If you’re among the thousands of people who have picked up and moved their home or business, you are familiar with the frustrations of moving. Here are the top seven tips to help you organize a stress-free move.

BEGIN THE PROCESS EARLY

Start looking for movers in advance and inquire with storage facilities about free truck move offers

Downsize and pack your rarely used items one to two months before the move

Early preparation is most important in summer, when movers are busiest

TAKE PHOTOS BEFORE PACKING

Photograph the wires at the back of your television or any other electronic sets ups. This is a great way to keep track of what’s what, especially if you are notoriously scatterbrained when it comes to technology.

Take photos of your decor and room designs

Use these images to recreate layouts and displays in your new home

PACK WITH A PLAN

Pack one room at a time to maximize organization

Use high-quality packing supplies to protect your belongings these may be sold at your local storage facility

Separate important documents that need to be shredded ask the storage facility about secure on-site shredding services

VISIT YOUR NEW AREA

Don’t be a stranger. You have chosen this place for your new home – Use any free weekends you have in the run up to the move to get acquainted with your new area.

LABEL PROPERLY

It is wise to clearly label the boxes so you know what’s inside them.

The consensus is to write on the box what items are inside and which room they have come from or are going into.

If you don’t want to write a short novella on the boxes you could consider using colored stickers/labels to help categorize rooms.

KEEP ALL YOUR ESSENTIALS

Be prepared for the first day or two in your new home

Keep easy access to essentials by packing an overnight bag

Include a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, your cell phone, and your laptop

PACK IMPORTANT ITEMS SEPARATELY

After arriving in your new home, you’ll need to track down certain items before you can unpack everything

Pack these important items in a clearly marked box or bin

Include chargers, snacks, bottled water, box cutters, toilet paper, tools, and pet supplies