Making a decision to moving is not easy. You have to consider a lot of things— choosing a location, notifying your relatives or friends, and finding a new apartment or a home in the new neighbourhood. You have to be ready to pack up everything you own. Proper planning and preparation is needed, in order to make your move hassle free. At least six weeks before you move into the new home, it’s time to buckle down and get to work. Here are some guidelines to help you out:

First, have a thorough look at what you own, and make a decision on what must go with you and what can be left behind, because extra weight costs more money. Box up your possessions that you’re taking with you and label each box with which room you want the movers to bring it to (kitchen, living room, etc). Second, separate the things you no longer need, or you may organise a garage sale if you have lots of things worth selling. Third, create a central file for all the details before your move. It is a good idea to buy a brightly coloured organiser folder with pockets, which is less likely to be misplaced. Fourth, make it a point to gather all the receipts for moving-related costs. You may be entitled to a tax deduction but that will depend on your reasons for moving. Get an estimate from moving companies of how much they’ll charge. Fifth, plan in advance in order to reduce the stress of doing important decisions when the furniture lands at your new house. Draw a floor plan and think about where you want to place the furniture. On your sketch, mark and put a label where you want specific parts of furniture to go and place the drawing in your personal moving folder.

Changing a residence can be stressful, however, planning your move in advance will minimise your encountering any setbacks.