(NAPSA)—Some say it’s a period of time that’s worse than rush hour or tax time. Whatis it? It’s moving season. Each year, 40 million Americans move, with half of all moves taking place between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Although the average American moves 12 times in a lifetime, it never gets easy. HGTV’s Libby Langdon and David Gregg—sheis a home design expert; he’s a new-product specialist—say “moving stress” stems from a lack of planning and preparation. “Nobody likes to move; it’s a complete upheaval of yourlife,” said Gregg. Both agree that by incorporating the right technology with the right design elements, you can eliminate muchofthe stress. If the thought of moving has you feeing boxed in, experts say planning and using the right technology can help. is to focus on creating the feeling from your old house in your new home. She notes this can be done in a number of economical ways. “Think vertically when it comes to your drapes and hang them Gregg suggests that moving is where the wall meets the ceiling instead of at the top of your window frame,” said Langdon. “This technologies to organize and de- the ceiling seem higher and your six remotes sitting around on the coffee table,” he said. “Moving is a Langdon also points out that when it comes to paint, people tend to be fearful of picking the Hereare theirtips: Clear Out The Clutter a great time for introducing new stress your living environment. “The average person hasfive to perfect time to clear out the clutter and get rid of them all, except for one. Upgrading to a universal remote can help; they’ve gotten a lot simpler to both program and use. 9 Hide The High Tech Also, Gregg recommendshiding all your tech equipment behind closed doors or in other, less-traveled rooms. By using a device called a radio frequency extender, you can keep your DVD player and other electronics hid- den and still operate them from up to 100 feet away. Create A Familiar Feeling As a designer, Langdon be- lieves the key to a seamless move draws your eyes upward, making roomsfeel bigger.” Update With Paint wrongcolor. “Painting your walls is an inexpensive way to update the look of a room with your existing furni- ture,” said Langdon. Creature Comforts First Above all, Gregg and Langdon say you can eliminate a great deal of moving-related angst by mak- ing sure creature comforts, such as your cable television, your Internet and your phoneservices, are transferred prior to your move. You can even schedule this transfer at no cost at www.cable mover.com, where you'll find additional tech and design tips to “smooth your move.”
