Everything you need to know before and after the boxes are packed.
Some facts about moving
Moving can be more stressful than a divorce or a death in the family.
It is rated in the top 10 stressors in life!
The average American moves more than 11 times in their lifetime
Every year 1 out of every 3 renters move in the US
40% of all moves in the US are work related
18% for military and government reasons
42% of all moves are for personal reasons
Most people move in the summer months making winter months cheaper to move
Almost 50% of moves are within the same state or city
On average 15.3 million American households move each year
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Reviews/Endorsements
From Library Journal
Moving expert Jacobs and documentary filmmaker Elders have assembled a comprehensive guide that covers everything readers need to know about planning, packing, and preparing to move homes. Jacobs has moved an astonishing 29 times in a 40-year period, so she’s well-qualified to guide readers through the entire process, with detailed checklists and fill-in-the-blank pages to help make any move less stressful and more organized. Every move is different, of course, but Jacobs and Elders have succeeded in making this book a useful resource for readers with a move in their future. They devote an entire section to special circumstances such as military and international moves. Most information in the book is common sense for readers with moving experience, so this title is most useful for those who have never undertaken a major relocation. Some sections read like advertisements for U-Haul and 1-800-PACK-RAT, which may deter some readers.
VERDICT This useful guide to moving is best for readers who’ve never planned a move before.
Reviewed by Whitney Kramer , Jan 01, 2024
From Readers’ Favorite
No matter what type of move or where, the task can be taxing, especially if you have accumulated a lot of stuff over the years. To make life easier, why not pick up a copy of A Happy Move: Everything You Need to Know Before and After the Boxes Are Packed by Devra Jacobs and Brit Elders and learn from the experiences of the authors on the methods and practices to use for a successful move. This guide will help you to navigate and organize the best way to move with minimal stress. There are tips for every type of move, from the military to abroad. Depending upon the situation or circumstances, from downsizing, job relocation, or moving an aging parent into the home, everything must be carefully planned and each step taken into consideration for optimal results. The authors put your mind at ease with this resource that takes you from thinking about the steps to take before you move, how to best prepare for the move, how to navigate during the move, and things to consider after the move. As an added feature after each chapter, there are tips from Devra, a checklist, and space to keep your moving notes for safekeeping. Having these resources all in one place is essential and beneficial for your move.
I found A Happy Move by Devra Jacobs and Brit Elders such an extensive resource that I wished I had a copy with me during my 10-15 moves over the years. I even saw some glimpses of things while reading this guide that will be instrumental for me soon when preparing for those long extended trips abroad. Prepping and planning for short trips or snowbirding for a few months requires some of the same types of processes. At the end of the day, a move is a move, whether it is for a short or long-term need. To help take some of the guesswork out of your moving experience, there is a plethora of resources in this guide to help you, from Landlord and Tenant Laws, how to check out your potential neighborhood, and moving pets to so much more. As an experienced mover, I highly recommend this book to help make the journey easier in your next move.
NetGalley
J. Kromrie (Reviewer)
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
A unique and extremely helpful book. I requested it as I just completed a move 2 1/2 hours away, and although I rented a truck and paid movers I wasn't ready. Turned into a disorganized MESS!
This book is SO HELPFUL and I will use it for my next move. One small criticism is that it is a bit family-focused, as it is just ME, I cannot delegate tasks to others, and that part made me feel a bit... Overlooked. I would suggest maybe in version two you could have a section for individual movers, and family movers, well or something - a small change would leave those of us doing it on our own feel more... Valid.ated, I guess.
Otherwise, this book covers every aspect of moving, and HELPS SO MUCH. DO NOT HESITATE, if you are moving, this is ESSENTIAL.
I just moved my sister a few weekends ago in DC- meaning my family and I were the packers – movers – and put away-ers!
Boy could she have used this book - she was NOT totally ready, and it was stressful.
Heather, Radio Show Producer
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