Quick! Name something that’s chaotic, scary, exhausting, and sometimes sad. If “moving” didn’t come to mind first, you’ve been spared from one of life’s major upheavals.

Moving, by the way, isn’t the same as relocating. In fact, relocating is like moving on steroids, without the benefit of performance enhancement. Imagine all of your stuff loaded onto a huge truck, wondering whether you and it will ever meet up again. But, back up for a minute.

Just where is this monster truck going to deliver all that stuff? If you’re like a lot of folks that relocate to a brand new area, it will it off at your new house.

You remember that process, right? The house that you took numerous plane or car trips to search for, with the assistance of a total stranger you knew nothing about, in a town you saw only in passing, in a neighborhood that could house Jack the Ripper for all you know.

Relocating to a new area can be a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be. If you have a plan, it will go a lot easier. So, let’s make a plan.

Where will I live?

Lots of online advice-givers say to rent first in a new town. That makes sense. It gives you time to look around, get to know the area, and decide on a neighborhood. The flip side to that is you’ll unpack only to have to pack and move again. Maybe it’s not such a good idea after all.

Using Internet tools, however, is a great idea. First, make a list of answers to the following questions:

• How do you feel about commuting? If you’re allergic to anything over a 30-minute drive, the first item on your list should be “find a neighborhood close to work.”
• Are good schools important to you?
• Do you need to live within walking distance of public transportation?
• How do you feel about family neighborhoods? If you think children should be seen and not heard, make a note to look for a home in an area without a lot of kids. On the other hand, if you have kids, lots of basketball hoops on the street are a good sign.
• Uptown, downtown, or the burbs?
• Condo, townhouse, houseboat, treehouse, or single-family dwelling?
• Your ideal house, taking into consideration your budget. One level or two? Big yard or a low-maintenance patio? How many bedrooms and bathrooms? Is a garage a must-have?

The answers to these questions will help the real estate agent in your new town find the ideal home for you. What real estate agent, you ask? Have no fear, we can refer you to the best, nationwide.

In part 2, we’ll take a look at financial considerations when relocating to a new area. There’s a lot more to it than just the price of a home.