hotels).
Divide belongings into 2 categories: ones that can be packed and ones to be carried.
Set aside enough money for traveling so you have enough cash in case you don't have access to your bank account.
Strategically plan meals using stored food items so there is less left to perish and pack.
Recruit friends and family to help on moving day.

Finishing this checklist early in the moving process will help you feel a sense of accomplishment as well as confidence in your ability to experience a successful move. As you continue in your process of moving and gradually take a bite at a time, you will find it really isn't as daunting as you once thought it would be.

About the author: Content provided by 10x Media. Established in 2003, 10x Media provides innovative online marketing tools. It has expanded its online presence through networks such as Inside Real Estate, Inside Finances and Grab Real Estate, which contain thousands of pages for city and state specific real estate information across the nation.