It’s that time of year again…join millions of other Americans who are boxing up their homes this summer and moving. While moving is a time of fresh beginnings, it can also bring about a lot of stress and frustration. The best way to decrease some of the stress is to stay as organized as possible. At some point during the moving process, your house will probably look like a tornado, but there are a few things that you can do to make things run as smooth as possible.

1. De-Clutter Ahead of Time

If there is time before you move, purging items will make moving easier. Less stuff is less stuff to move. Months before, plan to have multiple yard sales. You will get rid of unneeded items and make some extra cash to help with the move. Consider donating items that you are unable to get rid of during your yard sale and get a write off.

Given extra time, start to pack ahead of time. You can begin with out of season clothes and decorations. As the move comes closer, you can start to pack items that you can live without for a few weeks. Consider using vacuum seal bags that

2. Make a List and Check it Twice
   

Before you start the moving process, create or download a checklist of everything that needs done. Make sure you don’t forget things at your new house as well, like making sure the utilities are turned on before the moving truck arrives to unload. Putting the list on a clipboard will make it easy to check things off as they get done.

3. Pick a Color For Each Room

When packing begins, select a color of tape for each room. Duct tape comes in a huge variety of colors. Tape the box shut and label on each box a general idea of the contents. This makes unloading the truck very easy as you can direct the movers to put boxes in each room according to colors.

4. Make a First Day Essential Box

Once you are in the new home, the last thing you want to do is search for items that you need immediately. Don’t forget important needed items for your children such as nighttime loveys and pillows. Here are some typically needed items:

• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Garbage bags
• Disposable plates and utensils
• Phone chargers
• Cleaning supplies
• Sheets for each bed
• Bath towels

5. Pack Clothes in Garbage Bags

Instead of taking the clothes in the closet off the hangers, simply cover them with a garbage bag or put in hanging boxes. Once you reach the new home, rehanging clothes in their new space will be a breeze. Also, use cling wrap to cover dresser drawers instead of removing the clothes. Note, this will make furniture much heavier to lift, so Cheap Miami Movers suggests checking with your mover to make sure this is okay first.

6. Use Towels

Instead of packing all the towels separately, use them to pad fragile boxes, such as dishes. Place them in between dishes to stop them from breaking. Also, Ziploc bags are perfect for packing random items such as small toys, bathroom accessories and office supplies.

Moving can be a hard time for anyone. The best way to negate the stress is to stay as organized as possible. Keep your eye on the prize; your dream home awaits after a few tedious days or weeks.