Planning to Move?

Because no matter what you think, moving is as bad as you've heard. It may even be worse.

Think you know stress? If you've never moved, you don't have any idea what stress can be. Before walking blindly into a moving experience, keep these tips in mind for the best chance at coming out with a piece of your sanity.

Tip # 1: Plan, plan, plan

When it comes to buying, selling, or renting a new home, you cannot over plan. Anyone who says otherwise has either never moved or hasn't moved in so long that he or she forgot how much planning it takes. Knowing what you're going to pack your stuff in and how you're going to label your stuff so it's easy to find after the move is just the beginning. You also have to consider whether you're going to pay someone to carry the heavy stuff, where you're going to store the extras (if you have more stuff than will fit in your new place), and a million other things. Consider this: do you need flood insurance at your new place? Don't know the answer? Well, that's just the top of the pile. Better get planning.

Tip # 2: Plan for stress

Okay, so you spent three hours in the self-help section of the library, swallowing every word about stress reduction. Unfortunately, you're still feeling a bit anxious about the whole moving thing. Guess what - it's natural. The processes of packing, selling, buying, and renting are very stressful processes. Even if you were to follow every expert's tips on stress reduction, you're still going to end up with a few knots in your back. Just take them in stride and you'll keep those knots from growing and taking over your entire life.

Tip # 3: Get some help

There's nothing quite like watching family and friends pack and move your stuff for you. Granted, you probably shouldn't just sit around while they do it, but having their help will take a great load off your shoulders. Also, if you're buying or selling a home, get the assistance of a certified realtor - especially if it's your first time around the real estate block. Sure, you may pocket a few thousand extra by selling by owner, but the headaches you'll incur by figuring out the paperwork and showing potential buyers your home makes it worthwhile to just go with a realtor. If you're set on selling it yourself, do your homework beforehand and hold on tight.

Tip # 4: Be optimistic

This one is particularly important for people selling their homes or looking for one to buy. It may take months to get a bite, and it may seem your dream home will never get on the market. However, good things do come to those who wait, and that includes those waiting on a good home. If you find your house sitting on the market for a little longer than you anticipated, ask some experts what you can do to move it faster, and take their advice to heart. And remember - no matter how long it may take to find your new home or sell your current one, you're getting closer to your goal every day…even if you're still sitting at the starting line.