Smooth Moves: The Relocation Guide for Families on the Move [Paperback]

Ellen Carlisle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 19, 1999

Smooth Moves is THE relocation guide for families. The author's 17 years' experience involved 8 moves, 7 states, 6 houses . . . and 3 happy, well-adjusted children. The tone is calming and reassuring, and the tips are indispensable. The reader is taken through the basics--choosing a realtor, house sale and purchase. But the human side is invaluable. Learn how to help small children, teenagers, and parents alike adjust quickly, easily, and comfortably throughout each step of the relocation process.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I appreciate the warm and personal tone, almost like a long letter. You break down the process into understandable steps, taming that sense of being overwhelmed . . ." First Union Corporation's Work-Life Team Vice President ". . Having moved eleven times in nine yers, we were of the belief that we had it all figured out. Not only did your book prove us wrong, but had us second guessing many of the things we thought we were doing right . . ." Executive VP, Continental General Tire -- Publisher Comments

About the Author

After successfully surviving 8 moves in 17 years, I felt I could help others in the same situation. I'd spent 21 years in a small town in New Jersey. Our second move was from Pittsburgh, PA to southern CA. We drove a northern route, and I couldn't believe how vast our country is. I'd been bitten by the moving bug. After that we continued to zigzag across the country with moves back to Pittsburgh, Seattle, San Jose, Corning, Akron, and finally (so far) to Charlotte. During that time we were buying, renovating, building, strengthening ties, extending roots, and raising 3 children. I have learned so much and am grateful for each relocation. I'd like to take the worry out of moving for you and for your children. Make your move a uniting adventure with Smooth Moves. Look at the bright side because there always is one!

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Teacup Press (March 19, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966782704
• ISBN-13: 978-0966782707
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,291,466 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars great "morale" book but very limited on nuts-and-bolts, July 17, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Smooth Moves: The Relocation Guide for Families on the Move (Paperback)

I want to like this little (thin) tome, but it's not much help for the rent-a-truck self-mover, the family planning to rent in a new town, or the family planning to keep (and rent out) their existing home. It's a by-the-numbers book: Selling Your Home, Buying a New One, Working With the Movers. In fact, this book could have been written by your average relocating consulting firm - groups that have a lot of advice unless for people such as the author, less so for those preferring to relocate frugally. The chapters on family adjustment are informative, but with few new tips for those who've already brushed up with the much advertised online sites for relocation.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smooth Moves...Smooth Transition...Happy Family, June 4, 2001

By 

Sherry L. Cummins (Ann Arbor, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Smooth Moves: The Relocation Guide for Families on the Move (Paperback)

I did my original review below in 2001. The year is now 2006 and we have ordered literally hundreds of copies of this book for our relocating employees. As long as this book is available, we will be ordering it long into the future. The advice is priceless.

Moving is a stressful life experience under any circumstances. Ellen Carlisle, with her delightfully easy to implement tips, has shared advice from her own life that will make the transition of moving not only easier but enjoyable for the whole family. Ellen's conversational style eases the reader through the phases of relocating--from the initial realization to the actual move and everything in between. There are even chapters to guide the caring parents as they help their teenagers and younger children through this exciting yet scary life change. Ellen deals with the necessities in a simple straightforward manner and tops everything off with encouragement that "Yes, you can do this and have fun too!" We were so impressed with Ellen's book that we ordered 200 to implement into our company relocation program. The feedback from our relocating employees has been very positive. They were thankful to have the book to guide them through the ins and outs of relocating. I would advise anyone making a move to read Smooth Moves.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful, as well as comforting and informative, April 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Smooth Moves: The Relocation Guide for Families on the Move (Paperback)

I found "Smooth Moves" to be a wonderful handbook for moving. It is refreshing to find a book that is written well and interesting to read on the subject of relocation. As someone who dreads packing up, but loves the thrill of a new place, I found a friend in "Smooth Moves". The information is categorized chronologically and guides the reader gently through some emotional situations. Mrs. Carlisle shares great ideas about how to handle the trauma moving can sometimes cause with ease and a whole lot of heart. Her obvious gift of optimism has given her the opportunity to learn and share the joys of moving a family. Her suggestions about including children in the move and how to make the sensitive decisions that will shape their lives are obviously heartfelt and sincere. It is calming to know that her ideas have stood the test of time with her own family. It seems to me that years of research and happiness were the catalyst for her book. I would recommend it highly to anyone who is planning to move, be it once or once a year. Happy trails!