Surviving the Move: Great Tips and Resources

As the wife of a former Marine gone aircraft worker, relocating has become a way of life for me. From the time I was eighteen years old, I don't think we have maintained residence in any one area for more than two years at a time. Now, as the mother of three children, one of which is a teenager, I have come to realize that there is a lot more to moving than packing a few boxes. Relocating families today face enough stress to send the average person into a heart attack! Even moving just a few miles away can be horrifying.
Most recently we moved from the Midwest to the East Coast when my husband was offered a wonderful position with a large company in Georgia. The company specified that they would providea relocation specialist who would be assigned to our particular account. After weeks of questions went unanswered, and arrangements continued to fall through, I decided to take things into my own hands. I spent months uncovering information that should have been readily available- especially with the huge amount of growth this area is experiencing. In just a few simple steps, however, you can avoid most of the pain and frustration atleast!

1. Contact the area chamber of commerce. These places are lifesavers! The normally have almost everything you need, and most of their information is free!

2. Get a map of the local area! A lot of times you can pick one up free of charge from the area Chamber of Commerce, or a local Realtor!

3. Use the internet! Run searches on the local area to include schools, crime rates for various neighborhoods, etc. You can also look up tax information re: real estate taxes and vehicle property taxes via the internet- very helpful!

4. Check online versions of the local newspapers before you move- you may find articles and information re: negative subjects a realtor may not want to disclose about your area. Also check local listings for any childcare providers and rates, if needed, and don't be afraid to call them and ask for references.

5. Contact schools as soon as you know you will be relocating. Some schools will gladly send you pre-enrollment paperwork to ease the transition. Check on information re: dress codes, backpack codes, locker availability, and number of children in the classrooms. This is something I regret not doing, as my own children went from small schools with lenient dress codes and low student teacher ratios to large schools where they were required to do such things as: always tuck in their shirts, carry mesh or clear backpacks, carry all of their belongings with them throughout the day as lockers are not available due to security problems, etc.

6. If you have a young driver, be sure to check with the local DOT re: licensing regulations. This varies extensively from state to state.

7. Provide your children with a signature book the last week they will attend their old school, or if relocating during summer vacation, set up a contact party. Allow them to collect contact information and notes from their friends. Often times relocating children feel very lonely and afraid, and this helps them feel a little more secure, since they are taking a part of their friends with them.

8. Contact any movers or truck rental companies, utility companies,etc. in plenty of time (preferably at least 30 days in advance) to allow for arrangements, which lessens the risk of complications later. Also, have only ONE person from your household handle making all contact and arrangements. This way, there is no confusion as to who has done what.

9. Pack one or two overnight bags and enough supplies to get your family through 3-4 days, and keep these things with you for easy access. This way, if things DO fall through, you're prepared.

10. Get a small memo book to write down notes about all arrangements and any important telephone numbers. I did this, and then kept larger papers/ receipts in a large (10x13) envelope. This not only helped me to stay organized throughout the move, but made tax time a lot easier as well. Keep in mind, an employment related move is often tax deductable, and your receipts could save you a lot of hassle later.