So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and move to a new place. Maybe you’ve found your dream home, or are relocating for work.

Whatever the reason, we all know what the worst part of moving is—getting there. In this guide, we’ll go over five handy tips and tricks you can use to make your move easier. 

1. Stick to a Schedule 

Breaking down your home into boxes is no easy task. From the kitchen to the bathroom to your bedroom, each space comes with its own specific needs for packing and transporting your items safely. 

A schedule can not only help you stay organized during the process, but it also helps you balance your move with the regular tasks of your daily life. Creating a schedule allows you to map out each step of your move thoroughly, thus reducing the chances that you’ll miss something important.

Your schedule can start as far out from your moving date as you want. The more time you give yourself to prepare, the smoother the process is. 

2. Let Things Go 

Remember that dishware set your aunt gave you that’s just been sitting in your pantry, collecting dust? What about that instrument you thought you’d learn when you had the time, but never did? While it may have been fine to have these things around the house while you lived there, during the move, clutter translates to just more stuff to pack. 

Moving is a great opportunity to go through your things and decide what you actually want to keep. That way, when you move into your new home and start unboxing, you won’t have to deal with excess stuff that doesn’t really have a place in your life any more. 

Sorting is a great first step of moving, and something you can schedule and begin weeks or even months in advance of your move. Don’t be afraid to donate, give away, or throw out things you don’t want. For more valuable items in good condition, you may even be able to resell them as secondhand goods. 

3. Hire Moving Professionals 

While it may be one of the heftier costs of moving, bringing in moving professionals is often more worth it than not. These companies usually provide their own vehicles, and—most importantly—strong, capable people to help get the job done.

So much can go wrong when you’re trying to fit your own furniture and belongings into a truck you packed yourself. If you haven’t packed your things correctly, what may look fine from the outside can turn into a lot of broken and damaged belongings once you’ve arrived and unloaded. Professional movers know how to load vehicles properly for shipping stability, keeping the items you care about safe. 

In addition to helping load, unload, and transport your things, some professional moving services also offer help with organizing and packing. If you find these aspects of the process overwhelming, it might be time to hire a service. 

4. Look for Discounts 

Moving can be very expensive. The average cost of a local move is around $1,698, while a cross-country move can run you an average of $4,805. This makes it all the more important to try looking for discounts and freebies where you can find them. 

Some moving services offer discounted rates for certain groups, like teachers, students, military members, and seniors. Some vendors also may work with memberships that you already have, like AAA, so it’s good to look into your benefits.

You may find discounted rates if you plan your move for the right time. For example, movers are often more busy during the weekend, which are peak days for moving. If you can move during the week, then you might be able to get cheaper services.

It’s yet another thing to think about in what’s already a very daunting process, but looking for ways to save only helps you in the long run. Even if you can’t find big discounts, there are other costs you can save on, like borrowing unused boxes and packing supplies from family and friends. 

5. Get to Know Your Neighbors 

This may not be the most pressing thing on your mind during a move, but think about it—depending on where you’re going, you might be moving to a place where you don’t know anyone at all. 

Getting to know your neighbors in advance, or early on, helps you feel like you’re more a part of a community. Knowing that you have friendly, positive connections to the people around you makes living in your new neighborhood a more comfortable and safe experience. It can also be really helpful if you’re ever in a bind. 

If you feel shy about contacting your new neighbors, or aren’t sure what to say, try using these letter templates for common situations that might come up with your neighbors. 

Final Thoughts 

Moving is always a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be the worst stress of your life. Use these tips and tricks to streamline your move at every step. It’s most important to stay on track, keep organized, and give yourself ample time and resources, so that you don’t get overwhelmed and can deal with any issues that come up. 

We hope this guide helps you with your move! And once you’re in your new home, you can start making it your own with HomeAdvisor’s network of home improvement professionals.