Moving can be stressful, especially if you're moving to a new city. You want to make sure that your belongings arrive safely and on time, but you likely don't know how to get started with the process. 

Here are nine tips for relocating with ease, from packing efficiently to researching car shipping companies. These are tried-and-true strategies that can help anyone who is moving across the country or across town.

1. Declutter Your Home

Before you start packing, you need to declutter your home and get rid of everything you don't need. The more stuff you have, the longer it will take to pack and unpack. Organize your belongings into four categories:

• Keep — Things you plan to take with you
• Donate — Things that a charity could use
• Sell — Items that someone else can put to good use
• Purge — Items that are no longer functional or have no value

If you're getting rid of a large number of household items, make sure to donate or throw things away. Use a charity that will pick up your donation for free. For things, you could sell, hold a yard sale, or sell them online well in advance. You can also use the money to help pay for your move. 

Pay special attention to your clothing and shoes. Get rid of everything that doesn't fit or that you haven't worn regularly for a year. 

2. Plan Your Move

Then there are a few different ways to get started with the planning process:

• Create a timeline for your move. The timeline should include moving day, arrival times, and delivery deadlines. The more organized you are, the easier it will be to plan ahead.
• Figure out how much your move will cost. You can estimate your moving costs using an online calculator.
• Research moving companies. Once you know how much it will cost to move, you can start looking for movers. You can read customer reviews to get an idea of the quality of each company.
• Put together a packing kit. This should include boxes, paper, packing tape, and markers. Labeling your items will help you find the box they go in later and keep them organized.

3. Pack Smartly and Strategically

When packing, think about what you can pack in small batches and what you need to pack last. You should always pack the heavy boxes first. This way, they will be on the bottom of your stack, and you won't have to wrestle them into the truck. Pack cartons that contain fragile items near the top. Keep items with the same weight together. 

Pack your clothes and personal items last. These are easy to pack and don't require a lot of space. Once you've emptied your closets and cupboards, you can start packing. Create an inventory list of all the boxes you own and their contents. 

It is important to take care when packing your things for the move. Try not to pack any items in garbage bags, as well-meaning friends or family may accidentally throw them out on moving day. 

Next, you should label your boxes. Write the room they belong in on each side of the box so you can easily find it later. For the front, write a description of what's inside. Organize your boxes by room. Put boxes that belong in the same room on top of each other.

4. Prepare a Moving Day Kit

Now, moving days can be long and stressful. Make sure you have plenty of food, drinks, snacks, and supplies to get through the move. To make your moving day a little easier, set aside a box with essentials you might need once you get to your destination or while you're waiting for your movers to arrive. For more info you can check moving glossary resource.

• Keep a first-aid kit with bandages, antibiotic ointments, pain relievers, and wipes.
• Pack a flashlight with extra batteries, so you can see in dark spaces.
• Make sure you have your power of attorney, parking permits, and keys.
• Set aside cleaning supplies, toilet paper, toiletries, garbage bags, and a change of clothes.
• Pack your cell phone charger, laptop, computer mouse, keyboard, and any other electronics that you might need.

So, put all these supplies in a box labeled “Moving Day Kit” and set it near the door for easy access during your move.

5. Coordinate Your Move With the Drivers

Next, give your movers a call or email them to confirm the time and date. Discuss in detail where to park and let them know if it is a residential or commercial location. Make sure the movers have your contact information and let them know about any possible changes or delays.

If there are any specific items you want the movers to be aware of, make sure you let them know about it. You should also show them where you would like them to stack the boxes.

6. Use Colored Packing Tape to Color-Code Boxes

Another way to speed up the process of finding specific items is by color-coding boxes. For example, you can use yellow for kitchen items, red for bathroom items, white for office supplies, green or blue for clothes, and so on. You can use different colors of tape or different colored stickers to distinguish each room or section of your home.

7. To Save Time, Pack 10 Boxes at a Time

The average packer can usually handle about 8 to 10 boxes an hour, but less experienced ones are only able to finish 5 to 7 each. By setting aside one to two hours a day, you can easily get through half of your packing.

To help you take full advantage of your time, pack one room at a time instead of packing up everything for the entire day. Then move on to the next room.

8. Use Drawers As Boxes

You can also save time and space by leaving items in drawers if they have a lock. For example, if you have a dresser with a lock, you can use the drawers to store clothes. If your dresser doesn't have a lock, you can still use the top drawers for storing clothes. You can also use drawers to store small items, toys, or miscellaneous supplies.

9. Use Recyclable Paper Instead of Bubble Wrap

Finally, make your move eco-friendly by ditching the plastic bubble wrap. Bubble wrap is expensive. You can buy loose packing paper or use newspaper strips for wrapping your fragile items. Just roll the paper around it and tape it securely. Bubble wrap should always be used for your biggest and most fragile items like mirrors, TVs, or picture frames. 

Get Ready for a New Adventure

Your home is your sanctuary. By following these tips, you can make sure that moving to your new home is an exciting and stress-free experience.