Summer is busiest time of the year for home and business moves. In fact, an estimated 65 percent
of the 43 million Americans who are moving this year will do so in the period between Memorial Day and Labor
Day.What does that mean for those with a move in the immediate future? Considering the fact that moving is
ranked just behind death and divorce in terms of life’s most stressful events, a summer move might mean
stocking up on extra stress balls and taking a few extra deep breaths along the way."Whether you are
hiring help or doing it yourself, you can expect a fair amount of anxiety," says Sean E. Burns, a
psychologist with Counseling Associates of West Michigan. "It’s helpful to simply recognize that it’s
normal that your life is out of order during this period. Once moved, it’s important to resume life’s
routines as soon as possible. Don’t worry about getting everything in place right away; put a priority on
resuming your workouts and family trips to the park, and the rest will take care of itself over time."A
summer move also means that you need to plan further in advance and be more flexible with your move
dates."We moved 1.3 homes or businesses per minute last summer," says Randy Shacka, president of
Two Men And A Truck, the nation’s largest franchised moving company, "In fact, we moved 2,851 homes and
businesses in the two days between June 28 and June 29. Based on year-over-year trend analysis of every move
within our 260 store system, we believe that same weekend will likely be our busiest again this
summer."So, beyond avoiding a late June move, how do you begin to navigate the waters of the busiest
moving season?"In a perfect world we’d all plan ahead, but the reality is we’re busy with work and life
and next thing you know you have seven days to get moved," Shacka says. "So while it’s important
to be flexible, box things in advance, etc., you might just consider doing a few simple things to make your
life a bit easier on move day."Shacka suggests the following:Kids rule: If hiring a sitter isn’t an
option on move day, get the kids involved as "supervisors." Help them with a simple checklist or
turn a box into a "treasure chest" of their own belongings so the move becomes a positive
experience for them. For more kid-friendly move-day ideas, visit
www.twomenandatruck.com/moving-with-kids.Free Fido: If watching the kids weren’t enough, try managing the
dog. Ask a family friend to watch the animals, or consider boarding them for the day.Space it out: Often
homeowners will move all their furniture into one room to save time for their movers. This can be a cost
savings for boxes, but when it comes to furniture it can slow the move down. A good moving company will use
stretch wrap to protect furniture, so when packed tightly together into one room the pieces have to be moved
twice to properly prepare for the move. Go ahead and consolidate boxes, but save yourself the hassle and
leave furniture where it lives.Picture this: Photos are often the last thing to be packed because it seems
safer to just leave them hanging until they are ready to be moved. In truth, they often delay a move because
movers have to remove them to get furniture past. This time ask movers to provide you with-the appropriate
packing materials in advance and pack photos yourself. It’s often light lifting, and it’s a fun way to
relive memories.For more moving advice, visit www.twomenandatruck.com.(Courtesy of Brandpoint)