Relocation : Lower Stress

As moving time approaches, most internal stress meters start twitching around the time we have to figure out how many cartons it’s going to take. A cross-town move is one thing -- sometimes you can even handle it yourself (with the help of bribable friends and relatives, of course).

But suppose you have just accepted a new job promotion in New Bern or are being stationed at Cherry Point. Of course, you’re immediately excited by the adventurous prospect of the summer’s relocation. But suppose your new position is located in a new zip code – and maybe even a new state. Your move up the professional ladder could also mean spending a lot more time and money on the move itself…and once here, the demands of your new position will double your need to pay attention to your career.

Fear not: your Realtor has seen how clients achieve a smooth transition with a minimum of stress. And we are happy to share some of the strategies that work best:

1. Lighten the load. The more belongings you and your movers have to pack, carry, and unpack again, the more costly the move will be. You can significantly lower the cost by getting rid of all the possessions you no longer use on a regular basis (there are probably more than you think!). Hold a yard sale, donate to charity, or just give those items to friends and family. Realtors are forever advising clients to de-clutter, but this holds doubly true when you are relocating. When you’re done, you’ll feel like a huge burden has been lifted from your shoulders! Stress meter: down.

2. Plan in advance. Real estate agents and relocation pros will always stress advance planning. As soon as possible, sit down and list the steps you need to take, then put them in order. You will find this gives you more time to make decisions, and more time to shop (and save money). For example, if you are buying a New Bern home and are working under a strict deadline, you could back yourself into a hurried decision instead of allowing time for your agent to expose you to all the additional options. By planning ahead -- meeting with me as far in advance as possible -- you can allot enough time to establish a relationship that allows your agent to introduce the full range of neighborhood options. Stress meter: down.

3. Consider using professionals. Before dismissing the idea of hiring professional movers because of cost, spend a day obtaining estimates from at least two or three companies, then compare with do-it-yourself moving costs. Be sure to check with the HR Department at work or with your Command to explore the compensation that may be provided for your move. You can often obtain a binding estimate that is valid for about 60 days. Compare those figures with the cost of renting a truck, driving the distance, and hiring moving help on one or both ends. Hiring professionals is a one-time cost that will relieve you of the hassle – not to mention the emotional toll – at a time when your attention should be directed to your profession.  Stress meter: down. 

The move to a new town can be anywhere from nerve-jangling to serene. If your future could include relocating to New Bern / Cherry Point, please feel free to contact me for some practical local advice. We have many excellent neighborhoods here in our area that I’d love you to see!


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252 635 1100
Gary Barker
PO Box 513
Bridgeton, NC 28519