A happy move Everything you need to know before and after the boxes are packed

Lest readers think this book's title is impossible enough to make it an oxymoron, there's so much common sense packed into these pages by Jacobs (who moved 29 times in a 40-year span) and professional writer Elders, they almost do the work for you. Particularly helpful are the blank templates they pull together about services for shutoff/connection, notifications, and important papers, among other to-dos. The authors especially offer help to renters, alerting people to scams, lease "out" clauses, needed references, and the forever issue of pets. The chapters on military and international moves, which come with specific information, papers, and rules/regulations, are particularly helpful. Think of this as the manual for newbie movers; after a few moves, the included lists and caveats will be automatically memorized. Includes resources, notes, and lots of lists that would-be movers will want to copy.

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.--Whitney Kramer