
Break The News
Break the news about the move to everyone in the family together
Involve-Participate
Also, involve your children in all aspects of your relocation. If possible, bring them with you on house-hunting trips; if not, photograph or videotape the house that you select, as well as the neighbourhood and new school. Allow your children to participate in planning the move. "When possible," , "ask your children to perform small jobs that are age-appropriate and that can often be made enjoyable."

The Honeymoon Isn’t Over Yet

Moving tips for newlyweds

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 20- to 29-year olds have the highest moving rate of any age range because of life course events, such as marriage, childbirth, or a new job. Marriage brings more than just two people together -- it also a merger of belongings. Both getting married and moving top the list of life's most stressful events -- if they occur at the same time, the stress can double. Advance planning, proper packing and organization can make the move go more smoothly, enabling the couple to enjoy the honeymoon a little longer.

The following are a few simple tips to ensure wedded bliss continues through the move:

Start Early

Don't procrastinate; start up to six weeks before the moving date. Waiting until the last minute dramatically increases stress on everyone.

Take Inventory of Your Possessions

As soon as you decided to move, begin taking inventory of everything in your home and have your spouse do the same. People often have more than they realize, such as kitchenware, clothes, books, audio and video equipment, pictures, sports equipment and artwork -- all the items that make your living space a home. Be sure to include wedding gifts such as china, crystal, electronics and other home items that might be stored elsewhere.

Get Rid Of What You Don't Need

Make a list of the items you'd like to keep and compare it with the list your spouse has made. At a glance, you'll see where belongings overlap. You can save a tremendous amount of time by getting rid of duplicate items before you begin packing. Decide what to throw away or sell. For homeowners, this will not only prepare you for moving, but will also clear out the clutter and make your home “show” better to prospective buyers.

When using a professional mover, you'll also save money if you have fewer belongings to be packed and moved.

Determine How Much You Can Take To Your New Home

Compare your new space with the space in your existing residence. Try to visualize where you'll place specific pieces of furniture to help you decide whether you'll sell, give away or store pieces that won't fit.

Remember Important Names and Numbers

It is a good idea to keep a list of all the phone numbers and contact names of representatives at the moving company, the real estate office or apartment leasing company, as well as the utility companies in both your current and future residences.

Get Some Help!

Consider hiring a professional mover. While in the past it may have been fun to bribe friends to help with pizza, the time comes when a professional mover makes a world of difference -- and lessens the stress on your relationship. A professional mover will come to your home and walk through the move with you beforehand. The mover will estimate the cost, discuss packing and unpacking options with you, work out a mutually convenient schedule and make sure all your moving questions are answered. A professional moving company also assumes responsibility for any breakage, provided it handles the packing (an important consideration when moving valuable wedding gifts such as china and crystal). Mayflower's movers are trained in packing techniques and have specially designed materials and boxes for china and crystal, all of which help to ensure the safe transportation of belongings.

Take an Emotional Break If Needed

Give yourself a one-week break before going through your belongings again with a more critical eye. Once you get used to the idea of parting with certain items, it may be easier to make a final decision.

Follow a Calendar Countdown to the Move

Create a step-by-step timetable for packing and moving. Your Mayflower representative can give you a detailed calendar to follow to make your move easier or you can visit our Packing Tips page for information.