Customer Reviews

Steiner's Complete: How-To-Move Handbook

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

After reading all the glowing reviews for this book and browsing reviews for similar publications I decided to purchase Steiner's. Oh what a mistake. Perhaps the other people who reviewed this book are friends of the authors? In all fairness, the lists and forms related to moving collected in the appendix of this book are helpful. However, the arrangement and format of information throughout the rest of this handbook seems almost haphazard. For example, the chapters on financing a move and home sales come well before a discussion of creating a move timeline or how to find housing. As another review mentions, Steiners has no index. And often important topics (like "trailing spouse syndrome") are mentioned, but never discussed in much depth (what are some practical ways of alleviating the problems associated with "trailing spouse syndrome"?) The authors claim this book addresses all types of moves: overseas, military, corporate relocation, recent college grads. But honestly, the handbook would be most helpful for seasoned adults working in the corporate sector who already own a house (note the frequency of phrases like "as everyone knows" and "obviously" in chapters on finances and home buying/selling). Rather than purchase this book, most people new to moving and finding a house would benefit more from using the "relocation wizard" at www.homefair.com and buying a book on home buying.

The book covers almost all topics of moving in a thorough way that really conveys a lot of information in a short space. I planned to move from NJ to Florida & it really prepared me for the moving process. Although I didn't make the move, I did hire movers within NJ and I felt much more prepared having read this book. I've heard horror stories of people's goods being held hostage for more money, broken items, missing items, the book covered it all and told what to do in case that happens. It gives you enough information, however, to avoid such disreputable movers in the first place.

One area where it falls short (unfortunately) is the internet. There are many, many resoucrs on the net and the book doesn't cover enough of them IMHO. This book was written in 1999 though, and can sort of be excused I guess. I think that they would be well advised to do an update in a year or two with more coverage of resources for moving on the net. That'd be worth five stars then...

If you're thinking about moving, first read Clyde and hari Steiner's book, "Steiners' Complete How to Move Handbook, 2nd Edition." It will either discourage or enthuse you for the adventure ahead.

In easy-to-understand terms, the San Francisco authors explain what to expect when moving across town or across the nation. But this is not just a "how to hire a moving company" book (although the authors rate the major moving companies). The book addresses the family considerations, especially for children, as well as how to sell a home, how to obtain a mortgage on a new home and how to rent. Even information on how to break a lease is included.

The book's theme is taking control. Whether you're moving for a better location, a new job or retirement, the Steiners explain how to evaluate the situation and make the move as enjoyable as possible. If the book has a fault, it is the detailed references, which become almost too complete, but that's OK. Just skip the parts you don't need.

The authors offer sage advice for handling real estate agents, whether you are a home seller, buyer or both. For example, the authors recommend not more than a 90-day listing to sell your old home. They also caution about engaging a buyeFs agent to find your new home. In fact, they recommend renting for a few months to become acquainted with a new community.

Chapter topics include Taking Control From the Beginning; Family Issues; Fending Off Mr. Tax-man; Employment Considerations; Giving Up the Old Homestead; Your Plan-Ahead Strategy; Finding the New Homestead; Moving Company Tips and Traps; How to Arrive With Your Aunt Sally's Teapot and Your Sanity Intact; and Your Countdown Moving Timetable.

The outstanding appendix includes city and real estate agent evaluation charts, Internet sites, budgeting basics and other information resources.

--B.R.

Authors Clyde and Shari Steiner have completed 19 residential moves in five countries so they are well-qualified to write this unique and very complete book. Virtually nothing involving a household move is left out. The authors discuss reasons for moving, employment considerations, income tax aspects, home sales and purchases, renting and virtually everything to consider when changing residences. Strong emphasis is placed on how moves affect children and how to minimize problems. For example, the authors recommend moving during the school year, rather than in summer, so children will quickly make friends at their new school. This well-researched book has something for virtually every reader. If a topic doesn't interest you skip it because there are many more subjects which will be of interest. My favorite was how to handle and negotiate with moving companies. Although the authors discuss do-it-yourself moves they realize that isn't practical for most families so they explain the mover pitfalls to anticipate. They even rate moving companies. Review by Robert Bruss

This is the most complete book on moving that I have ever read. It delivers the promised information in a very readable and entertaining text. Some of its best features include the great worksheets, charts, sample forms, lists and timelines which will assist anyone in planning and accomplishing a successful move. I have made 9 or 10 moves in the past 25 years and can say, unequivocably, that although I have read (and used) many nice "moving" books...this is absolutely the BEST!!!

This tops every moving book I've ever read! If anything has been left out, I can't image what it is. It even includes great tips for job hunting before you arrive. Spending a few hours with Steiner will save you a ton of stress

NO INDEX! IMHO, A book (especially one used for reference) is only as good as it's index. No index? No good.