Moving into a new home is a monumental and exciting time. It can also be challenging to navigate through the nuances of moving out of an old space and into a new one. Whether you’re moving across town or to a different state or even country, proper planning and organization are key to ensuring a smooth moving experience.

To help you navigate through the moving process with less stress, here are six important things you must do:

Create a Moving Checklist

The first thing you should do when moving is create a moving checklist. This will be your roadmap throughout your moving journey and will ensure that you stay organized. Include tasks like scheduling movers, packing, decluttering, updating your address with the post office, and notifying utility providers. Break down each task into manageable steps to help you stay on track and alleviate stress.

Declutter

Moving is a great chance to get rid of items that no longer serve you. Sort through your belongings and decide what you’re going to keep, donate or sell. Letting go of unnecessary items will help reduce the cost when moving as well as make your new home feel like a fresh start. Donate items to local charities or have a garage sale to give your items a second life.

Pack With Intention

Start by gathering the packing supplies you’ll need, such as bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, packing tape, and markers. Pack items by room and label each box with its content and the room it will belong in your new home. Essential items like toiletries and a change of clothing should be kept in a separate, easily accessible bag or box to hold you through your first few days in your new home. Also, take photos of valuable items before packing them. This will help with your insurance if anything were to be damaged while moving.

Notify Service Providers

Inform your service providers about your upcoming move to ensure a smooth transition. This includes internet service providers, utility companies, banks, insurance providers, and subscription services that you use. Make sure to provide them with your new address and schedule any disconnection or transfer of services that are needed. It’s also important to update your address with the post office, government agencies, and other essential organizations.

Hire Professional Movers

If you have the budget, you should definitely hire professional movers. Booking a reputable moving company well in advance makes moving a breeze. Communicate your moving date and expectations clearly, providing as much detail as possible to ensure a smooth moving day.

Don’t Forget Important Administrative Tasks

As cumbersome as they may be, completing administrate tasks is a crucial step when moving. This can involve contacting your insurance provider to update or transfer your policies for home or renter’s insurance. You should also update your vehicle registration and driver’s license. If you have children, enroll them in childcare facilities or schools in your new neighborhood. Lastly, you should transfer your medical records to new health care providers in your area and inform your current doctors of your move.