Moving from one place to another can sometimes be stressful — whether you’re moving across the country or two doors down. However, there are ways to make your move much less stressful than you might expect. Namely, making a plan and following through on every step can help you feel a bit more in line with your priorities so the act of moving feels more like a natural progression than a giant jumble of tasks. If you’re starting the planning for your move, here are a few things to keep in mind throughout the process.

Declutter

Decluttering is one of the first — and most important — things you can do to get prepared to move. Some people even prefer to start decluttering months in advance. Really, it depends on you and how much stuff you have in your home. Try going room by room and weeding out anything you don’t need. You’ll thank yourself later.

Put Things in Storage

Storage can be a great option if you have large or valuable items that you can’t take with you right away or that you plan to return for at a later date. Anything from appliances to holiday decorations can go in storage, so if you have things you know don’t fit with your move but also shouldn’t be thrown away or donated, plan a place for them to go.

Plan While You Pack

This isn’t a big deal when you move out, but it will be when you move in. Unpacking a disorganized mess won’t be any fun for you, so if you’re taking time to pack things away, you can also take the time to plan for each room in your new home while you do it. That way, your unpacking process will be easy and organized.

Movers or DIY?

This is one of the big questions that comes along with making a move anywhere. As long as you have furniture and larger items in your possession, you’ll need to consider whether you realistically have the muscle power to move them yourself. Of course, if you have a gaggle of strong friends to help you out, it might be a no-brainer. But consider early on whether you’ll need to hire movers. If you do, shop around and get a few quotes before picking someone.

Doing Your Homework

The logistics of moving can often feel like the biggest hurdle you’ll need to jump — and in a way, that’s true. However, one thing you should keep an eye on is the homework that comes along with moving. You’ll need to take care of address changes, insurance, registering to vote, and changing your banking information. All of those things take a lot of time, energy, and planning — and the last thing you want is to miss one of those.

How to Plan Your Move Smoothly

Moving is stressful enough — you don’t need any more hurdles to worry about. When you plan ahead, declutter, and do your homework prior to your move, you have nothing to worry about on the other side, no matter what adventure you’re embarking on next.