Whether you have moved before or this is your first time moving, there are always things you forget to think of. When your mind is working in a hundred different directions, you’re bound to leave things behind. If you’re moving out of your parent’s place, you may not even realize all the things you need. After my share of moving and helping others move, I think I have it down to a science.

1. Make a list

I cannot stress this point enough. Whether you are a list person or not, you need to be this one time in your life. When you are moving, you are going to need a lot more stuff than you realize. Even boxes and totes need to be accounted for. By making a list you are able to visually see everything that you need. There’s no chance of forgetting something that you have written down.

2. Plan the trip

You can’t move each item individually to your new place. I mean you could, but why would you want to? Can you imagine moving each little item one by one into a vehicle? Chances are, you’d never even dream of doing that. You not only need all of your items but also a way to get all of your items from point A to point B. First off, you need boxes, totes, and bags, lots of them. You need anything you can get your hands on to transport things. Next, you need to know how you will get all of them to your next location. Whether it is your car, friends cars or a Uhaul.

3. Know the specifics

You need to know everything possible about where you are moving before you get there. To start, you should know what you have and don’t have in your new place. Is it fully furnished? Do you have appliances such as a microwave? It may seem like common sense but in the rush of moving, you may not even think about some things. Map out the area before you go that way you know what stores are nearby. If there are no stores within a reasonable distance, you may want to buy everything ahead of time. However, if you are moving hours away, it may be easier to buy things once you get to the new place.

4. Recruit help

Let close friends and family know when you are moving. If they are aware and can plan ahead to help you, they will. The more help you have, the sooner you will be done moving and can get back to your normal routine. If you are not capable of carrying heavy things, this will be an immense help. If you have to move somewhere with a lot of stairs, you’ll be thankful to have people making some trips for you.

5. Label everything

Labeling boxes with sticky notes or marker will be a huge help. While moving you are sure to need something that you know you have packed, but you will have no idea where it is. Do yourself a favor and label things to avoid stress. It doesn’t take long and will save you time in the end. When you are unpacking it will be easier to put certain boxes in certain rooms and unpack based on items.

6. Avoid stressing

Stressing will not help you any. You need to remain calm and take breaks when needed. If you feel yourself getting stressed over not being able to find something or just the disorganized chaos that is sure to take place, take a step away. Don’t be afraid to put down the boxes and grab a bite to eat. Packing doesn’t need to be quick or stressful. You can do it all at your own pace.

Have fun while you're moving. This is your new home. Make it what you want it to be and enjoy every moment.

See Also: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/new-year-new-you-resolution