| Relocating can quickly turn into a chaotic task if you | | | | Gather as much information as possible about your |
| are not prepared. There are a number of things you | | | | new location - weather, cost of living, schools, roads |
| need to remember to do to keep the chaos to a | | | | and public transportation, demographics, allergy issues, |
| minimum. | | | | etc. so that you are informed and run into as few |
| When you move, it is important that all your essential | | | | surprises as possible. Set aside a financial cushion to |
| mail moves along with you. This includes any personal | | | | cover unforeseen expenses. If you are moving for |
| mail, bills, and your magazines and catalogs. The | | | | employment purposes and your employer does not |
| easiest way to make this happen is to officially change | | | | cover moving expenses, you can deduct those |
| your address through the Postal System. You can | | | | expenses from your federal taxes, so keep all of your |
| change your address in person at any post office, or | | | | receipts. Do a reality check on your expectations. Don't |
| you can fill out a change of address form online at the | | | | let stereotypical images of affect your preparations. All |
| USPS website. Another more personal way is to | | | | Texans don't wear cowboy hats and everyone from |
| make or buy postcards announcing your change of | | | | the Midwest doesn't live in an idyllic small town. |
| address and send them to those you want to know. | | | | Emotionally, don't overtax yourself. It may make sense |
| They don't have to be elaborate - you can print labels | | | | for you to rent in the new location for a while before |
| off your computer, or even use pre-printed labels. | | | | deciding what neighborhood to live in, and that is okay. |
| Before moving, make sure that essential statements | | | | It might be the best decision as you will have time to |
| such as those for your insurance and credit cards are | | | | experience and decide exactly where your family will |
| switched over to your new address. You should also | | | | fit in the best. Be gentle with yourself. Moving from a |
| stop any delivery services, such as bottled water or a | | | | place you are attached to can be as difficult as losing |
| local newspaper. Switch over your magazine | | | | a family member. You may go through the grief |
| subscriptions to avoid a delay once you move. If you | | | | stages. You may find that little things that should fly by |
| take medication regularly, you should make sure that | | | | get on your nerves. Take some time and take care of |
| your prescriptions can be filled in your new town. Many | | | | yourself. |
| pharmacy chains offer computerized service which will | | | | Be nice to your kids. Moving can be especially hard for |
| make moving easier, but you need to check to make | | | | them as their perspective is so much more limited than |
| sure. After ensuring that you don't have any checks or | | | | yours. You will probably be stressed and maybe even |
| payments pending, cancel or transfer bank accounts | | | | edgy, so be careful to not let that rub off on how your |
| to your new area. | | | | treat the younger ones. |