Let’s face it, moving is stressful. Whether you’re moving locally or somewhere across the country, by the time you get there you’ve learned 100 new things that you wish you would’ve known before packing up your bags and boxes. We’re here to help with 10 tips to make your move easier.

1. Step numero uno – purge! purge! purge! The worst thing you can do is waste your time and money packing and moving items that you no longer need or want. If you’re downsizing to half the amount of space, be reasonable with what you’re bringing with you. It’s never too soon to start purging.

2. Once rooms have been purged, it’s time to call in the experts. If you’re hiring a professional moving company, we suggest getting quotes from multiple companies. If you’re traveling out of the state or country, make sure your moving company will go the distance. Also double check with them if the same truck will be traveling from point A to point B or if there will be a switchover of truck or driver.

3. It’s a good idea to take a detailed inventory including numbered boxes of everything being moved. That way if the boxes are being moved from one truck to another you can double check that everything is getting to the right place. Make sure you check off each box as it goes from your current living space to the moving truck. When you arrive at your new home, check off each box as it crosses the threshold.

4. Box delivery- check to see if your moving company will drop off packing boxes beforehand to give you one less chore to run during the moving madness.

5. Recycled boxes- looking to save some money while being eco-friendly? Ask your moving company if they sell recycled or used boxes for a discounted price. Most of them do.

6. Label, label, label! Choose a labeling system and stick with it. Be consistent. Labeling can include a color specific index card with your last name, contents of the box, and the room where the box is going. If you’re keeping a detailed inventory, make sure to include the box number on the label as well. We love using this tape dispenser more than those big bulky ones.

7. If boxes are going to multiple places (like your kids homes, summer house, donation center), use a color-coding system with your labels. Different colored index cards taped to the outside of your boxes can indicate their destination so you don’t get boxes mixed up. Example: green goes to summer house, yellow goes to the kids, red is to be donated. You don’t want to end up with your daughters childhood stuffed animals in another state just to ship it back.

8. Looking to do some of your own pre-packing before the movers arrive? Check out some How-To Videos from our friends at Olympia Moving & Storage.

9. Specifically mark any boxes that you will need immediately once arriving to your new abode. We usually label these boxes “FIRST NIGHT”. This list includes, but is not limited to, cleaning supplies, toiletries, fresh sheets for beds, coffee for the morning, etc. Make sure these boxes are amongst the last packed onto the truck so that they’re the first ones off. Or better yet, put them in your own car so that they don’t end up getting misplaced.

10. Pack a suitcase with first night essentials for anyone moving with you. The last thing you want is to show up with no PJ’s for the night or fresh clothes for the morning!

Moving doesn’t have to be so painful. The trick is to get a head start as soon as possible and follow these tips to get it going. Now pack up your fears and anxieties and get moving!