From your experience, what are some tips...

From your experience, what are some tips to make moving go as smoothly as possible?

Moving is never easy, no matter how hard you try. Here are some basics, however, to at least minimize any problems:

- Recognize the inevitable stress of moving and take steps to reduce it by:

a) Paying close attention to the feelings and ideas of every member of the family.
b) Helping children face moving by making a game of as many steps as you can: packing; exploring the new place, especially any schools, parks playgrounds, pools; having a good-bye party where friends are invited to come visit the new place; and planning another party soon after the move. Ask kids to help pack their things, and mark boxes "My Stuff."
c) Getting as well acquainted as you can with your new surroundings before you start packing; in general, starting your new life before you give up the old one.

- Start well before moving day to re-address newspaper, magazine and other subscriptions. Notify utility companies at both ends of changeover dates. Get all necessary reports and transfer papers from banks, schools, churches and doctors. Cancel deliveries. Alert friends to your moving schedule and the best times to drop by for farewells.

- Whether you're hiring a mover or moving yourself, do the sorting and packing in easy stages. Pack boxes firmly for snug stacking in the truck or van. Stuff pillows and blankets into bureau drawers. Number of color code boxes and make an inventory of contents, perhaps marking room location on outside of boxes.

- Make a floor plan of the new home and decide where everything will go. Don't guess; take measurements. Indicate which box number or color code goes to which room, and use this inventory to check off at the new home.

- Pack all items you will take with you personally. Mark them "Do not load. For car." Put them into car or out of the way before movers come.

- Pack a "care package" and mark "Unload First." Moving in will be a long day, so take basics such as dried soups, coffee, tea, crackers, peanut butter, canned goods, light bulbs, paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags, sauce pan, paper plates, cups and utensils, can opener, etc. Priorities will be children's rooms, TV or radio, and a basic kitchen to unpack.

- On moving day, lay down plastic sheets to minimize dirt in the home. Lead movers around the home to make sure they understand your instructions. Do a final check for forgotten items. Check movers' Bill of Lading against your inventory.

- At the end of moving day, or arrival day, since everything is packed, go out and have a nice dinner. You've earned it!