Whether you're moving across town or across the country, packing can be one of the most stressful parts of a move. But there are a few things you can do to pack like a pro and make the move go a little bit smoother.

• Plan ahead. Develop a to-do list so you won't forget something critical as you head into moving day. This can also help you create an estimate of moving time and costs. Figure out who you need to notify that you're moving and what needs to be done to close accounts, transfer services, or update your address and when that needs to be done. Don't forget to think about utility companies, credit card companies, local banks, the post office, doctors' and vets' offices, and of course, your family and friends.
  
  
• Declutter. Moving is a great opportunity to go through each room in your house and start to declutter items that you don't use anymore. This is a great time to plan a garage sale, donate items to a local re-use organization (like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore or The Scrappy Elephant), or list them on a local Buy Nothing group.

• Decide if you're moving on your own or hiring movers. If you decide to hire professional movers, decide what items are going to stay with you. Valuable breakables, family photos, and other must-have items should stay close to you if possible. And many movers won't take plants or liquids. Check with your moving company about their restrictions so you don't have any last-minute surprises.
  
  
• Pack similar items together. Try to pack items according to the room they belong in or the type of item they are. This will make unpacking a lot easier to manage.
  
  
• Don't make boxes too heavy. Try to keep the weight of each box under 50 pounds. Keep heavier items in smaller boxes to prevent boxes from getting too heavy.
  
  
• Don't overpack boxes. Overpacking boxes is more likely to lead to broken items and unhappy members of the family.
  
  
• Wrap fragile items separately. Pad the bottom and sides of boxes for breakable items. Use bubble wrap or other packing materials to prevent them from bumping into each other and chipping as you travel.
  
  
• Take photos and label furniture parts and accessories. When packing electronics and furniture, make sure all the wires, screws, and bolts are secured with the furniture they belong to. Take photos of the back of your electronics so you know how to set up your systems when you get to your new home.
  
  
• Label every box on all sides. You never know how boxes will be stacked, so having them labeled on each side will help you figure out what's in each box. Color coding boxes by room with markers or stickers can also make it easier to figure out what box goes in what room.
  
  
• Keep moving documents together. Make sure to include any contracts for moving companies or rental trucks, vital contact information, and other important details that you might need for getting into your new home.
  
  
• Pack an essential items tote. There are some essential items that you want to make sure are available to you as soon as you get to your new home. Pack a tote or box with essential items such as a first aid kit, scissors or a box cutter to start unpacking, toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, and food. Set aside bedding, towels, clothes, and toiletries for the first few days in your home until you get fully moved in. 
  
  
• Plan your route. Make sure you know your route in advance. Save your directions offline and print a copy just in case anything happens to your phone or GPS as you travel.
  
  
• Inspect each box and piece of furniture as it arrives. If you're using professional movers, make sure you know their process for reporting damages and inspect each item as it arrives.  

We hope these tips help make your move go more smoothly. If you're looking for help deciding on where to move next, our team would be glad to discuss the current market conditions and other factors that may influence your decision. Call us at (434) 214-6121 to discuss your home ownership goals.