by Shelley Civkin Richmond Public Library

Don't move without this book

Do you ever get a feeling of comfort just knowing that there are 24-hour-a-day restaurants open, should you want to scarf down a beef dip and fries at 3:30 a.m.? I do.

Not that I ever go out to eat at that hour, but just knowing it's possible makes me feel better.

It's sort of like moving. Not that I'm not planning on moving anywhere right at the moment, or even in the foreseeable future, but if I was considering moving I'd sure be relieved to know that there is a book that could make it easier.

And that book is called Simply essential home moving kit by Richard Stephens, and it's published by Self-Counsel Press. Apparently Richard Stephens is the guru of moving, having done it 19 times, and selfless man that he is, he wants to spare others the trauma of moving boo-boos.

Essentially, he has covered every possible eventuality, from remembering to pack your pet's required documents if you're moving to a different country, to deciding on the benefits of sea freight versus air freight when planning an international move.

The short haul moves entail many of the same preparations and Stephens leaves no stone unturned. But this guy is more than just organized; he's almost obsessive.

He even has a form in the book, called "Things to leave behind," with space for item descriptions, disposal method, the initials of the person who will be responsible for this, and a place to indicate that it's been completed. Man, this doesn't sound like a move, it sounds like boot camp!

Stephens suggests keeping a three-ring binder in which to store all your lists in preparation for moving. Lists? What lists? you ask. Well, there's the "Six weeks before the move" list, the "Five weeks before the move list"you get the idea.

Then there's the "Day after arrival day" stuff to remember, the "moving your pet" information, the "Packing tips and tricks," and my personal favourite, the "Survival Kit Checklist." My only criticism is that this last list is missing one essential itembooks.

I particularly got a kick out of the section called "People to notify." I mean, who thinks of notifying their parole officer, their gardener and their dry cleaner before they move? I'm lucky if I remember to pack underwear in my overnight bag.

Believe me, even though I joke and make fun of this book's comprehensiveness, it really is a lifesaver if you're planning to move.

Maybe I'm just suffering from organization envy. Between the stress of packing and the anxiety of moving generally, people can use all the help they can get before, during and after a move.

So, whether you're planning a move two blocks away or a continent away, don't forget to consult this book first. You won't regret it.

Shelley J. Civkin is the Communications Officer at the Richmond Public Library. For other popular reading suggestions, check out Richmond Public Library's Web site at www.yourlibrary.ca/goodbooks.