Moving to a new home, city, or state can be an exciting new beginning, and it all starts with the big move. The longer you’ve been in your current home, the bigger this project becomes, and you need to map out a moving plan in order to avoid forgetting the small-but-important details. There are many things you should do in preparation for a successful move, but there are also other things you should avoid in order to save yourself a lot of time and headache. Read on for moving tips, mistakes to avoid, and other expert advice on household moving in your area.

NOT LEAVING ENOUGH TIME

One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is not leaving enough time to take care of things in an orderly fashion. Leaving everything until a few days before the move is sure to guarantee a stressful, disorganized experience. Instead, create a timeline that begins several weeks before your move that allows you to organize your belongings, get rid of unwanted items, carefully pack and label things, clean your home, and feel like you have things under control.

TRYING TO MOVE EVERYTHING

Rather than throwing everything you own into boxes and deciding what to do with all of it when you get there, it’s smarter to organize things before you move and get rid of anything you no longer need. Create designated piles for trash, donations, and things to give to someone else, and only keep the things you love and need in your new home. This will save you from going through all your belongings again after you’ve moved, and it will save you space and boxes on the moving truck.

UNDERESTIMATING THE BENEFITS OF PROFESSIONAL MOVERS

Many people believe the common misconception that professional movers are an unnecessary expense. The reality is that moving large furniture and certain items on your own is tiring and often hazardous. Unlike moving companies that have experience and insurance, any damage you cause is entirely for you to handle.

PACKING INCORRECTLY

While there is no single packing technique that works for every situation, a common mistake is not packing items securely enough. Don’t skimp on the bubble wrap, newspaper, or other padding when it comes to dishes, glassware, or other fragile items. It’s easy to lose track of certain boxes and items in the chaos of a move, so it is better to make sure all your belongings are safe and secure even if they end up out of sight for a while.