I’ve been in my current apartment for two years now, and while I love it, it’s time to move on. While my excitement is through the roof that I am finally moving, I’m not looking forward to the work that lies ahead. My main priority is to make sure my moving experience is as seamless and as smooth as possible. Stress doesn’t live here, and I plan to keep it that way. If you’re moving soon or are currently in the process, here are a few steps I’m taking to keep it as labor-free and easy as possible.

Apartment Shop a Month Ahead

One mistake I made in this process was apartment hunting a little too early. There’s nothing wrong with browsing the market to see what’s out there, but the prices won’t be as realistic, especially if you plan to move 3-4 months later. If you shop too far in advance, you’ll likely see higher prices than when you shop closer to the move-in date. Start shopping one month ahead. Around that time, prices will be more realistic and help narrow your search.

Pack What I Can, When I Can

If you’re anything like me, large projects like moving can feel overwhelming. To avoid added stress, I’ve started decluttering my home weeks ahead of moving day. It’s easy to delay this task, but time can quickly slip away when you’re packing while balancing a full-time job. That’s why it’s crucial for me to pack and declutter whenever I can.

One tip is to focus on items you haven’t used, seen, or thought about in the last six months to a year. If you haven’t needed it in that time, it’s probably time to let it go. Decluttering room by room can also make the process more manageable.

Pro tip: Essentials like toiletries and skincare products will be used until moving day, but items like your 10-piece plate and bowl set won’t. You can pack these items safely and store them early. This simple step saves time, making your moving day smoother and giving you more time to focus on other tasks.

Pay for Convenience

We often don’t realize how many items we own until it’s time to sort, declutter, and pack them up. The last thing I want to do is physically move boxes from my apartment to the car and then from the car to my new place. Instead, I’m paying for convenience. For me, that means hiring a moving crew to handle my belongings and ensure everything arrives at my new home safely and intact.

Book movers at least one month in advance, and be sure to do your research. There’s no need to settle for the first company you find. Research gives you confidence in the business, and you might even score a good deal. Compare prices and check for any additional fees to help determine if the company is the right fit for you.

Sell and Save

After years of commitment to one decor style, it’s natural for your taste to evolve. Whether due to personal growth or discovering new colors, textures, and decor you’d like to incorporate, consider selling your old furniture and decorative pieces to save for new ones. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace can help you promote your items for a successful sale. Moving often comes with unexpected expenses, so selling the old to save for the new can be helpful.