When it comes to packing, either you love it or you hate it. Rather it's moving apartments, moving out of the dorm or you're moving home. I have been on both sides of wanting to pack everything as soon as I could and haven't' packed until the day before. Starting earlier than later has always been the most positive. Even if you love packing and have become a pro at it, there are many things that you can do to prevent the unnecessary stress of moving.

1. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE

This is one of the biggest things that people do. Mainly because we have busy lives, it doesn't seem like a lot to pack or you're completely ignoring it. Packing little things when you begin moving can help a lot down the road. Packing certain sections of your room/apartment on certain days also helps you slowly start the process.

2. Throw away anything that you even hesitate to keep

Yes, this means your freshman year of college track t-shirt that has a hole in the armpit. I can't tell you how much I have appreciated doing this once I moved into a new place. It saves you time when you're unpacking at your new place and saves you space for new things!

3. Make sure to change billing information

This doesn't just mean rerouting your mail from shopping magazines and bank information. Calling your energy provider, internet provider and even your address at work! Once you're in a new place you are going to forget to do this because life gets busy, so save time and call these businesses to inform them that you've moved!

4. Reach out to Friends and Family

Realizing that you're moving and you don't have a _____ (microwave, dresser, or anything in general) is a scary thought. Reaching out to friends and family to see if they have any gently used items that they would be willing to give or sell you saves money! I've gotten so many things such as microwaves and furniture from family and have saved so much money.

5. Relax

Moving is a stressful time for a lot of people. Realizing that you can reach out to friends and family to help you move is super important and can save you a lot of stress! Moving is only a couple days out of your life and worrying about it doesn't help anyone!

There are many things that you can do when you move but these are just 5 of the simple steps to help you have a positive and not stressful move. Always starting earlier the better, keeping on top of things and having support from friends and family is the best!