Even when you are looking forward to your upcoming relocation, moving can be stressful. However, with the proper tools, planning and organization, you can reduce your stress level and transition into your new home without feeling as if your entire world has turned upside down. Below are a few tips to make your moving process less stressful.

Hire Movers or Plan Ahead to Rent a Truck

If you can afford movers, it will save you the stress of renting a truck and taking multiple trips back and forth. Even if you can’t hire movers to move all of your belongings, see what the rates are just for moving your bulky, heavy pieces like furniture and appliances. You typically have two choices when you hire movers: hire them to pack and move everything or hire them to move everything (or a few large pieces) once it is packed.

Even if you hire movers to pack and move everything, many people choose to pack their valuables and sensitive documents in a few boxes and move them themselves.

If you are renting a truck for your move, be sure to make your reservation at least two weeks in advance. Don’t forget to check if the rental company provides or rents out dollies and straps to move heavy boxes and appliances like washers, dryers and refrigerators. 

Stock up on Packing Supplies

If you are doing the packing and moving yourself, there are many things you can do to remain organized as you pack. It all begins with purchasing the packing supplies you need to set yourself up for success. Some basic packing supplies are permanent markers, color coding stickers, box tape, bubble wrap, wrapping papers or newspapers, protective wraps/pads for large furniture. You will also need boxes in multiple sizes, including small, medium, large, wardrobe boxes and boxes designed for electronics, stemware and dishes.

Create a System

There should be a method to the madness when you are packing! Although you maybe think you will remember what you packed in each box, it is likely that you won’t. To help stay organized, you can create a simple system for packing:

             Create a Packing Spreadsheet

You can make a simple Excel or Word spreadsheet to organize your boxes. The goal of this spreadsheet is to number each box and write on your spreadsheet its general contents. You don’t need to list every item in the box, but you do need to be fairly specific. Instead of typing something like “living room,” type “living room vases.” 

 Color Code Each Room

So that you and the movers know what room each box should go in when you arrive, color code each box and put two colored stickers each box: one on the top and one next to the box number that correlates with your packing spreadsheet. For example, you might choose green for kitchen, blue for bathroom, yellow for living room and so on. Try not to mix rooms when packing, but if you must, color code the box with two colors of stickers so you will remember.

 Record a Video or Snap a Picture

For details that may be hard to recall once you get to your new home, record a short video on your phone or snap a quick photo. This could help you remember, for example, how you arranged your family photos on the wall, the order in which your vases and trinkets are on your shelves or which cord goes to what for your electronic devices.

Moving can be stressful, but with a solid game plan and some organizational tools, you can maintain a level of organization. You can unpack without the element of surprise when opening your boxes in your new home!

 This article was provided by Chase Roberts, home & garden expert and moving master.