There are studies that tell us that moving is one of the top ten stresses in life. Even a positive move requires that we recognize there is an emotional shift for ourselves and our family. Children are generally more resilient than adults to a new environment. They seem to be more uninhibited about making new friends. Their natural curiosity takes over the anxiety adults usually experience during a change. School imposes a natural social atomosphere, encouraging interaction and adjustment to new friends.

If the move is the result of a job transfer, the office will offer an immediate new social atmosphere. The trailing spouse left at home may experience a tougher interface with no immediate automatic opportunity to make new acquaintances.

Some types of pets handle moves better than others. Veterinarians tell me that often times your pet may need to re-establish his territory at a new home. It is a good practice to be a little patient with your pet if he acts a little out of character during the first few days. Take the time to be sure to have a few of his familiar items around to establish comfort a little more quickly. Feelings of anxiety are natural after the decision to move. Your discomfort comes from needing to re-establish a comfort zone, which will take a few days. Accept these feelings as temporary until you've had a few days to settle in.

A Realtor I know has a very special way to help the children build anticipation for the transferring family. This is helpful if the children have not been involved with the selection process of finding a new home. Mary sends home a "New Home" book. She takes photos of the front of the home, the backyard, the children's bedrooms, and even the neighborhood kids! She then puts them together in a scrapbook format, including snapshots of the school, playground, parks, and the local grocery store! The transferred kids can now visualize their new surroundings more easily and they can look forward to the move with excitement.

On the day of closing, her "Cinderella Basket" is waiting for the new family with practical and fun items. Juice boxes, crackers, crayons, coloring books, and a welcome mat are attractively arranged in a reusable basket. A huge "Welcome Home" banner awaits their arrival.

Mary makes sure the new family has a list of professionals to assist the family with a network of support. Pediatricians, dentists, allergists, hair dressers, and a list of suggested baby sitters helps to take the quandry out of whom to choose instead of just the "yellow pages" as a source.

Mary extends her professional assistance by aligning information on the local banking services for quick establishment of local credit. She has arranged for cleaning service and even has dinner catered for move-in day. Prior to the purchase, she coordinated interviews with local school principals and mortgage lenders to decide financing. To insure a smooth transaction, she coordinates new utility service to coincide with mvoe-in day.

The fact is, that changing homes is a trauma for every member of the family. Moving requires organizing hundreds of details on top of the emotional difficulty with leaving the familiar for the unfamiliar. A little bit of planning, combined with the services of a good relocation expert can make the transaction go a little easier for all.