Moving from one state to another will take its toil, not just physically but emotionally as well. Asking individuals to leave everything that they hold dear may prove to be overwhelming. A classic example is "…Dad gets a promotion but has to move to another state, Mom calls----let’s say----a Florida moving company and the children will be rooted off school. Initially, the response would reflect unwillingness with a little agitation on the side (especially if your children are teens). Honestly, I wouldn’t blame the children if they’ll react belligerently. It is but normal. If I were asked to leave school in the middle of the academic year---my parents will certainly hear from me. I hate to be the antagonist of the story, actually, I’m not. In my POV, I’m the protagonist, of course. But somewhere in my head, where my conscience hides, I’m feeling that I don’t want to be the one who’ll ruin his career. One must realize that each member of the family will have to leave something behind---it is inevitable. From friends to enemies and everyone in between, all will be left---but not forgotten. Remember that you still have with you the memories that represent the same. Transition would be hard, but don’t fret, you have your family to support you all the way. In addition, you can always contact your friends through your mobile phone or the internet. Think of it as an adventure, a new chapter of your life. For the parents, please be supportive of your children. Help them adjust and settle in.

The scenario cited above is the most common reaction one will experience with regard moving and relocating. Though this is only half the battle. Note that I mentioned two factors, emotionally and physically. The former was already discussed in the preceding paragraph, now let’s go to the next.

Long distance moving services---some people don’t really bother hiring said services for a couple of reasons: one would be that they don’t trust the moving and storage company and the second would be that they don’t have sufficient cash to fund the same. More often than not, it’s the former. Imagine hiring a moving company to deliver your precious vehicle and upon inspection, you noticed a new paint job, I mean scratch job. Ballistic mode, anyone? Even for items like antique chinaware and figurine, if these are not properly boxed, said items would be transformed and delivered in a new form, a jigsaw form. How about getting your packages a day after the intended date. These are just a few of the horrors people encounter with truck moving services.

Now, how can one avoid these dreadful circumstances? These are the points that need be considered. Find a respected moving company, be it through the internet or through word of mouth. Trust referrals from family members, neighbors and associations. Also, make sure that the company is licensed, bonded and insured. These words reassure almost anyone who wants to get a particular service done. If you’ll be using the internet, I recommend that you narrow your searches. Don’t hire the first site that pops out of the search engine if you have yet to canvass around. To narrow down your searches, first make a list of companies with their contact info. Take your time and call them. Ask for estimates and packages. Will they provide free quotation? How about their track record, is it good? Do they guarantee anything? What if an accident happens, what would be the recourse of the client---if there were any? Ask these questions, if the company answers negatively then drop them and move on to the next. This will certainly cut your list down to size. When it comes to rate, the most expensive does not equate to the highest quality of service and vice versa. Bear in mind that the quotation is just an estimate. One can easily bring the cost down through constant haggling. Once you have reached an agreement, ask that all arrangements be put into writing.

Now, it’s time to pack. Purchase materials like sturdy boxes, adhesives, bubble wraps and those little peanut cushions. Remember to label your boxes. Put the chinaware atop of the box containing the magazines or books---not the other way around. Use extra clothes, socks, or other fabrics for additional protection or padding around fragile items. And before leaving, do inventory---just to make sure everything is all boxed up.

Though few, I hope these tips will help you have a stress free moving experience. You do not want to leave your home and your friends with the gloom and doom attitude, right? So I suggest you lift you head and view this as an adventure, a new chapter in the book that is your life.