There are few events in life more demanding than preparing for a move.  The happy anticipation of living in your new home can be unceremoniously squelched when you begin to consider the effort of packing of your grandmother’s china or your rare record collection. But take heart: the initial anxiety can be significantly relieved when you follow a few simple measures.  
First of all plan ahead - way ahead.  Careful planning can make the difference between a chaotic, hysterical moving day and an organized, easeful transition when the moving van arrives.   Check and re-confirm the scheduled settlement date. Make a list of all records that need to be transferred and utilities companies that must be notified.  Take a long hard look at your possessions and then ruthlessly weed out everything you haven’t used in over a year.  Next, have that obligatory garage sale which offers the double bonus of relieving you of more objects to pack and giving you cash to cover last-minute minor expenses.  Remember that you’re paying someone to carry away everything you choose to take with you, and leave behind whatever will end up sitting in your new basement.  Finally, make it fun.  A moving party gives everyone an excuse to spend time with you while helping you prepare. 

-Jean