Considering Moving? As I have mentioned many times in previous posts, the key to a successful move is how one is embraced within their new community.  Vermont’s new program, called Stay to Stay seems to capture this concept and take it further.

As a way to attract potential employees and residents to address its declining population, Vermont has initiated a pilot program.  This unique program offers an engaged experience to those interested.  Attendees are given a tour, partnered with residents and introduced to potential employers.  This allows those who are considering a move to Vermont a chance to fully engage and experience what Vermont has to offer.  This pilot program is getting positive feedback and is proving successful in attracting talent.  Communities, who are looking at creative ways to attract new residents may consider implementing such a program.  Any of you considering a move to Vermont?  Check it out.

Aid for HomeAid.  Sometimes you come across an amazing organization of which you have to support.  This is the case with HomeAid.  Their incredible story began out of a passion to help the homeless. This national organization partners with builders to build and maintain homes for those homeless or at risk of being homeless.  They do this entirely through private donations and in-kind contributions.

Moving is stressful.  However, having to move because you can’t afford where you are living and have no where to go is a crisis.  Unfortunately, there are too many in our country facing this harsh reality.  As the holiday season approaches, we should be grateful for the blessings we have been given, whilst helping those in need as best we can.

So here’s how you can help.

• Make a donation to HomeAid.
• Participate in the home care kits and diaper drives that they hold through out the year.
• In you’re in Denver, join us for a New Year’s Eve Celebration to remember.  Proceeds benefit HomeAid.

Happy Thanksgiving! The holiday in which we all enjoy food, friendship and family. It is a day we take time to appreciate everything that is important in our lives.  I am grateful for all of you and my beautiful boys, friends and family.

For those of you who are in the midst of a move, keep in mind that it is temporary.  Put off all of the holiday traditions until next year and appreciate something different.  A store-bought meal, a friend’s invitation, dining out offers stress-free alternatives.  Welcome a brief break and enjoy something new.

All the best!  Enjoy your holiday!

Moving? Evaluate your insurance coverage. Often times insurance is something you don’t think about until you need it.  When you are moving it is so important to protect your personal possessions

in case it is damaged, lost or stolen.  You don’t want to be left holding the bag after the fact.

While preparing for your move, make a call to your insurance agent and discuss your current coverage.  Whether you have homeowner or renter’s insurance you want to make sure your policy has provisions to cover your things at certain times of your move.  If you are having a professional mover move you, discuss with them your coverage options.  It is important to note that moving companies are required to take liability of the things they move.  However, there are only required to offer two levels of valuation coverage.

• Free – Released Value Protection.  This option is free.  However, the coverage is very limited since it covers approximately 60 cents per pound.  Therefore, you could be very disappointed if your designer couch is trashed.  So double check if this option will work for you.
• Cost – Full Value Protection.  This option offers the most comprehensive coverage of replacement value of a damaged item.  However, it comes at a cost so evaluate your options.

Before you move, definitely discuss your options.  Identify any high-valued inventory and catalog them.  Pictures go a long way.

Mitigating any gaps in coverage will make the difference. Hopefully, you will not even need it but it’s reassuring to know you are covered.

Moved with the kids? Now, it’s back to school for most of us.  However, if you have just recently moved with your kiddos, it may be a great time to check in and keep the lines of communication open.  A new school will pose some challenges for your kids to navigate.  They will be missing old friends and making new ones.  They will be learning how to fit into their new environment and understanding how everything works.  Keep in mind that kids, like adults handle stress differently.  One child may be quiet and the other may misbehave.  One may want lots of attention, while the other may want their space.  Age and experience will play a factor.  This is why it is so important to discuss their feelings and help them navigate the process.

Connecting with your kids will enable you to spot trouble in time. There are many ways to connect with your kiddos.  From family game night to journals (check out my Moving Journal for Kids) they all help you give an opportunity to communicate. If your child seems to be struggling, get help.  Moving is one of the top three most stressful life experiences along with death and divorce.  Therefore, it may make a greater impact on your child then you may have expected.  So check in.  Communicate.  Love on them.  This will strengthen your ties with your child and help them through the process or identify if they need help.  Remember the more positive and self-assured you are, your kids will feel more secure.  Use the opportunity of the move to bring your family together.

Moving in the city presents it’s own challenges.  I’ve been very fortunate to work with amazing clients across the country, but I love the city that never sleeps.  However, NYC and large cities like it present unique challenges, which make it even more imperative to hire a very good moving company.  Beyond the parking nightmare, the logistics of getting your things out of your flat require a well-orchestrated dance involving elevators, doormen, back entrances, gates, stairs and alleys.  Therefore, before you hire your mover in the city, take the time to get acquainted with the ‘back of the building’.  Ask your super for a quick tour.  Get to know where the service entrance is located.  Notice any obstacles that may get in the way.  Ask about elevator use.  These details may seem insignificant but will prove to be extremely valuable when interviewing potential movers.  Sometimes recommendations may not prove to be accurate because there are varying frames of reference.  If a mover is good at shuttling small deliveries the city, they may not be equipped to handle a full blown residential move.  Therefore, targeted questions concerning your needs will go a long way.  A good mover will be able to answer your questions and be able to provide solid recommendations that best meet your needs.

Keep in mind, if you choose to use a portable storage unit in the city,  you will have a very small window to empty it’s contents so make sure you are prepared to take delivery.

Moving? Put together a plan of action.  The minute I am hired as a moving concierge, I put together a plan of action based on my clients needs, budget and timeline.  This is the ‘map’ that will help guide you through the process.  Moving is stressful enough and any tool that can help alleviate this stress is critical.  Remember, every move will have a different plan of action, but the core tasks remain the same.  For example:

• Selling/Buying/Renting a Home.  What you are doing will determine your budget, time line and resources you need.
• Utilities. Determine whether you are transferring or terminating service.
• Downsizing/Donating/Selling.  Planning early will help you be proactive.  I encourage my clients to part with things they no longer use, need or will translate into their new home.  You want to avoid paying to move things you will never use in your new place or worse, have to pay to store them.
• Services.  Identify all of the service you currently use from doctors, dentists, vets, dry cleaners, post boxes and anything else that applies to you and your family. Make sure to tie up loose ends before the actual move date.
• Packing and Moving. Your budget will be the driver for what you can do for your move.  Once you have established what you can afford, you can then start to plan your move.  If your budget is tight, you may want to do a ‘hybrid’.  By ‘hybrid’, I mean a combination of do-it-yourself and hiring moving resources to help with the larger more cumbersome items.  Keep in mind, you can hire folks to do the heavy lifting for you so you can save your back.
• Moving for Work? If you are on an employment relocation, your employer may cover some or all of the costs involved to relocate you.  Your human resources representative will be able to explain your eligibility.  If you are relocating for employment but your employer does not offer any relocation assistance, you may be eligible to deduct these expenses on your taxes, so keep your receipts and consult your accountant.
• Family.  This is the most important and subjective.  Moving is stressful so keeping the lines of communication open helps tremendously.  Have a family meeting.  Check in with the kiddos and spouse/partner.  It is hard to juggle all the tasks at hand, but critical to make time for all those involved to ensure a successful transition for everyone.

These are just a few core components that can help you put together your plan of action.  The most important to keep in mind as we embark on peak moving season, is to start early.  The earlier you begin the process, the more proactive you will be and it will help save you money and frustration.

Moved last year for work?  A tax deduction may be available to you.  With the start of tax season around the corner, this may offer you a significant deduction.  The IRS allows you to deduct moving expenses, if you meet these requirements:

• Your move is close to your start date for work.
• Your former home was at least 50 miles away from your new job.
• You must be a full-time employee of at least 39 hours a week.

If you are a member of the Armed Forces and moved because of a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) or military order, you do not have to meet the distance or time requirements.

So, dig out those receipts when you are preparing your taxes or meeting with your accountant.  If your company paid for a portion of the relocation, you may not be eligible for the deduction.  However, that will be question for a CPA.

Here are some links to some great resources:

Moving Requirements from the IRS 

Detailed Description of Moving Requirements from the IRS

Form 3903

Form 1040

Moving checklist for divorce.  With the start of the New Year, unfortunately I have been called to help some folks navigate a move because of a divorce.  It is definitely not the start these beautiful people anticipated, but it is what it is.  Therefore, I thought this post was rather timely.

Moving and divorce. Two of life’s most stressful experiences combined to wreak havoc on your life.  I know, because this turmoil is fresh in my memory.  Based on my experience, I have put together a checklist to help those in the midst of this hell, navigate.  Keep in mind that above all, it is pivotal to follow your court orders and advice from counsel.  This is just a reference guide to help you navigate your current situation.

Medical
Depending on what you have agreed with your soon-to-be ex, keep in mind that you will want to have your own health records.
Prescriptions
Health insurance coverage
Health records
Therapist records

Clothing
You may want to take the opportunity to downsize. Consigning and donating work well. Go through your closets and audit them while packing.

Jewelry
Again, refer to your court orders. Keep in mind that whatever jewelry you have that is insured under a rider on your homeowner’s insurance will have to be evaluated. If you are selling the marital home, you will need to investigate other insurance options.

Valuables
Depending on what your court orders specify, you may need to have your things valued in order to divide them properly. If that is the case, an agreed representative will come and assess your belongings, like art, jewelry, dishes, appliances and furnishings. This will help assess a value to them so that your marital assets can be divided accordingly.

Personal
In the flurry of activity, it is easy to overlook the little things. Keep these in mind:
Dry cleaning
Prescription pick-up
Safety deposit boxes
Returns/Gifts/Gift cards
P.O. Boxes
Passports
Birth Certificates
Social Security Cards
Wills
Life Insurance
Photos/Memorabilia
These are very personal and pose the most difficulty. Depending on the relationship with your soon-to-be ex, you may want to schedule time to go through them. If the situation is not as amicable as it could be, you may need to just schedule time on your own to go through what is important to you. You may want to agree to make copies of certain things to keep the peace. Sentimental things are the most difficult to handle. Items like Christmas ornaments, baby books, kid’s art work will be surprisingly challenging to get through.

Children’s things
Again, you will need to refer to your court orders and custody arrangement. Here are some tips to handle the children’s things. As always, the priority should be the comfort of the child.

• Health records and insurance cards should be copied for both parents.
• School records and contact information should be updated with the school.
• Birth certificates and social security cards should be copied and with both parents.
• It should be agreed among the parents on who should be the custodian of the passports.
• Prescriptions will need to be accessed by both parents

If it is possible, have a family meeting with the children. This will help them feel apart of the process. Ask them what things they want at each parent’s home. Remember as much as it is difficult for you, it will be difficult for them. Therefore, the more open you are to communicate, the better it will be for the entire family.

Utilities
Depending on whether the marital home is sold or if a spouse will remain in it with the kids, utilities will have to be addressed. Depending on your court orders, you will have to either terminate or transfer services. Make sure to follow these carefully.

Pet
If you have a pet, you will have to follow the court orders. If there is a custody arrangement, make sure that your ex has copies and access to the following:
Vet records
Shot records
Pet sitter/Vet contact information
Pet insurance information if applicable
Pet day care

Financials
Again, it is pivotal to follow your court orders. However, here are some tips to keep in mind:
These assets will be addressed and the court orders followed:
Bank accounts/statements
Retirement accounts/statements
Credit card accounts/statements
Taxes
Stocks/Bonds/Annuities
Trusts
If you can scan these records electronically, it will help to provide copies to both parties for future reference.

Be mindful that you will be held responsible for your actions.  Divorce is a very traumatic experience and thoughts that you did not think you were capable of having will cross your mind.  Hurt, anger, frustration and a flood of other emotions will fill you and you will need to have someone to keep you on track.  If you have any doubt, clarify them with legal counsel before taking action.

Moving during the holidays can be a big challenge.  Moving and the holidays are stressful enough on their own,  let alone when you combine them.  Not to fear.  There are several things you can do to lessen the load and make it easier on you and your family.  Preparation and planning are key.  These are my suggestions:

1. Family Meeting.  The minute you find out you are moving, sit down and have a family meeting.  Discuss with your family the timing of the move and what needs to happen.  As apart of this conversation, itemize important holiday family traditions.  Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanza, Christmas or anything in between, find out what is most important to you and your family and make that a priority.  Keep the few special traditions that you have agreed upon and let the rest go.  Remind yourself that you will have opportunities to celebrate everything in your new place.
2.  Set aside.  As you pack, set aside holiday items that you use to celebrate those special traditions.  Keep them with your temporary living needs.  This will help to bring those family traditions to you and your family in your transitional place.  It will bring comfort and joy to you during the holidays.
3. Social Media.  In this day of instant communication, social media will work to your advantage.  No holiday cards needed.  Use social media to communicate to your family and friends your situation.  This will manage expectations for your family and friends.  They will understand that you are in transition and not to expect your holiday cards or famous baked treat.
4. Mail.  Mail is an important factor in any move but it is pivotal during the holidays.  Grandma may not be on social media and still send you your favorite fruitcake in the mail that you don’t want to miss.  That’s not my fav but I digress.  Irrespective, the point is you still want to ensure your mail, especially those presents from family and friends are not lost.  There are many options USPS offers to you, from holding your mail to forwarding it to a post office box or your new address.  For further information, please read this post on forwarding your mail to a post office box.
5. Food.  Food is always a central part of celebrating a holiday.  Find out what will work best for you and your family during this transition.  It may be doing something completely different like having Christmas Eve dinner at a Chinese restaurant or buying a pre-made meal from a grocery store.  Embrace the change and see it as creating a memory for you and your family.
6. Grace.  Moving is stressful.  The holidays are stressful.  The last thing you need is to crumble like a Christmas cookie and get sick.  Therefore, give yourself grace.  Itemize the big stuff and make sure those get done.  Somethings will get overlooked.  Consider this a unique adventure shared with your family.  As long as you and your family work together and share in essence of your holiday, that’s the good stuff.  See this as an opportunity to create memories that you and your family will not forget.