Reducing Relocation Stress

Order a telephone directory from your new area

It can be ordered through your local telephone company. If your spouse or you are giving up a job, a head start can be made setting up interviews with local companies or employment agencies. Professional organizations can be contacted for membership information. Retailers can be identified. Professional services can be located.

Order the local newspaper

The current events will give you an idea as to what's happening in your new city. Also, the local advertising can help you get acclimated.

Talk to your company's human resources relocation department

Find out what the relocations services and policies are. Assistance varies from company to company, but you'll find some type of help including spouse relocation services.

Get your directories — Professional, Alumni and Fraternal

Look for people in your new area. Call and try to get answers to those questions that are really bothering you.

Have a detailed street map and study the roads to shopping areas and schools

There's nothing worse than feeling totally lost in a new city. When you arrive, drive around to get acquainted.

Allow yourself time to get settled and meet the neighbors before you start work

Also, if you move during the summer months, your children will be able to meet new friends before school starts. The first day of school will be easier if they know somebody.

Remember, the move may also create feelings of stress in your children

Be sure to talk to them about the move and include them in the moving process. Listen to their ideas as to how to decorate their new room. They're people, too, and may feel that they have no control over what's happening to them. Go out of your way to give them some sense of control.

Contact the local school board for information about the school

Arrange a meeting with the homeroom teacher and your children. Conduct a trial run from the school's entrance to the homeroom. That way your children wil feel more at home on the first day.

Relax and start enjoying your new surroundings

One day soon, you'll look back and wonder what you were so nervous about. After all, six million Americans change homes each year.