A recent survey showed that some top relocation questions relate to
x

1.  Job-hunting for a spouse.
x
2.  Helping older children adjust to the idea of a move.
> 3.  Elderly parents - medical.
Some companies offer programs in these areas, or credit you for your expenses. Some hire third-party experts. If you're doing this move without substantial company assistance, start by listing the topics that affect your family, then inquire of these sources, at both the origination and the destination cities: your Realtors, your company, Chambers of Commerce, school administration, etc.

 Hoes.

5.  Babysitting.

6.  How to cope with long family separations.
 The Moving Stages:. 

1.The Talking stage: gather general information about the new area - cost of living, schools, taxes, etc.
x
2. The Checking Out the New City stage: visit for an overview, and see a variety of possible housing types & locations.
x
3. The Serious Househunting stage: visit the city for a focused househunt.
x
4. The Making New Connections stage: Commit to schools, utilities, and other things that must be in place when you arrive.
x
5. The Actual Move stage: a very stressful time - make allowances for your family's reactions. Temporary housing may be needed until the furniture arrives, or until the new house is ready.

The Move - an Overview Schedule

EIGHT WEEKS AHEAD

Call local movers for estimates, & establish a budget. Compare their services, decide on which services you need, and choose a mover.

FOUR WEEKS AHEAD

Notify your present: financial, charge accounts, medical, school, utilities,
post office, newspaper delivery. Connect the replacement services at the destination in advance, where possible.

THREE WEEKS AHEAD

Make travel reservations & tickets. Pay special attention to pets' needs. If you're packing anything yourself, start now.

TWO WEEKS AHEAD

Gather together your pesonal documents: financial, auto registration, insurance, etc. Have your cars inspected & repaired for the trip.

ONE WEEK AHEAD

Cancel newspaper delivery.

Cancel any other regular delivery or services.

Designate an area for each family member, for those items that the movers are not to take. Start gathering things there.

Arrange for necessary money for the move: travel expenses, and anything that must be paid by you, immediately, whether reimbursed by employer or not.

TWO DAYS AHEAD

Clean out and defrost refrigerator & freezer.

MOVING DAY

Be ready for the movers when they arrive. Assemble in one place all items not being moved by them.

Inspect every nook & cranny of the old house (anything left behind?), and lock up.

Be sure to understand when the mover expects to arrive at the new house.

Get a phone number you can use, if necessary, to check on the mover's whereabouts & arrival.