6. How optimistic is this person ?

Optimism is facilitator of all emotional intelligence competencies. In addition, optimists live longer, enjoy better health, heal more quickly, and accomplish more. Emotions are contagious, and optimism is a forcefield you want in your life. It can be learned ( http://www.susandunn.cc/courses.htm ).

7. Be intentional and expect it in your partner.

Intentionality is an EQ competency that means saying what you mean and meaning what you say. It also means being accountable for motives behind your actions. You’ll need to be in touch with this yourself, and have a partner who is as well, because partnering requires a commitment, i.e., Intentionality. Intentionality means you’re not "allowed" to say, "I didn’t mean to ..." High-level skill. Good one to look for.

8. Consider level of your intended partner’s resilience.

You’ll be together a long time, through ups and downs, and life can throw some curves. How do they manage adverse events and setbacks? Do they bounce back eventually? Have they been able to grow through adversity, not just go through it?

9. How do you and your partner manage anger--your own anger and that of other?

Studies show that most successful couples are those who are able to soothe one another instead of agitating and escalating in an argument.

10. How balanced is their life?

Do they combine learning, working and leisure? Studies show that people who die in their 5th and 6th decade have this life trajectory: school, then work, then leisure. Resilient seniors combine all three during all stages of life. You'll want one you love to be around a long time!

Start in a small, little-used room (assuming you have one). Baby steps! Get your tools and work with 3 piles -- one to box up, one for Goodwill, one for your garage sale. Time yourself. You may find, as I did, that one room takes one hour and then -- voila! -- task is no longer "going to take forever," it's only going to take 1 hour x ___ rooms.

7. Remember, isolation is a disease.

Get a coach if you don't have a friend who's also moving. Right now I have 4 clients who are moving, and I am too, so we can commisserate, support and give tips. Don't be isolated ever, especially when you're moving.

8. Big furniture items you need to get rid of?

There's a Habitat for Humanity in almost any town. If not that, there are others charities, like homeless shelters, that will come and haul these things away free, plus you're helping someone in need, plus you get a tax writeoff.

9. Locate Goodwill donation center near you!

Or similar charity. They're all over, sitting in strip centers. Here's path -- from garage sale to Goodwill donation center. Repeat as needed.

10. Remember, it's a gift to know when something is "over."

In other words, whatever stage of life you're in, it's time to end some part of your life or something in your life you've been needlessly hanging on to. Throw things out and make room for something new to come into your life.