Relocating is full of surprises but with a relocation plan the surprises will not turn into disasters.

Moving is a big job, but by taking it one step at a time, it can become manageable, even smooth. First thing, don't procrastinate. If you wait until the last minute small things missed or done poorly can derail the whole relocation. Plan everything well in advance, be flexible, and your adventure in moving will be a positive one.

Create a flexible relocation calendar on each event required for the move. No item should be too small to include in the calendar. Allow some wiggle room and be realistic as to the amount of time required for each item. Obviously, the amount of stuff being moved or sold, the distance, the size of the family, if you're selling and buying, all factor into your plan.

Start by becoming informed. Create a series of files (Expenses, New Area, Real Estate, Movers, Realtors, Taxes, Utilities, etc.) for each important area of the move. Relocating can create changes on your next tax return. Visit the IRS website for information on moving related expenses.

There will be a wealth of information to be found regarding your new community. The local Chamber of Commerce or the city and county government will have relocation packets. When they arrive, read them over to find other subjects to explore. The local newspaper will have a website. If possible consider ordering the newspaper. It can provide you with a wealth of local information.

From the relocation packets, you can start researching for example, local school districts. They will also have websites with additional information.

Relocation is an exciting time and a great opportunity. If you've lived in the same home for any length of time you've accumulated a lot of stuff. Now is the ideal time to take another look at each item and make one of three decisions: Move, Sell/Donate or throw in the dumpster.

Remember, the cost of moving is by volume and weight and distance. You can control the volume and weight. Do you really need to move the swing set the kids have outgrown? Or the 20 year old refrigerator in you garage you use to keep beverages cold? Or the scratched and dented bedroom dresser that you bought at a garage sale? Or the heavy tube TV that's been replaced with a sleek light weight HD model?

So moving may be the perfect time to reset your priorities, unclutter your house and to a degree simplify your life.

Also, start using up the chemicals, eat the frozen food and food in glass jars. You might consider throwing away many of the almost empty spice containers. Live plants can only be moved in your car so you might consider giving them away.

Everything of value: like photos, home videos, insurance and financial records, computer CD's of backup material, legal documents and other important papers can be carried with you. If too bulky, you might consider using insured or certified mail or insured package express.

Finally, make up a "move in" kit. Everything you'll need right away to get started in your new home. Include all the tools necessary to put the furniture and beds back together. All the relocation files you developed when you started the moving adventure will be included. Add a flashlight and batteries. Add a list of things to buy at the local Wal-Mart before you go to your new home. Things like paper plates, coffee cups, paper towels, plastic forks, spoons and knives, dish soap, trash bags, wash cloths, toilet paper, coffee, tea and other beverages. You can add to the list as you think of things you might need to get started before everything is unpacked.

With this outline you'll be well on your way to a smooth move. A relocation that you'll remember as one with challenges but overall your detailed plan made the road ahead a smoother journey.

John Groth is a Relocation Specialist. Go to Relocation and Moving Ideas and find valuable resources, a free money saving relocation guide and informative articles about business and individual moving and relocation. For a Smooth Move we have all the information to help you in planning your move.