Talk to Someone
There are so many different emotions- good and bad- that come up when you move that it’s important to let them out. Do not keep them bottled up.  Talk to your friends about how you are feeling, talk to your parents (remember TALKING is always more effective than complaining), talk to teachers, relatives, whoever you feel comfortable approaching- but let it out.

Ask Questions
If you don’t understand why you have to move or what is going on, ask your parents.  Once you know the reasons why you are moving, it might be easier to deal with. 

Share the Load
You may feel miserable and angry at your parents right now, but guess what?  Your parents are most likely feeling pretty nervous and even sad themselves.  They are not only having to coordinate something complicated (packing, cleaning, maybe selling a house, buying one or finding a new apartment, having mail forwarded, finding new schools, new jobs, etc) but they are also going to be leaving friends and everything that is familiar to them.  Even more likely, they are probably very worried about you and how you are feeling.  It’s okay to feel sad but make sure that you are also being helpful.  Make lists of things you can do for them, take over your stuff, watch over younger siblings… anything you can do to lend a hand will make the move go smoother.
     
Research Your New Town
It can be fun to find out everything you can about your new town before you move there.  Check to see what interesting sites or activities are in the area.  Find out what clubs, sports, or other activities the town offers that you might be interested in joining.  Where is the closest mall, beach or town pool?  What about the nearest sporting events?  Find out about your new school: How big is it?  What sorts of classes do they have? What activities do they offer?  The more you know about your new town, the less scary it will be when you get there. 

Plan Your New Room
If you can find out the dimensions of your new room before you move there, draw a little square model on graph paper.  Cut out bits to represent your furniture (using the right dimensions) and then experiment by moving it around and imagining how it will look.  Visit a hardware store and browse the paint samples.  Even little things like light-switch plates and lighting fixtures can make a big difference.  Go through your current decorations and sift out the things you want to keep and the things you have outgrown.  Moving can be hard, but finding a little excitement in something like your new room can help a lot.  

Keep in Touch
It used to be that moving even just a few hours away meant losing touch with many friends.  Now, though, with e-mail and cell phones it’s not so bad.  Create an address book with everyone’s names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses to keep with you.  Make up note cards with your new info on it and pass them out.  Arrange times to get together (maybe summer vacation?) or to call before you move.  There are also places where you can now create a website just for your friends to post pictures, leave messages, etc.  Grab your camera (or a disposable one) and snap pictures during your last days of school, then put them all in an album to take with you when you move.  Think of moving as a way to expand your circle of friends, not necessarily lose all your old ones.

Jump Right In
Even though you may feel scared and awkward during your first days at a new school, you have to remember that the other kids probably don’t see you like that.  Think about your own experiences in high school- new kids coming into a class are just a part of everyday life.  It’s much more likely that the other students will be interested in learning more about you and becoming your friend than anything else.  You probably won’t even have to start conversations yourself (which can be a scary prospect) as people will be curious about where you’re from and who you are.  Joining sports teams, activities, clubs, etc. will introduce you to a smaller group who share at least one of your interests.  The important thing is to not hold back; jump right in, talk to people and get involved. 

Talk to Other “New Kids” 
A lot of schools have new student orientations before the school year or clubs during school where the people who are new to the area can come together and support each other.  Even if the school does not provide this type service, see if you can find others who have just moved to the school.  No one will know what you are going through better than another “new kid” and it can be a great way to bond and find friends in a smaller group (rather than just jumping right into the big crowd of students).  Once you are settled in and have your group of friends, don’t forget to keep on talking to the “new kids” to help them in their transition just like others will help you with yours.