Finally, the negotiations are over, your old house is sold, the papers have all been signed for the new home, now you can relax. Well, that is, after you finish MOVING! Moving, or relocating (moving to a different city) is said to be one of the most stressful of all human activities. Despite all our modern technology - even in the computer age - it still comes down to packing tape, rented trucks, and the hunt for boxes. And when you combine the stress of moving with new jobs, new colleagues, added responsibility at work, and kids starting new schools and making new friends, well it's no wonder people find it stressful. But moving does not have to be stressful. Look at it this way: you and your family are moving to a beautiful new home, in a new city, with new friends to meet and new places to discover. With a few simple tricks, you can transform a stressful move into an exciting new chapter in your life.

THE MONEY

When estimating moving expenses most people allow for immediate costs like rental vehicles, and gas, but forget to include other, particularly long-term expenses. Many people find they spend extra money during the first year of their move. People tend to eat out a bit more - especially in the first months - you'll be wanting new things for that new house, plus new accessories for kids attending new schools. Make sure you do a little research on the standard of living in your new city; is it higher? if so, factor in fuel prices. If you're making the move from South to North there are typically higher electricity & heating bills to consider. Don't be alarmed if you find that you're moving to a more expensive area, as there usually is a silver lining (higher heating bills usually mean lower air-conditioning bills). The trick is to know these things ahead of time.

THE MOVE

By now you have drawn up a moving budget, allowing for your new (higher) salary, expenses the company is covering, and all the immediate and long-term costs discussed earlier.For those who have chosen the 'Hands-off' Method (hired a moving company, packers, and bought plane tickets for the family, you should still pack your priceless bone china family heir-looms yourself (to anyone else they're just plates!), pack a Travel Bag (change of clothes, toiletries, first aid kit, music, books, kids' books/toys ), and, sadly, deal with the refrigerator (see below) . For those choosing the 'Hands-on' Method, read on.

PACKING

If you are the kind of person who stands in wonder when they're packing your groceries at the check-out aisle, you're probably not the gifted packer in the family. And while I cannot describe here how to be a Zen packer, I can share a few tips that will help immensely :

-Your friends may have offered (or may have been recruited) to help you move. DO NOT ask them to help you pack - this is not part of the deal.

-Start about 2 weeks before moving day, and tackle one room at a time, starting with the least used rooms.

-Pack a Travel Bag (things you will need immediately before, during and after Moving - toothpaste/toiletries, spare clothes, toys/books for kids)

-Pack heavy things in small boxes, light things in big boxes. Always pack heavy items on the bottom.

-Like objects go together (books with books, CDs with CDs) - Wrap plates, cups, and breakables in newspaper (mark box FRAGILE)

-FOOD - some food-stuffs can be packed (tin-cans, oil, dried goods,etc) - as these things are usually packed last, they can be put in open boxes (no lid), this way they won't have other boxes stacked on them, and they can easily be accessed.

-Refrigerator - Start using up (and not replacing) refrigerated foods about 2 weeks before moving day. If you are just moving across town, most things in the refrigerator can probably be taken with you (though buckets of ice cream, gallons of milk, etc. can really make a mess if spilt). If you're moving across the country, you will have to consume it or discard it.

THE COUNTDOWN

MOVE - 30 DAYS : Gather boxes, reserve rental vehicle/arrange moving company, fill out Change of Address documents at Post Office MOVE - 15 DAYS: Recruit friends to help on Big Day, Begin Packing; Arrange utilities (phone, cable, electric, etc.) to be terminated at old home and started at new home; Transfer/close bank accounts as necessary, print a map of the route you'll be taking, with planned stops along the way. MOVE - 24 HOURS: Gather moving tools: good packing tape, box-cutter knife, markers for labeling boxes; fuel up the car (check oil, tire pressure); pick up rental vehicle; call & confirm with movers; gather tickets & credit cards if flying; make sure to have ready cash for moving day (unanticipated expenses).

Many of these tips may sound simple, and that is the key - there is no magic or million dollar solution to a stress-free move. Moving, or relocating should be a positive and exciting experience, and if you take your time, and plan things properly, it will be.