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It has been said that moving house is running a very close second behind divorce in regards to the level of stress it can unleash if your not organized. You really have to look at the move with the view of Murphy's Law, and for those that aren't familiar with this old adage, it basically means if something can go wrong, you can bet your sweet nether-parts, it will!

I must have been born with gypsy blood coursing through my veins because a large part of my life has been spent living in exotic locations around the globe, so you could say I have had my fair share of memorable moving experiences. Really I can't complain that much because I learned through trial and error very early on, that you have to cover all bases so the re-location doesn't turn into a monumental nightmare.

High on the agenda is finding the right forwarding company to deliver your belongings. If you are crossing borders then you need to know in detail what expenses, such as import duties or any restrictions that may apply to certain items, or extra hidden landing costs that you will be hit with, above and beyond what you have already paid before your goods leave home. Make sure your packing list relating to each box is in order so if customs decide to check what's inside box number three then it will coincide, minimizing chances of the onslaught of an instant migraine when you realize incorrect paperwork has caused a delay in the clearance and release of your possessions and no-one in their right mind wants to go down that road. Make sure all the freight documents are correct, all your homework is done and your satisfied that the company you are entrusting safe delivery of your precious possessions doesn't send them to Siberia instead of Singapore for example. This of course applies to re-locating pets as well. Make sure that they have the correct immunization shots including necessary validated documentation for transport and see a vet prior to departure as they can give you tips on how to ensure that "Fido" or "Snuggles" arrives safely and does not have to stay in quarantine for six months through an oversight.

On the home front it really starts with the wardrobe. You need to let your head rule your heart, not vis-a-vis. The words "ruthless" and "simplify", come to mind. If you haven't worn a particular item of clothing for a year or more, then now is the time to give it a kiss and part company. Moving long distances can be an expensive exercise, so you can turn your cast-offs into cash and

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