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By Erik J. Martin CTW FEATURES Packing up and moving to a new home and location can be an exciting prospect that brings with it the hopes for fresh experiences, new friends, and happy memories soon to be created. But it can also be one of the most dreaded events you will ever undertake in your lifetime. At least that's the takeaway from a recent Move.org report, which found that nearly 2 in 5 recent movers indicated that moving was more stressful than a relationship breakup. Among other surpris- ing findings, 55% of respondents believed their moving company scammed them, and more than 3 in 5 suf- fered from a moving truck shortage during their relocation. Consider that as many as 61% of Ameri- cans are expecting to move this year; if the survey findings hold true, the major- ity of these folks will likely come away with negative moving experi- ences. "Moving is stressful because it forces you to make choices about what to keep and what to toss. And you have to relive your life while sorting your stuff," re- marks Jamie Novak, a moving coach and pro- fessional organizer in Scotch Plains, New Jer- sey. "A lack of planning can often lead to poor results. You need a map to follow or you will get lost in this process. Also, leaving too many tasks until later, plus not having a plan for the items you are not taking and need to sell or donate, can result in bad outcomes." Moving can be fi- nancially taxing, too. "Depending on whether you are mov- ing locally or across the country, it can cost between $2,000 and $10,000 to move — that's a lot of cash required all at once," says Jill Yesko, owner of Discover Organizing in Pittsburgh. Plus, moving rarely goes quite as planned, and the worries it causes can trigger emo- tional volatility. "There is usually a deadline to complete a move, and the number of tasks required can seem overwhelming. In this environment, people often fall apart," says Khari Washington, a Southern California real estate agent with 1st United Realty & Mortgage, Inc. in Riv- erside. Here are some tips from the pros on plan- ning and executing a successful move with minimal anxiety: Book the moving company ASAP. "With the real estate market as hot as it is right now, it's no surprise there is a shortage of movers. That's why it's best to plan ahead and schedule your mov- ers early," explains Matt Woods, co-founder and CEO of SOLD.com. "If you procrastinate, you may find yourself working with a less-than-desirable moving company that is forced to rush through the job." Make decisions about your belongings well before you intend to move. "Start at least six months before you list your home. Choose whether to sell, donate or discard possessions so that when the move creeps up you won't be forced to make black- and-white decisions under pressure," Yesko advises. "The regret train can be a long or short ride — shorten the ride by taking this step." Properly declut- ter. Sort your items into categories, such as paper, electronics, furniture, kitchen ap- pliances, dishware, toiletries, etc. "By de- cluttering early, you'll save money in the form of lower transporta- tion costs and save time with less to pack. And you'll also have more space in your new home," suggests Lauren Saltman, a Newfields, New Hampshire-based professional organizer. Begin the packing process early. "Buy packing supplies early and be very thoughtful about what you want to take with you to your new home," Saltman adds. "Additionally, use a marker and stickers to label everything that you will be bringing to your new home. If you have the time, create a spreadsheet, number each box, label the box with the room they are going into, and keep a list of what's inside each box." Contact other ven- dors well in advance. "Call the Realtor, the cleaning company, the plumber, the yard care specialists and others the moment you know you are putting your house on the market. Work with your agent to create a to-do list of any home improve- ments that need to be accomplished for you to sell your home, as well," Saltman says. "Also, make sure the utilities at your old home will be turned off on time and turned on in time at your new address." Create an essentials box that will travel with you and not with the movers. "Inside, pack all the essentials for you and your family for your first night in your new home — from medications to toilet paper as well as paper- work and keys to your new home and a change of clothes, not to men- tion some snacks and bottled water," Saltman recommends. How to prepare for moving to a new home 19 H8 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001 Homes | Advertising Section