We won't go so far to say moving is fun, but relocating doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck. Follow these ten easy tips to help make your move a lot smoother:

1. Declutter and Discard

Since moving companies charge by the weight of your possessions, try to declutter and discard items you no longer need prior to packing. If you haven’t worn that red dress in over a year you probably won’t wear it. Pack up clothing, shoes, toys, pots and pans, and linens that are in good condition and take a load down to your local thrift shop. Paring down to essentials makes packing and transporting simpler.

2. Put Important Papers Within Reach

Now’s the best time to sort receipts, insurance papers, medical records, birth certificates, licenses, and warranties so you can easily find papers you’ll need after the move. It makes no sense to search through dozens of boxes to find Johnny’s school records. Sorting and filing before packing puts important records well within reach.

3. Pack a Take-Along Bag

Place essential medications, cheque books, credit cards, and any other items you will need while travelling, or the moment you arrive at the new destination in a tote bag for immediate access. Since you will be momentarily separated from the bulk of your household possessions, it’s a good idea to keep medications, money, and financial papers close at hand in case delivery of personal belongings is delayed.

4. Start Saving Boxes

You can find free boxes by hitting the recycling bins behind neighbourhood grocery stores and strip malls. Merchants discard boxes every day and some of them are pretty sturdy. Make sure to get a variety of sizes and make sure boxes are clean and bug-free. Friends and neighbours won't mind saving boxes for you once they know you're planning a move. Some transport companies also offer used boxes for free or at a discount; just ask!

5. Pack As You Go

Don’t wait until the day before a move to start packing. Collect boxes and place several in each room. When you wash a load of sheets or towels, instead of placing them in the linen closet, pack a box! Go ahead and pack your best china, flatware, or collectables that are seldom used. The same thing goes for out-of-season items like blankets, coats, and woollens. Pack and label every box according to its contents and room, leaving it open to add more items until full. Take every opportunity to pack as you go and your load will be lighter on moving day.

6. Colour Code Boxes

Mark each box with brightly coloured masking tape coordinated to match the room you want them moved to: blue for the bedroom, red for the kitchen, yellow for the bathroom, etc. When you arrive at your new home, just place a large piece of coloured masking tape on the door coded to match the box contents. Helpers will instantly know where to unload each container. 

7. Pack Smart

Keep clothing like suits, dresses, and coats on their hangers and hang them in wardrobe boxes. Fragile items like china should also be packed in sturdy boxes. To safeguard against breakage, wrap china in fluffy bath towels or sweaters to provide more cushion. Use a pair of gym socks to protect glassware. Stuff a glass with one sock, use the other as a pouch to surround fragile stemware. Air bags that flatten and reduce bulky thick blankets and clothing to nearly nothing also help lighten the load for a move.

8. Grab Some Garbage Bags

Buy the largest drawstring bags you can find, at least 33 gallons, and use them to pack hanging garments in a jiffy. Instead of cutting a hole in the bag for hanging, simply place a handful of garments inside the bag and pull the open end up and over the clothing. Draw the garbage bag’s string around the neck of the hangers and tie securely. You’ve got a quick garment bag that holds clothes securely and bags can be used for trash later. Folding clothes packed in garbage bags can also be used to fill in small spaces inside the moving van.

9. Notify Utility Companies

Contact the post office, utility, cable TV, Internet companies, and newspaper providers, to give them a final date for service. To avoid packing in the dark, allow one or two days after the actual move date to make sure utilities stay on for last minute packing and cleaning. Forwarding your mail ahead of time ensures that confidential correspondence won't fall into the hands of the wrong person.

10. Reserve a Moving Van Well in Advance

If you plan on moving yourself, go ahead and schedule a van pickup at least two weeks prior to relocating. Advance scheduling will ensure your vehicle will be waiting and ready for pickup when you need it. Bear in mind that professional movers may require even more time to reserve and schedule a move. Don’t wait until the last minute. 

Finally, don’t stress out on moving day. If you follow the above steps, your moving day should go smoothly. Take time to inspect every room to make sure nothing is left behind and utility switches like gas, electricity, and water, are turned off.  If professional movers are handling everything, you'll only need to coordinate with the movers, grab an overnight bag and get in the car. 

Next up: unpacking! Check out our tips and tricks for arranging your furniture and some new home personalization ideas to quickly turn your new house into a home.

Photo credits: couple moving, boxes, packing