Using a realtor and using our tips will help reduce the stress of moving.

So you’re planning to relocate to another area — very exciting! Unfortunately, these days you can’t just pack up the car and take off. You will need to settle all of your old business before starting fresh in a new community. Here are a few simple steps you can take to make starting a new life a bit easier.

CONTACT YOUR BANK

Of course, you will want to arrange the transfer of your accounts to your new area — plan to do this at least one month before your planned move date. This kind of transfer is easy if you are simply switching branches. But you might be moving to a different city or state where your bank doesn’t exist. Go ahead and open your new account and order checks with your new address — but don’t close out the old account until all of your checks have cleared (or leave enough in the account to cover all outstanding checks, if you trust your bookkeeping!) And be sure to transfer the contents of your safety deposit box to your new bank.

SUBMIT CHANGE-OF-ADDRESS

The easiest way to do this is to pick up a change of address packet at the post office. This will include a form that you turn back in to your postmaster — allow at least 30 days for the change to go into affect. If each member of your household shares the same last name, you can simply fill out one form for the entire family. But if your household contains several different last names, fill out a separate form for each person. You should also send out post cards to your friends, family, and creditors — you can either have cards custom-printed or use the ones in your change of address packet. And if you leave someone off of the list, don’t worry. The postal service will generally continue to forward your mail for 12 months after you change your address (6 months for periodicals). So if you receive any items bearing the yellow “forwarding sticker,” you know to let the sender know of your new address.

TRANSFER IMPORTANT RECORDS

It’s crucial that your family’s history follow you to your new home. A delay in transferring vital records can cause innumerable delays as you try to establish yourself in a new community. If you have students in your household, you will want to contact their current schools and arrange for a transfer of student records. Also send a letter to each of your family’s doctors — general practitioners, specialists, dentists, chiropractors, etc. — and ask for your medical records. If you already have a new physician picked out, have the records sent directly to your new doctor’s office. If not, ask your current physician for some referrals in your new community. And don’t forget to change your insurance policies — property, auto, and medical. This means not only changing your mailing address, but also adjusting your coverage and premiums as necessary. Also talk to your agent about any additional coverage you might need for the move itself.

ORGANIZE ALL IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS IN A FIRE-SAFE BOX

What happens if disaster strikes while you are en route to your new home? Moving is a time of great vulnerability — all your most important papers and prized possessions are packed in boxes and sitting in a truck for days or even weeks at a time. Do yourself a favor as you pack — take a moment to separate out any documents whose loss would cause you INCONVENIENCE during your move. These include:

- school records / pet documents

- home purchase / sale papers

- wills / marriage / divorce papers

- financial records / stock certificates

- credit card records / banking records / tax returns

- birth certificates / social security cards / passports

- moving contract / household inventory

- insurance policies (life / property / medical / auto)

These items should be stored in a small fire-proof box with a lock — which stays with you at all times. Whether you ride in the moving truck or a separate car or take a plane to your new home, keep this box in your carry-on luggage.

GIVE NOTICES OF CANCELLATION OR RESIGNATION

In the rush of getting out the door, we often forget the most obvious details. Think about all of the people who provide you a regular service — cleaning, lawn care, deliveries, child care — let these folks know that you are moving and won’t need their services any longer. Give proper notice of resignation to any clubs, organizations, or volunteer activities with which you are involved. And cancel local newspaper subscriptions. And, of course, arrange for the disconnection or changeover of your utilities (at least 2 weeks ahead of your move).

TIE UP ANY LOOSE ENDS

Moving is the perfect time to take care of all those little “chores” you’ve been meaning to do but never got around to. Clean out any club, gym, or school lockers. Retrieve and return all borrowed items from friends and neighbors. Pick up your dry cleaning and return those old library books. Then, make a promise to yourself that you won’t pack anything on the truck that isn’t in working order and doesn’t serve a purpose in your life. Take items in for cleaning or repair. Clean Out anything that you haven’t used in the last year. Finish up outstanding projects, or just let them go. Don’t take a lot of unnecessary baggage to your new home.

LEARN ABOUT YOUR NEW NEIGHBORHOOD

Finally, take a few minutes to research your new community before you hit the road. You can contact the local Chamber Of Commerce, look around on the internet, or have the Welcome Wagon send you a packet of information. You will probably want to find out about:

- recreational activities and community events

- schools and child care

- churches in your neighborhood

- restaurants, theaters, museums, zoos, and other cultural activities

- professional and employment opportunities

Be sure to also ask for maps of your new community. You might even plan an extended trip to your new neighborhood, to help you get your bearings and become familiar with the amenities. With a little pre-planning, you can feel right at home from the moment you move in!

**************************************************************
Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com — offering “a world of organizing solutions!” Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau — and even get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you. And if you are interested in becoming a Professional Organizer, we have all the tools you need to succeed. (Copyright Ramona Creel)
**************************************************************

Why are we so afraid to tell people “no”? For some reason, we have been taught that “no” is DISRESPECTFUL — and even insulting. We seem to value other people’s time more than our own — feeling that we need to bend over backward to accommodate others, even if it inconveniences us. I know we’re atoning for the “me” 1980’s, but let’s be reasonable! “No” is actually one of the healthiest words that can come out of your mouth. When you tell someone “no,” you are really saying that you understand and accept your own LIMITS, and don’t want to do a shoddy job by overwhelming yourself. That you value your time and priorities and aren’t willing to take away from the truly important things in your life. A little selfishness is necessary, if you want to maintain a balanced and sane life!

So how do you say “no” without insulting the other person, feeling consumed with guilt, or hurting your own credibility? We need to find a way to say “no” without dragging up all of those HIDDEN FEARS — they’ll think I’m lazy or selfish, that I have no career drive, that I’m not ambitious, that I have no concern for other people. And it’s time to give up all of those roles you’re so proud of — supermom, martyr, hero — but are keeping you from finding true peace. Once you’ve accepted that you have the right (and often responsibility) to turn someone down, you can do it in a way that doesn’t seem like a REJECTION. Let me show you how:

“I CAN’T RIGHT NOW, BUT I CAN DO IT LATER”

If you really want to help the person but don’t have time now, tell them so. Offer a later time or date — if they can’t wait for you they will find someone else.

“I’M REALLY NOT THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON FOR THE JOB”

If you don’t feel that you have adequate skills to take on a task, that’s okay. It’s better to admit your limitations up front than feel overwhelmed down the road.

“I JUST DON’T HAVE ANY ROOM IN MY CALENDAR RIGHT NOW”

Be honest if your schedule is filled — and “filled” doesn’t have to mean really FILLED! It just means you have scheduled as much as you are willing and you’re stopping.

“I CAN’T, BUT LET ME GIVE YOU THE NAME OF SOMEONE WHO CAN”

If you aren’t available to help out, offer another qualified resource. Professionals do this all the time when they refer a client to a colleague.

“I HAVE ANOTHER COMMITMENT”

And it doesn’t matter what that commitment is. It could be a meeting or a dentist appointment or a day in the park with your kid. The point is, you aren’t available.

“I’M IN THE MIDDLE OF SEVERAL PROJECTS AND CAN’T SPARE THE TIME”

Let people know when you have already accepted other responsibilities — no one is going to fault you for having already filled your plate.

“I’VE HAD A FEW THINGS COME UP AND I NEED TO DEAL WITH THOSE FIRST”

Unexpected things happen that throw your schedule off — it happens. So accept that you may need to make a few adjustments until your life stabilizes again.

“I WOULD RATHER DECLINE THAN END UP DOING A MEDIOCRE JOB”

Knowing that you aren’t able to deliver a quality product — for whatever reason — is reason enough for turning a request down.

“I’M REALLY FOCUSING MORE ON MY PERSONAL AND FAMILY LIFE RIGHT NOW”

People act ashamed of wanting to spend time with their families — like it means they don’t have goals. Having a strong family is a goal in and of itself!

“I’M REALLY FOCUSING MORE ON MY CAREER RIGHT NOW”

The reverse is true also — you may have to give up some civic or community duties to focus your energies on a work-related task (and that’s fine, too!)

“I REALLY DON’T ENJOY THAT KIND OF WORK”

Who said you were supposed to enjoy your chores and assignments?! Well, if you don’t enjoy them, why do them? Life isn’t about drudgery and boredom.

“I CAN’T, BUT I’M HAPPY TO HELP OUT WITH ANOTHER TASK”

If someone asks you to do something you really despise, refuse — but then offer to help with something you find more enjoyable or stimulating.

“I’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST THAT THIS REALLY ISN’T MY STRONG SUIT”

Another way of admitting your limitations. Did you know that actually makes you stronger? Knowing what you can handle and what you can’t is a tremendous talent!

“I’M SURE YOU WILL DO A WONDERFUL JOB ON YOUR OWN”

Many times, people ask for help because they doubt their own abilities. Let the other person know that you have confidence that they will succeed.

“I DON’T HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE WITH THAT, SO I CAN’T HELP YOU”

Volunteering to help out shouldn’t mean that you have to learn an entirely new set of skills. Offer to help out with something you already know how to do.

“I’M NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THAT”

You might be uncomfortable with the people involved, the type of work, the moral implications — this is a very respectful way to avoid a sticky situation.

“I HATE TO SPLIT MY ATTENTION AMONG TOO MANY PROJECTS”

Let people know that you want to do a good job for them — but that you can’t when your focus is too divided or splintered.

“I’M COMMITTED TO LEAVING SOME TIME FOR MYSELF IN MY SCHEDULE”

Selfish, selfish, selfish! But in a good way! Treat your personal time like any other appointment — block it off in your calendar and guard it with your life!

“I’M NOT TAKING ON ANY NEW PROJECTS RIGHT NOW”

You aren’t saying that you will never help out again — just that you feel your schedule is as full as you would like right now.

“NO”

Sometimes it’s okay just to say no! Just make sure that you say it in a way that expresses respect and courtesy — that leaves the door open for good relations.

********************************************************************

Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com — offering “a world of organizing solutions!” Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau — and even get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you. And if you are interested in becoming a Professional Organizer, we have all the tools you need to succeed. (Copyright Ramona Creel).

********************************************************************

“Delegation can be a tricky business. You don’t want to simply “dump” distasteful work on someone else — but you need to make sure the job gets done, and it doesn’t need to be done by you. And delegating can become a particularly sensitive issues when it is latera; — asking a fellow colleague, freelance consultant, colleague, family member, or friend for help. But by approaching delegation in the right way — with a formalized agreement about your goals and how the project should proceed — you can make the experience enjoyable for both parties:

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

When delegating a job to someone else, keep in mind the person’s talents, area of specialization, and schedule. Make sure you are delegating to someone who can successfully complete the task at hand. Handing a job off to someone who is missing a key ingredient — time, skills, resources, experience, or willingness — will only frustrate you both.

THE LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR

The quickest way to turn someone off to a delegated job is to give that person an assignment that is substantially below his or her skill level. Delegate a project to the most junior person who is capable of successfully completing the job. Besides, it’s silly to waste $30 an hour on an administrative assistant when a $10 an hour temp could complete the work.

USE DELEGATION AS A TOOL

Delegate interesting projects in addition to drudgery. You will wear your team members out if you only give them the “dregs.” You want delegation to serve as an opportunity to help the other person grow and expand their skills, as well as a way for you to get menial chores done. And if you challenge your delegees today, you’ll be able to give them more difficult assignments in the future (without worrying that they will be overburdened!)

KEEP A DELEGATION LOG

There’s nothing more frustrating than handing a job over to someone and forgetting that you delegated it, or WHEN you delegated it, or when it was DUE BACK to you. Keep track of what projects you give to whom. You don’t want to wake up at 3AM thinking, “Oh no — did I ask my web master to update my newsletter yet, or not?” We all suffer from mid-life Alzheimer’s at times, so write it down!

TELL THEM WHEN YOU WANT IT

Don’t ever hand a job off with the instructions, “I need this back when you finish.” Give your delegees a firm deadline along with the assignment. Although the ultimate responsibility for completion of the job lies with you, you don’t want to waste all of your time chasing after someone saying, “When will you be done?”

BREAK IT INTO CHUNKS

Since the ultimate responsibility for completing a delegated project does lie with you, it’s not always the best policy to wait until two days before the deadline to see what kind of progress your assistant is making. Set milestones or sub-deadlines for completing sections of the project. When you break a job up into smaller “bite-sized” pieces, it’s much easier for the delegee to handle. Also, you have set up a series of natural follow-up points throughout the project. Instead of showing up the day of the final deadline, you can check in with your team member at each sub-deadline for a status report.

HAVE THEM CHECK IN

You should not have to guess how far along a delegee is in a project, at any point in the process. Ask your people REPORT their progress at regular intervals — these milestones are the perfect excuse for a meeting or written report. This allows you to discuss any problems the person has run into, any additional resources he/she might need, and make any adjustments to your project schedule.

AGREE UPON A GOAL

Similarly, you shouldn’t have to guess what kind of a finished product your assistant will hand you when the final deadline comes around. Communicate what end result you expect before you delegate the job. That might seem obvious, but few people do this thoroughly enough. Give your helpers enough to go on so they don’t have to keep coming back and asking you for more information every step of the way. The whole point behind delegation is to save you time — and that doesn’t happen if you’re always on the phone or in meetings clarifying requests.

LET THEM LOOSE

Once you feel the person has a firm grasp on the expected end result, allow your delegee enough freedom to decide HOW to accomplish the job. Delegation is not about “micro-managing” — it’s about letting go of a job you didn’t need to do in the first place. And as long as it gets done, who cares how it was accomplished? As long as you don’t get arrested, you’re fine!

A PAT ON THE BACK

Give credit where credit is due! No one likes to work hard on a job for someone else and receive none of the glory. And your delegees will work harder for you in the long run if you give them a bit of praise.”

**************************************************************

Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com — offering “a world of organizing solutions!” Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau — and even get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you. And if you are interested in becoming a Professional Organizer, we have all the tools you need to succeed. (Copyright Ramona Creel)

**************************************************************