Last week this column addressed the ways a move can affect schedules, changes and people’s emotions. This week I will talk about how to make a move as effective and stress-free as possible.

When you know a move is imminent, sit down with a paper and pen and outline a plan. Making the move is like eating the proverbial elephant, and it must be taken a bite at a time. Obviously, everything must be handled in accordance with time requirements. Identify particular needs and specific concerns. The Home Buyer’s Kit provides an excellent checklist for moving.

Several weeks in advance, assess current living accommodations and remove unnecessary and unwanted items from the attic, basement, closets and storage areas. Use up items that can’t be moved such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies. Start an inventory of possessions. Make a value and use assessment. In other words, determine what the item means to you, how long it has been since it was used and when you expect to use it. Can you eliminate possessions? Can you give things to a local charity?

If the move is job-related, check with your employer about cost reimbursements and trip procedures. Check with insurance providers and find out if the move is covered and if there are any guidelines to assure coverage and compliance. Establish a file for important documents that need to be moved and separate out those that may be needed during the move.

Check with the school at your destination to assure you have what will be required upon your arrival in order to get your children properly enrolled. Check with the IRS and/or your tax counselor about expense items that are tax deductible.

Inform family, friends, business contacts, creditors, publications and any other associations with whom you will have carry-over activity. Notify the postal service of your change of address. Make arrangements with utility providers for timely disconnects and deposit refunds. Also, don’t forget to give cancellation notices on homeowner’s insurance when the time is right, and obtain a refund when applicable.

What may be right for one may not be good for another; there are obviously variables that must be entertained. But there are usually similar tasks associated with any move that, when adequately addressed, will greatly reduce anxiety, prevent chaos and promote moving magic.

St. George Realtor Jim Coleman is an associate broker and partner/owner of ERA Brokers Consolidated. He specializes in residential, investment and commercial real estate. You can contact him via e-mail at jim@realtorjimc.com. Call (435) 674-0600 or write Jim Coleman, 201 E. St. George Blvd., St. George, UT 84770. This and other columns are available at www.realtorjimc.com/articles.