You already know that moving isn’t easy. It’s stressful, frustrating, and just plain exhausting. You can read all of the tips, tricks, and hacks that you can lay your hands on, but that won’t make it an event that you’re anticipating with enthusiasm.

To ease the pain, think about the big picture. Keep your eye on the prize, and visualize yourself relaxing in your gorgeous new home with everything in place. The movers are gone and life is back to normal. Don’t worry too much; it will be over soon.

Organize and Plan

A moving planner notebook with checklists is a must. You can find one on Amazon or in your local bookstore. You may even want to purchase a binder and make your own planner with lined paper and dividers. If you do decide to create your own planner, there are plenty of downloadable planning guides to help you. Whatever you do, do something! You need a place to organize your thoughts, make your lists, and guide your actions. Whether you create your own planner or buy one, be sure that there are pockets somewhere in it for receipts and random notes that you may need later.

Move

Yes, you will save money by asking your friends, family, and acquaintances to help. Professional movers are more costly, but they have the manpower and expertise to get the job done quickly and efficiently. They carry extra boxes and supplies and can help with last-minute packing. This can be a huge life saver!

Be sure to book the moving company for the first time slot of the day. Everyone will be fresh and alert, and there is less chance of a delay. If you have a large move, timing won’t be an issue because your movers will be with you all day (maybe two).

Declutter

Moving is the perfect time to purge your belongings. Do it ahead of time. Make three piles: “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Discard.” There are some articles that suggest adding a “Recycle,” pile. “Recycle” is up to you, but don’t make this too complicated. The idea is to make your move less work.

When decluttering, self-storage can be your secret weapon. If you rent a storage unit and gradually move things in prior to moving day, it will be easier to organize your belongings. Look around and think about what you don’t use on a regular basis. You can store seasonal holiday decorations, the table setting and linens that you only use at Christmas, and even some of your kids’ larger toys. This saves time on moving day, and you can retrieve these items when you need them or once you’ve settled into your new home. You may eventually find that you don’t even want some of these items, and you can donate or dispose of them when the moving chaos subsides.

In some cases, as a seller, you may have to be out of your home by a certain date. This means renting a hotel room or staying with family. If this situation does occur, you’ll need a convenient, secure place to store your belongings and give yourself some flexibility. Units are available in a variety of sizes, depending on the amount of furniture and other items that you need to store.

Pack

• Supplies: Now it’s time to get those supplies together. If you’ve already decided to pack and store some items, you’ve probably begun to accumulate boxes, tape, tape dispensers, bubble wrap, wrapping paper, colored tape, markers, and various other packing supplies. You can find all of these things at your local storage facility, as well as many big box stores. Raiding the grocery store dumpsters and your friends garages is not always the best idea. Grocery store boxes may be harboring insects and spoiled food, and used boxes are sometimes in a weakened condition. Certain moving companies have a supply of used boxes that are still in great condition. If offered, you will definitely want to take advantage of that service.

• Color Code: Be sure to color code, label, and number your boxes. Just stick a piece of colored tape on each door frame in your new home to coordinate with the tape on the boxes that belong in that room. Moving day will go far more quickly when the movers know where to stow your boxes. Do your best to create a detailed list of the contents on each box, and unpacking will be a breeze because you know what’s inside.

• Photos: Keep that cell phone handy. Before you disconnect TV’s, computers, sound bars, speakers, and any other electronic devices, take a picture.Trying to guess how they were connected won’t work, and reading the directions (if you can find them) is tedious and frustrating. Try to remember to take pictures of the contents of your boxes. Yes, you are making lists of the contents on each box, but you may miss something. Having a picture to go along with the list can be more helpful than you think.

• Pack the Same Room in the Same Box: Everything that goes into a box needs to come out eventually. Don’t pack your frying plans with your shoes. Unpacking items that all belong in the same room saves time and energy.

• Kitchens and Bathrooms: Pack these rooms as early as you can. They take the most time and planning. If you have more than one bathroom pack all but one, and close the doors. Use only one bathroom for a few weeks.There should be no cooking for the last few days prior to the move. You can live on cereal and takeout; and, of course, use only disposable plates and utensils.

• The Golden Rule: The heavier the item, the smaller the box. Save the larger boxes for things that are lighter and more cumbersome on their own. Your movers will thank you.

• Decide on the Best Place to Keep Packed Boxes: Once the boxes are packed, you need to designate a specific place to keep them neatly stacked. Choose the garage, a spare bedroom, or whatever space works best for your family.

Moving will never be a dream but, with the right amount of preparation and planning, you can keep it from turning into a nightmare. The key is organization and staying ahead of the game. You’ve got this!!