No doubt about it, moving can be time consuming, stressful, and expensive. But here are a few things you can do to make your move as smooth and hassle free as possible.
First and foremost, make a list! Or several lists! A list of things to do and in what order can save lots of time on moving day. Likewise, listing your items according to room can be a huge benefit to anyone helping you either pack or unload, especially if they are not as familiar with your things as you are (like that buddy who owes you a favor). You can also make a list of repairs or special notes for anyone carrying a particular box.
Be sure to set aside some time for cleaning. Packing can stir up dust you did not even know existed. And kitchens can be especially troublesome, specifically oven hoods, refrigerators, and ceiling fans. Whether you are selling your home or moving out of a rental property and just want to get all of your security deposit back, always endeavor to leave your home cleaner than you found it.
And realize, too, that you do not have to everything yourself. Professional cleaning, while admittedly an extra cost, can not only give you the peace of mind that your space will be spotless when you leave, but also free you up to focus on packing. And when it comes to packing, you can even hire professionals for that. A quick Internet search will show you some of the best discount movers in your area, any of whom would be happy to give you an over the phone quote based on house size or number of rooms.
Keep at least one box out for transitional things. These will be things you know you will need while you are packing, during the drive to the new location, or before you have everything unpacked. This list might include cleaning supplies, bathrooms supplies, or overnight supplies if the move takes you far out of town.
Moving into your new space can be just as time consuming, though the excitement of making your new home your own can help to alleviate some of the stress. Also, if you have labeled all your boxes according to room, your friends or the moving company will have a much easier time, and moving in all your boxes will be smooth and simple.
Even with all these things in place, stress can happen. Just try to relax as much as possible, remember to laugh about the little things, and this too shall pass.