If you have ever moved before or are in the process of moving, you know what a headache it can be. Packing and moving boxes is tiring and frustrating. Unpacking in your new place can lead to anxiety and disorganization. While moving may never truly be stress free, you can follow these helpful tips to ‘lighten the load’.

1. Make a List

If you write everything down you will thank yourself for it later. Create a record keeping system before you pack your boxes so you can keep track of what items you put where. Place a number on every box you pack and list its contents in your notebook/ record system. Also designate a safe place for all your key moving supplies- including this recording notebook, packing tape, labels and marking pens.

2. Have Plenty Of Supplies

You will need LOTS of boxes, probably more than you think you will need. If you stock up in the beginning, it will be quicker and easier to start packing. Keep 5-10 boxes on hand for you last day so that you can pack last minute goods such as bedding, toiletries and cleaning supplies. Also make sure you have strong plastic packing tape and bubble wrap to secure delicate items.

3. Utilize Wardrobe Boxes

These tall, lightweight boxes are perfect for bulky comforters, pillows, blankets and clothes. Call your mover to ask the width of the wardrobe boxes that they will be bringing. Then measure the clothes in all your closets to see how many wardrobe boxes you will need. You can also use these for closet storage boxes, shoe boxes, and baskets. Just beware not to stuff these boxes until they are too heavy to lift, or fill them with heavy items that can break through the bottom.

4. Strategize Wardrobe Box Use

Moving companies will gladly deliver boxes before your moving day, but if you’re doing things yourself, try to stay as organized as possible. A few days before your move, fill some sturdy shopping bags with bulky yet durable closet items like shoes, bags and belts. On moving day fill the bottom of your wardrobe boxes with some of these shopping bags and then add your hanging clothing. Pack your clothes that are on hangars tightly so that they don’t shift and fall off during the move.  Then, cover the shoulders of your clothing with dry cleaning bags for protection and fill any empty space with any leftover purses or bags. By packing the wardrobe boxes this way you will save space and remain organized.

5. Color Coordinate

Make unpacking easier by designating a color for each room in your new home or condo. For example, yellow for the kitchen, blue for the living room etc. Next, apply the colored stickers on each box near its number and a corresponding colored sticker on each room of your new place. When the movers are unloading the boxes they will know where to put everything to make it easiest for you. It is also helpful to put a big sign on the wall in the rooms where you want boxes stacked, (“Boxes here please”), so that you can keep them out of furniture and traffic areas.

6. Keep Things Together

When you are packing, keep similar items together. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances. Attach small loose parts to the item they belong too with tape or in small envelopes. Keep larger corresponding items such as TV cords in Ziploc bags and tape them to the backside of the item. Also start a “Parts Box” that you can fill with parts, pieces, brackets and anything that is removed from furniture or is needed to reassemble items.

7. Pack Ahead

Anything you can pack ahead of time, no matter how small it is, will save you time on moving day. You do not need 5 radios or 3 TVs hanging around until the last minute. The more things you save to pack, the less organized you will be when you get to your new place. Box up your toiletries and keep only what you need for the last week in a traveling cosmetic case. Pare down cooking supplies and utensils to the bare minimum, and wash and pack the rest. Clean and use wastebaskets to store items, you can use plastic bags for garbage while you’re moving.

8. Consolidate Cleaning Supplies

If you must clean your old place before moving out, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies you will need on moving day. Clean anything you are not using before hand such as kitchen appliances, blinds and window sills. If possible, vacuum each room as the movers empty it so you can leave once the last box is gone.

9. Use Your Luggage

Pack luggage and duffel bags with clothing, sheets, towels and paper goods. It is also a good idea to put important items, or ones you will need right away in your suitcases because they will be easier to spot than ‘Box #87’.

10. Safeguard Valued Items

Keep valuable possessions such as silverware, antiques and collectibles with you in your car. If there is no room, or you have a long distance move, bury the items in a box discretely titled. Either way, check your homeowners insurance to see how you are covered during the move or if you need additional insurance from the mover. Also, find out what paperwork you might need to file a claim in case of loss.

11. Keep Important Papers With You

Keep birth certificates, school records, new job contracts, utility company numbers, bank records, bills, closing papers, titles, deeds etc. in a folder that you will keep with you. Don’t put them in a box and leave them with the mover!

12. Personal Boxes

Let each person in the house get a brightly colored storage tote box. Each family member can fill theirs with personal items they’ll want right away in the new home. Don’t forget to include the essentials such as keys, a set of sheets, phone chargers, and travel cosmetic case. The bright colors will be easy to find amongst the cardboard boxes and you will know where your necessities are.

Moving can be stressful and time consuming, but planning ahead will make all the difference. The more organized you are while packing, the more organized you will be unpacking. Happy Moving!