There’s no denying it: moving is stressful. Whether you’re moving to a different city, a new state, or even just across town, there’s so much to do to get ready and there never seems to be enough time to do it. But, there are ways to minimize the agony: planning ahead, being organized, and being prepared will make your move that much easier.

The first step is to make a plan. Think about your move and how you want to do it. Are you moving yourself or will you be hiring movers to assist you? Consider hiring a relocation company. Many, like CapRelo, offer low-stress options and will do most of the work for you. Having reputable movers will let you avoid a common moving nightmare and making a budget will help narrow down the choices. Moving costs can vary widely depending on what services you want. Getting quotes ahead of time will ensure you don’t spend more than you’ve allotted on the move.  

No matter what option you go with, make a list of everything you need to do. Write it out or find one online so you can give yourself tasks months ahead of the big day. A checklist will not only keep you on track, but it will also allow you to see the overall picture. And who can deny that crossing something off just feels good? Make your list as detailed as you want, but be sure you set realistic goals that are attainable.

One important step you’ll want to include is to go through your closets, attic, basement, or storage rooms to get rid of those items you just don’t need anymore. We’ve all shoved items to the back of a closet because we simply didn’t want to deal with it at the time. Now is your chance to weed out those items. Why move more than you have to? Having fewer boxes can be a wonderful stress reducer, especially when it comes to unpacking. It can be tough but use a balance of logic and emotion to choose what to save and what to donate or get rid of.

Moving is always a big task and can be overwhelming at times. There is plenty to do as the big day gets closer and closer. But there are ways to keep the stress down. Things like making a plan on how you want to move and then formulating a checklist to keep you on track will make sure you are prepared when moving day finally arrives.