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Depending upon the size and age of the family and the distance between the old and new homes, preparing your family to move to a new home may be easy or difficult. Small children may become excited and hyperactive one moment as they see the positive side of the move, but withdrawn and tearful the next on realizing that something might never be seen again. Older children might sulk or become angry at having to leave close friends, but might be looking forward to a fresh start and making new ones. Adults tend to be less dramatic when dealing with a move, but can still feel emotional and often become upset or stressed. Pets can be the most difficult of all family members to handle during a move. As well as the emotional side to moving, there are many practical matters to consider also. Careful planning is essential and checklists advisable.

Adults need to consider such practicalities as how much time they have for the actual moving and to settle in once moved, before returning to their everyday life. Some may only have a half-day to fit everything into, whilst others might have a week or two of vacation from work or be between jobs. The adults also are generally the ones responsible for hiring a removalist or arranging to rent a vehicle with which to DIY. This should be organized at least a week in advance to avoid any last minute panic situations if the chosen company is booked or otherwise unable to assist.

Packing the contents of one home into boxes ready to transport and install into the new home can be somewhat tiring and emotional. Some people prefer to have a professional removalist do this for them in order to escape the stress involved, whilst others insist on doing it themselves. Whilst it can all be done on the actual day, most people prefer to pack at least half of their belongings in advance so as not to be too rushed on the actual moving day.

Adults additionally have such matters to attend to as informing the telephone, electricity, gas, water, council, etc of their intention to move, and of contacting these institutions in their new area also, unless moving locally where a change of address notification is all that is required. A mail redirection form from the Post Office can ensure your mail successfully ends up at the right destination, though a simple note-card or email should be sent to as many family and friends as possible in advance to inform them of your new address.

Other matters that adults may need to consider if moving long distance include

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