About 35.5 million Americans move every year. As often as we pack up and change location, it’s not always easy. There are often a few hiccups and stressful problems along the way.

Having a plan before you move could help simplify the process. You can make sure you have everything in place before leaving home. Instead of a stressful experience, you can turn moving into a fast, efficient adventure.

Not sure where to get started with your moving checklist? Here are eight essential tasks to keep in mind.

With these tips, you can remain on track and organized. You can also avoid unexpected moving expenses along the way.

Get ready to make a move with this stress-free moving checklist today.

1. Create a To-Do List

The best way to get started is to make a to-do list of the tasks you need to complete.

Separate your moving checklist into three sections based on your schedule:

• Tasks to complete before you move
• Items to complete on moving day
• Tasks to complete after moving day

Segmenting your moving checklist this way can make it easier to tackle. You can even take it a step further. Establish deadlines for each item on your checklist.

Don’t let too many deadlines overlap. Instead, give yourself time to complete each task.

It’s normal for unexpected tasks to pop up as you work through your schedule. Creating a moving checklist ahead of time will help you anticipate potential surprises. You can minimize how many emergencies you’ll experience the day you move.

Otherwise, you might not realize what you forgot until it’s time to change location.

Don’t wait until the last minute, either. Once you establish your to-do list, stick to it.

Try to complete as much as you can before the actual moving day. For example, you can complete a change of address form. You can have the form ready the week you move.

Don’t forget to think about updating your driver’s license to reflect your change of address as well.

Once you get organized, you can work on completing your moving checklist.

2. Start Immediately

Try to get as much done as possible the two months before you move. Completing as many tasks as you can in advance will help minimize your stress.

For example, you can start decluttering long before moving day. Separate your belongings into three piles: sell, donate, and give away.

You don’t have to work through this process alone. Ask friends or family members to help as you start preparing, too. Make sure to call them well in advance.

Otherwise, you might not realize they’re busy on moving day until it’s too late.

Use the advance time you have to gather any materials you might need. For example, you might need to pick up boxes and bubble wrap.

Decluttering will help you determine how many boxes you need. You can also reduce how many boxes you’ll need to pack. Reducing the number of boxes could help you save money.

3. Call Professionals

Remember, you don’t have to work through this process alone. Consider calling for professional help.

First, establish your budget. Try to estimate as many moving costs as you can. Then, start calling around.

Gather quotes from at least three moving companies in the area. Gathering multiple quotes can help you gauge the average price. Make sure you understand what’s included in the estimate.

Ask each moving company about the other services they offer as well. For example, some companies will help you pack and move. Some offer storage services, too.

Finding the best professional movers in the area will give you peace of mind.

Make sure to call early. You don’t want to find out they’re all booked out at the last minute.

4. Mark Your Boxes

Try to start packing what you can as soon as possible. As you begin packing, make sure to number your boxes. Then, create a document that lists what’s within each box.

Marking your boxes can help you prepare for any unexpected issues. For example, if you lose a box, you’ll know exactly what was inside.

5. Take Pictures

As you begin packing, make sure to take photos of what’s within your boxes, too. Take photos of any prized or expensive possessions as well.

If something is lost or breaks during the move, you’ll have photos to file an insurance claim.

6. Schedule Donation Pick-Ups

Remember, it helps to minimize how many boxes you’ll need to move with you. Take a look at your “donate” pile. Consider scheduling a day to have your donations picked up from your home.

Otherwise, take them in yourself.

Scheduling a day for donation pick-ups will help you make the most of your time. You won’t have to zig-zag across town.

7. Get Help From Friends

Don’t try to complete your moving checklist alone. Instead, get help from friends. Assign them tasks on your moving checklist.

Try to match different tasks based on everyone’s strengths.

For example, you can have your gym buddies carry boxes. Consider asking your mom to help you clean after everything is moved out.

Plan a way to thank everyone for their help. For example, you can make sandwiches ahead of time or order pizza. Make sure to have cold water handy for everyone, too.

8. Clean and Kick Back

Over 40% of people change location for a housing-related purpose. Are you leaving an apartment? Make sure to deep clean it if you want your deposit back.

Keep your cleaning supplies in a separate box to avoid packing them away before you’re done cleaning.

Cleaning your home will allow you to spot any items you neglected to pack, too.

Once you’ve worked through this moving checklist, you can kick back and relax in your new home.

Making a Move: 8 Tips to Help You Change Location

Are you ready to change location this year? Use these tips as you work through your moving checklist. With these tips, you can minimize the stress.

Instead, you can enjoy the adventure of leaving home.

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