Moving can be one of the most frustrating endeavors in life. Some people can move several times over the course of a few years and others make it a point to move as few times as possible during their lifetime. No matter if you love it or loathe it, moving is an undertaking that should not be taken lightly. There are always a lot of moving pieces when you move, but that certainly doesn’t mean that it has to be a nightmare. Here are five tips to make your next move a lot more manageable. 

Start Early

This cannot be stated more plainly: You must begin the process of moving well ahead of your move-in date or several pitfalls are bound to happen. Make sure all of your ducks are in a row at your next residence. That means getting all of your utilities hooked up as well as any renter’s insurance that you are required to carry if you move to an apartment. The same goes with moving into a house. Make sure the power, water, and even the Internet are all paid for so on move-in day everything has been taken care of. There is nothing worse than having to move only to find out that the electricity hasn’t been hooked up. Staying at a hotel temporarily until your utilities are turned on is a major waste of money, so start early and plan accordingly. 

Throw a Swap Party

One thing you always learn first about moving is that you and your family likely accumulated more than you can imagine. Taking years and years of impromptu trips to Target and to the mall account for a lot of miscellaneous items just sitting around your house collecting dust. If there are things you are happy to part with, have a swap party and swap things you don’t want with the things your friends and family want to part with. That way you have new-to-you items that you can decorate your new home with. And, it’s a fun way to get together before a move with those you love the most. 

Have a Yard Sale 

After your swap party if you still have a lot of items you want to part with and make extra money, make sure to have a yard sale. Yard sales take a lot of planning as well. Talk with your local city government to get the proper license for a yard sale and then make sure you advertise the date at least two weeks out. You can put signs up in your neighborhood but there are also online websites and forums where you can post local yard sale listings. Price your items where you make money at the end of the day and also where people feel compelled to buy. After your yard sale, you will have unloaded unnecessary items for your move and have more money to spend toward it or save. 

Enlist Friends 

Packing can be one of the more dreary parts of moving, so making it fun is a must. Invite your friends over for some food and drinks and have everything for your move out and ready including plenty of boxes, labels, markers, tape, packing bubbles, glass sleeves and packing wrap. Not only will a party put a dent in the moving  process, it will be fun as well. Be sure to turn on some tunes to make it even more enjoyable. Just make sure your cocktails aren’t too strong. Nothing will get done. 

Hire a Reputable Moving Company 

While renting a van or truck to move your things can save you money, what can ultimately save you and your family a huge headache is to hire a moving company. Click here to hire one we recommend. They literally do all of the heavy lifting for you. They will help pack some of your large items and make sure your furniture and boxes are properly stored and ready for your move. Moving companies, of course, do local and even cross country trips. Be diligent when hiring a moving company. All moving companies have packages based on your family’s needs. You can save money in the short term, but lose your sanity in the long run. Hiring a moving company is key. Also, you would be surprised how affordable moving companies can be. One thing to remember: make sure to have enough tip money to cover all of the movers once their job is complete. 

Moving is a hard job, especially if it’s your first time moving. Learn more about your first big move. These simple tips will make your next move at least more fun and manageable. Overall, no matter how many parties you throw or even how many items you sell at a yard sale, moving takes a lot of planning. If you are a great planner then moving will be a cinch. And, even if you’re not a great planner, starting early can make your move run smoothly.