I always dreamed of living away from home, in a big city, surrounded by a world that offered much more than the suburbia of my hometown. Born and raised in Baltimore, Md., I knew I was destined for somewhere else. It felt too mundane, too stuffy, too outdated. When I got accepted into college in Atlanta, Ga., I couldn’t wait to pack up my bedroom and take it to the South. But after two years of dorm life—sharing communal spaces, like showers and laundry rooms with hundreds of women—I, again, yearned for something different. It was time to reinvent the wheel and move into my first apartment. So, I did. Before I knew it, I was off for a one-year stint in bustling New York City, quickly returning to the slower burn of Georgia. Soon, I’m moving into my fourth rental in three years, relocating from one neighborhood to another. Moving is a hectic process, but a little pre-planning goes a long way. Here are ten tips I swear by to survive the chaos.

Ten Quick Tips For a Stress-Free Move

1. Notify your leasing office promptly once you decide you want to move

Before taking this step, you need to know when your lease ends. Read the initial contract and renewal offer thoroughly, taking note of any deadlines and associated fees. Often, apartment companies want at least a 30-day notice that you’re moving out, with some even requiring 60 days. Avoid notifying management at the last minute, or you might incur additional charges. It’s also possible, and very inconvenient, that they could extend your lease for some time. For example, if a non-renewal notice arrives late for an Aug. 31 lease, the management might extend the lease to September. Remember, it’s their job to find someone else to take the place off your hands, and they need enough time to do so.

2. Map out the neighborhoods you like the most and your non-negotiables

Thousands of apartments are popping up around the country, and with so many options, it’s essential to narrow your search. As a rookie, I spent countless weekends apartment shopping, making an already lengthy process feel even longer. Of course, you probably haven’t lived in every neighborhood of your city, but dedicate a few hours to exploring the ones that pique your interest. Grab a coffee, work remotely at a local café, or take your dog to the park. Immerse yourself in the community to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Additionally, figure out the details of your dream place and consult your wallet. Want a lot of natural light in the living room? Love a walk-in shower over a tub? Prepare to answer questions about your budget and your desires for a home. Typically, apartments have extra monthly fees on top of base rent, so decide how much you can afford to spend each month.

3. Use an apartment locator

Apartment-locating companies offer services in select cities, making your search much easier. Instead of thumbing away browsing apartment websites for hours and coordinating with leasing offices, these licensed agents handle the heavy lifting for you (well, not all of it). They find apartments that match your preferences and budget and even schedule the tours. Some services are free, earning their payment through referral rewards. If you’d like to DIY it, no problem—more on that next!

4. Always read reviews from real residents

Whether you choose to use an apartment locator or search for apartment listings on your own, always, always, always read reviews from residents. I personally love Google reviews because I know they’re from real people, and you can track rating trends over time and see actual photos. If a lot of people have moved out recently, find out why. My rule of thumb is three stars or less—maybe not the best—aka, run.

5. Schedule with a moving company at least a month in advance

As with hotels and flights, the longer you wait to book movers, the higher the cost. Once approved for your new place, contact moving companies right away. Shop around for the most affordable price tag before signing any contract. And, as always, be sure to check out the reviews.

6. Get rid of everything you don’t plan on taking with you

Each time I’ve moved, I tossed or donated anything I didn’t need, including old clothes or worn furniture. Relocating feels like a reset, and letting go of things that no longer serve you can be freeing. Unsure where to start? The KonMari method by tidying expert Marie Kondo can help guide you.

7. Buy reusable supplies

If you’re anything like me, there’s a chance you’ll be doing this again. Get reusable packing supplies to reduce waste (and eliminate the tedious process of breaking down boxes). Collapsible moving bags are helpful when packing closets and bulkier items, such as bedding.

8. Don’t try to pack everything in one day

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to pack up your entire place in one day, even if you’re moving out of your childhood bedroom for your first apartment. Attempting to pull an all-nighter rarely works out—and no, having a friend help you won’t make it faster. While they are trying to offer support, they might slow you down by needing instructions on where you want everything. Something will get broken or forgotten, and being sleep-deprived isn’t the best mindset for move day—trust me.

9. Stock up on move-in day essentials ahead of time

Nothing is worse on move-in day than taking a bathroom break and realizing there isn’t any toilet paper after using it. Picture this: you don’t have soap to wash your hands or napkins to dry them either. The movers are shuffling in and out, and you haven’t unpacked the box with the towels yet. What would you do? Cringing at the thought? Don’t let it happen. Purchase these essentials early and keep them handy to avoid situations like this.

10. Start moving out a few days before your lease ends

Especially for those moving across states, plan to vacate at least two days before your lease ends. If unexpected issues arise, like the moving team canceling on you, you’ll have enough time to bounce back. Plus, you’ll still have somewhere to sleep instead of spending extra money on a hotel. For local movers, this can also cut down moving costs. With a few extra days, you can start transporting smaller and medium-sized items to your new place, meaning you won’t need such a sizable moving truck.