Whether you’ve moved ten times in your adult life -- or never -- the process is stressful, and adding kids on top of things can make even a simple move chaotic. Reducing your stress with a move takes a mix of pre-planning and careful orchestration, but it can be done. The best way to tackle your move without losing your mind is to create a checklist so that you’re on track for moving day. Follow these tips to become the MVP of the moving game.

Start packing

While you may think you have plenty of time, you should begin packing items as soon as you decide that you’re moving. Honestly. Not only will you be able to take great care in packing irreplaceable or valuable items, but you’ll also get ahead of the game by packing as you declutter (see below).

Budget accordingly

Are you planning on purchasing a home where you’re moving? If so, how much home can you afford? If you haven’t done the math, put the packing tape aside and figure out your housing budget. Once you have the golden number, you’ll be able to narrow down potential homes within your budget.

If you already own your home, you have the bonus of having to prepare your house for sale. With the budget for your new home in hand, you need to take a look at what you can reasonably sell your current home for, how much profit you’ll be able to roll into your new mortgage, and what repairs and or fixes need to be done to get your home ready for the market.

Create files

If you’re not usually organized, the moving process is going to test your limits. However, an easy way for you to remain organized throughout is to create both a digital and paper file where all of your home sale and moving receipts will reside. 

Keep records and receipts of any repairs you take care of in preparation for selling your home. Keep receipts of any packing materials you purchase and keep all of your moving quotes in one place for easy reference. 

For insurance purposes, create a video walk-through of your home, focusing on expensive electronics and furniture pieces. If items are damaged or disappear in-transit, you have a digital record you can easily produce if necessary.

Prepare for your address change

Start collecting all of your monthly bills and statements and make a running list of all the places you’ll need to notify of your address change. Here are some suggestions:

• Credit cards

• Utilities

• Insurance companies

• Driver’s license

• Doctor’s office

• Veterinary clinic

• Dry cleaner (and don’t forget to pick up any orders if you’re moving out of town)

If you’re moving within the same area and aren’t changing jobs, don’t forget to add your HR or payroll department to the list.

If you forget to notify someone, don’t worry. Creating a change of address through USPS will ensure that your mail is forwarded after you’ve moved.

Clear the clutter

While you’re getting quotes from moving companies, use your walk-throughs to take stock of your items and use this opportunity to purge. The more you clear the clutter before you move, the less you’ll have to pack and move to your new home. You’ll be starting a new chapter without the literal baggage you’ve amassed over the years.

Getting rid of unused items will also help you present your home in its best light for potential buyers. Less is more, so purging or packing non-essential items both prepares you for your upcoming move and makes it easy for homebuyers to envision their items in your home. Here are some ideas of what to do with your unwanted items:

• Donate. Many charitable organizations will happily accept your gently used household items, clothing, etc. Some organizations will even pick up your items if you schedule in advance.

• Sell. Craigslist and eBay used to be the old standbys, but there are so many other avenues to sell items digitally. Apps such as LetGo, Mercari, and Poshmark allow you to effortlessly list and sell your items with your phone. And if you really want to go old school, plan a garage sale.

• Recycle. If you’re not looking to get money for your unwanted items or have them go directly into a landfill, consider listing them on Freecycle, or Craigslist for free. You’ll be giving new life to your old things and preventing a direct deposit in the local dump.

Moving checklist

Your home sold and you have a settlement date for your new home -- congrats! Okay, now the real work begins -- it’s go time! Having a moving checklist will keep you from losing your mind in the whirlwind, so let’s start with supplies:

• Boxes. You’ll need a lot of boxes if you’re planning to pack yourself. Put the word out to friends and family, and think about using social media to put a call out for boxes before buying any. 

• Packing tape.

• Permanent markers. Markers are good for labeling items in the boxes, the rooms they belong in, or for creating a number system (ie. Bedroom 1, Bedroom 2, etc.) so that your boxes are unloaded directly to the correct area in your new home. 

• Packing paper/bubble wrap. If you don’t want to purchase paper or wrap, use your linens, bath towels, and kitchen towels to pad and protect fragile items as you pack. It may get items jumbled up amongst the different rooms, but you’ll have circumvented the need to purchase packing materials.

Once you’re packed and ready to go, don’t forget to take photos or a video of your old home as a record of the condition in which you’re leaving it. Don’t forget to have your files on hand, too, so that your moving contract is readily available with the terms, in addition to moving insurance, in case of an accident or theft.