It’s time to move, baby! You got this. Let’s make this relocation official! Sure, that’s easier said than done—especially if you have to move a house stuffed to the rafters with junk and those fireballs of energy you call “kids.”

We get it. Moving is no walk in the park. But you can keep your chin up and stay focused on your goal if you follow these steps.

Let’s start with your moving budget. If you’re past the stage of life where everything you own fits in the trunk of your car, you probably can’t get away with a free move. That’s because the main things that affect moving costs are how much stuff you need to move and how far you’re moving it. 

Be sure to plan ahead for this step because moving expenses can cost hundreds to even thousands of dollars! The most expensive option will be hiring a full-service moving company that does the packing, moving and unpacking for you (don’t forget to tip!). But if you’re up for tackling the heavy lifting yourself, you could save money by reserving a moving truck or container.

Don’t forget, if you’re relocating for work, your employer might offer a relocation package to cover all or some of these costs. Cha-ching! 

Okay, now let’s look at your moving tasks. Everyone has different needs to make their move successful. So, the best thing you can do is make a checklist of your most important tasks. Here are 10 ideas to get you started: 

1. Finalize your moving date. Decide on the dates and details of your move so you know when to reserve a truck rental, moving container or moving company. Then, schedule a date to cancel your utility services (gas, electric, internet), or transfer them to your new location so that—ta-da!—they’re ready for when you arrive.
    
2. Prepare to transfer schools. If you have kiddos, notify their current schools of your moving date. Then ask for the top-secret, super-important records you’ll need for registration at their new schools—like report cards, test scores, birth certificates, and vaccination records. If your kids are in childcare, get a jump on waiting lists by looking at options in your new location and applying before you move. 
    
3. Forward your postal mail. File a change of address online at USPS.com. Arrange for the USPS to hold your mail at a local post office in your new city.
    
4. Declutter. Sort through your stuff and sell or donate items you don’t need. Don’t worry about making a profit. Drop off your clothes at Goodwill to make clearing out your clutter quick and easy—while giving to others in the process.
    
5. Start packing. If you’re hiring a full-service moving company, they can pack your items for you. Otherwise, gather moving supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, scissors) and start packing! It might sound extreme, but as you pack, inventory each box. It’ll take extra work on the front end, but you’ll be happy you did it. Number each box and document the items they contain so you can check them when you unload.
    
6. Set aside an essentials box. Pack an easily accessible box with items you’ll need in between cities and while you unpack in your new city. These items might include bedding, clothing, toiletries, phone chargers, and—to protect everyone’s sanity—the coffee maker.
    
7. Reserve the right-sized moving truck or container. Research moving truck or container rentals for load capacity. Measure the size of your items so you know how much space is needed to fit everything. Otherwise, get ready for a live-action game of Tetris. 
    
8. Plan for moving help. If you aren’t hiring a moving company to handle the entire move for you, and you're not recruiting friends by “paying” them with pizza, find moving help to load and unload your truck or moving container. Arrange this well in advance and be aware of their policies and any hidden fees, like for changing your schedule.
    
9. Clean your home. If you have some extra room in the budget, hire a cleaning company to do a final cleaning of your current house. Otherwise, you might need to plan for some time in between packing and moving to do the cleaning yourself.
    
10. Move and unload. Take time to instruct your movers where your belongings should be unloaded in your new home. It’ll make unpacking faster and easier.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth transition. Just keep in mind, the more you plan ahead, the more efficient your move will be. If you want to make your move even more secure, drill down every detail with our Relocation Checklist.