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Moving is always a challenge, even for the most well-prepared family. Yet there’s a lot you can do to make the process less stressful. If you’re planning a move in the near future, read on for great ways to make the moving process a little easier next time.

1. Plan Your Packing

Packing is often one of the most difficult parts of moving, especially if you have a larger house or more people in your family. The most important thing that you can do is to start packing well in advance, (at least a month or two). Anything that you won’t be using prior to your move can be packed first, including clothing that won’t be needed. The less you leave to do for the last minute (when you’ll have a lot of other responsibilities), the better. Another good idea is to make an “unpack first” box with things you expect you’ll need in the new place right away. You don’t want to move in and have to go digging through twenty boxes until you find the things that you need to use in the bathroom or the utensils to make dinner.

2. Get a Storage Unit

A storage unit will make managing your things during the moving process much easier. If you have some time between moving out of your old place and into your new one, it can make your life a lot simpler to store clothing in storage units if you don’t need it in the interim. It’s just not feasible to keep all your things in a truck or a hotel while you’re waiting to move in, and storage units are often more affordable than you might realize. In many cases, you can end up with a long period of time where you’ll need a place for your belongings and a storage facility is the most logical and affordable way to fill those needs. Many storage facilities even rent storage units that don’t require a long-term commitment. Climate-controlled storage space will also help prevent moisture, mildew, and humidity from damaging the contents of your cardboard boxes and storage containers.

3. Hire Movers

If you can fit it into your budget, the best way to make your moving process go smoothly is to hire professional movers. You may also find that moving furniture on your own can result in damage, whereas professional movers have the equipment and experience to transport even your more fragile possessions without harming them in the process. Focus on finding local movers who are familiar with the area, and who have a visible online presence with reviews that you can examine carefully.

4. Research Your New Home & Neighborhood

You need to know about your whole neighborhood, not just the home itself before you move. Your research process should start before you even buy your home. One great way to learn more is to download a free property report online so that you know more about the property you’re looking at before you pull the trigger on a purchase. A property report can tell you more about the projected sale price, the value of other homes in the area and provide you with information about the location and the profile of the city or town you’re moving to. All of this information is essential to have as early in the process as possible.

5. Sell or Donate What You Don’t Need

The reality is that most people haul around more junk than they actually need because they don’t invest the time in pairing down their possessions. Before any move, having some kind of garage sale can help you get rid of some things that you haven’t used in years, and make a little money to help fund your move. Whether it’s old clothing or furniture that won’t fit in your new home, it’s likely that you have plenty of things you can sell before you move on to your new place. Sit down with your family and go through everything you plan to pack before you pack it, as chances are you’ll find a lot you’re ready to leave behind.

There are a lot of complex issues that often come along with moving, but many of them can be alleviated or at least managed with thorough research and, sometimes, a little professional help. Investments in things like storage units or professional movers can take some of the stress off your plate, but the best weapon any homeowner has before a move is to start planning as early as you’re able to. There’s no substitute for leaving yourself enough time to evaluate your options, and you won’t regret ensuring that you’re making the right decisions, not just the easiest ones.