Moving is one of life’s most stressful events. However, you won’t have to wipe too much sweat away from your brow if you plan wisely.  

Take some tips from folks who have crossed this great country once or twice, maybe a score of times. Doing the following eight things will make your move easier.

1. Start Early  

Procrastination can be a mover’s worst enemy. Let’s face it — few people enjoy digging through the backs of closets or those junk drawers where you toss things to organize things at a later date that never seems to arrive.  

It’s natural to wait until the last minute because the rewards for starting early seem so distant — but like a good chess player, you must plan for the future. The best day to begin packing is the one when you solidify your relocation plans. Start with those areas you rarely use, like your attic and basement.  

Make the chore less onerous by thinking of it as a treasure hunt. What will you find that will score you cash at your moving sale? If possible, give yourself at least 12 weeks to complete the process. While you can do it in as few as eight, doing so puts a burden of extra stress on your head, which can lead to poor decision-making and sloppy mistakes.

2. Choose the Right Transportation Solution  

Should you rent a moving truck and load it yourself, go for a modular storage pod or opt for a full-service company? Would a hybrid solution work best? Each method has distinct advantages and disadvantages to consider:

●     DIY: Renting a truck and loading it yourself in one day is your most cost-effective solution. However, this option requires you to live with boxes cluttering your home for weeks and can cause considerable physical strain on those doing the heavy lifting. It’s best for when money is tight, but muscle power is easier to find.

●     Moving pods: Moving pods offer a DIY solution that doesn’t require one backbreaking day of labor. You can park them in your driveway for several weeks and load them as you pack.

●     Full-service movers: If you have the money, you can pay the professionals to do everything from packing your belongings to loading and unloading them. This solution is also customizable in a hybrid-style package. For example, if you have less time than money and muscles, you might pay organizers to sort and pack your items. When the big day comes, you load them onto a rented truck DIY style.

3. Stock Up on Supplies  

Few things waste valuable moving hours like repeated trips to the store for more strapping tape. Before you begin to pack, pick up the necessary supplies. It’s always wise to get more than you think you will need. 

What should you buy? Please include the following in your kit:

●     Boxes: You’ll need several sizes. Think smaller for heavy items like dinner plates. Stores may put some aside for you if you ask in advance.

●     Cushioning: You can buy bubble wrap for delicate items or repurpose newspapers. You can also use your towels and blankets that you intend to pack anyway for extra padding.

●     Strapping tape: Always get more than you need of this item. You’ll be surprised how much it sticks to everything.

●     Labeling materials: Sharpies likewise run out of ink before you’re ready, so please get several.

●     Cargo straps, bungee cords and ropes: While you might not need these materials until moving day itself, you should have them on hand if you opt for a moving pod.

4. Pack Fragile Items Together  

You might think that it’s a good idea to throw in a china or two among your sofa cushions. However, it’s not the best practice, as all that shifting during transport can lead to breakage.  

Instead, pack all your fragile items together and clearly label them. You can also carry electronic devices such as computers with you in the car, not the moving van.

5. Get Sitters for Children and Pets 

You love your kitties and your 2-year-old — even when they trip you as you carry a heavy box.  

Please avoid unnecessary accidents by getting sitters for children and pets on the big day and any heavy-duty packing days leading up to your departure. Now’s the time to welcome your in-law’s offer to spend more time with the children or use resources like parenting message boards to find reliable help.

6. Use Your Network 

Moving is the time for a little help from your friends, even those you can’t bribe with beer and pizza to help you load a few boxes. Your most valuable resources might reside at your destination.  

Work those social media groups to get the 411 on your new town before you arrive. Ask questions such as which grocery store offers the best prices or speediest checkouts so that you don’t feel so lost upon arrival. Ask about school options for your children — your public district might not be the only choice.

7. Create a Checklist 

Moving entails remembering countless details, like turning on the water and lights before arrival and knowing exactly which boxes hold vital medications. Prepare yourself. Download a moving checklist and customize it to suit your family’s needs soon after discovering your relocation plans.

8. Reward Yourself  

Moving is a chore, even when you do it wisely. Build some rewards into your relocation plans.  

For example, if you can afford to upgrade to a hotel with a hot tub instead of a motel on your cross-country drive, go for it. Your sore muscles will appreciate the TLC. Give yourself an extra day or two off work upon arrival to let yourself settle.

These 8 Things Will Make Your Move Easier 

Why live to learn from your mistakes when you can take advice from the pros? The eight tips above will make your move easier.