Whether your last move was across the country or across the street, it probably ended with two words: “Never again!” But you don’t always have the luxury of staying in the same place forever. Sooner or later, you find yourself surrounded by cardboard boxes and packing tape again. Don’t despair. No one really likes packing and lugging around furniture. So if your budget allows for it, hire a dependable moving company like Joyce Van Lines.

Moving can be an exciting time in your life. Or, it can be a negative, unwelcome event. In fact, moving is one of the top stressors in life, right along with death of a loved one, divorce, a major illness, and job loss. So, how can you make moving a little less stressful and more enjoyable? Believe it or not, there are things you can do to make this transition a positive experience.

Ask for Help

Of course, there is more than one way to move. Depending on the size of your home, the distance of the move, your budget, and the amount of time you have to get yourself situated, you might choose to rent a truck and move yourself, hire a mover to do the job, or use a “you pack; we drive” service.

If you can’t afford to spend a lot of time getting from here to there, you’re moving a long distance, or you have a lot of stuff, hiring a professional moving company is your best bet. Good professional movers have the experience and equipment to move you quickly while avoiding damage to your property. Many movers will even pack everything for you ― a convenience that can be worth the additional cost (20 to 30 percent of the price of your move), especially if you have limited time.

There are bad moving companies. Of the more than 1,100 industries that the Better Business Bureau keeps tabs on, the moving industry ranked 14th in consumer complaints in 2003. So be sure to carefully check out anyone you’re considering. Need more convincing? You can also read further on more reasons to hire a professional moving company.

Research

Research the business practices of the movers you’re considering.

• The Better Business Bureau, bbb.org
• movingadvocateteam.com
• movingscam.com

Maybe it was your choice to move, but maybe it wasn’t. And if it wasn’t, then the first thing you are going to have to do is adopt the right viewpoint. You can wallow in your unwelcome move, or you can try to make the best of it. Think of all the good things that can happen. You’ll meet new people, have new experiences, and hopefully create a life that’s even better than the one you’re leaving behind.

If you’re moving a significant distance away, then you will need to do your research. People are always the most comfortable when they feel prepared, so do your research. For example, find the schools, the malls, the restaurants. See what events regularly happen in the area. Get a feel for where you will be setting your roots down.

www.protectyourmove.org

www.fmcsa.dot.gov

If you’re a procrastinator, this tip is especially for you. Doing things at the last minute is always stressful, but when you have to move an entire household full of things — and get your family ready — well, you don’t want to be doing this at the last minute. Start planning as far ahead as you can.