Moving can be a very taxing process, requiring budgeting, moving resources, and ample planning. Employment at a future location can also be uncertain, depending on the distance of a relocation and a lack of social connections in a new area. Since moving is typically stressful for everyone, make life a bit easier by going through these tips during your next move.

1. Create inventory lists

Having a firm idea of what items will be moving to a new home is paramount. A clear inventory of items to move, sell, donate, and store can dictate how much money will go to moving costs, and how much will be gained through the sale of unwanted items. Check out this guide on creating a home inventory.

2. Find your moving resources

Services like a movable trailer dolly can help you easily attach a trailer to the back of a vehicle for moving large items, such as watercraft and storage units. Look into local storage units for items that will not be kept in a residence. Find professional moving services to handle large furniture and fragile items.

3. Get to know the area

Go online or take a road trip to the new neighborhood. Learn everything about the residential area, crime rates, school options, and nightlife. If moving with a family, ensure that there are convenient services in the area for relatives. Look into the public transportation, libraries, post offices, and hospitals.

4. Find the best deal

Make a

moving budget and investigate whether or not renting or purchasing a property is appropriate. For those looking

to settle down permanently, dedicate a much longer period of time to researching property values. For future renters, make sure to examine lease terms before committing to anything.

5. Cancel subscriptions

Contact any periodicals like magazines and newspapers and inform them of an upcoming move.

6. Manage mail and utilities

Fill out an address change form with the USPS to ensure that mail gets to a new residence. This is particularly important for any important medical, financial, or business mail that may end up at an old address. Inform the electric, cable, phone, and internet companies of relocation dates, to avoid being charged for services that are no longer used.

7. Find moving containers early

Smaller items can typically be stored in produce boxes, which many grocery stores are willing to give away for free. Take care to pack belongings carefully, with padding around fragile items. Gathering packing materials early can avoid rush jobs, which can lead to broken property.

8. Sell

Trying to get rid of some items before moving? Consider selling old and unwanted belongings on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Explore thrift stores in the area. Selling bulky electronics such as kitchen appliance, entertainment systems, and more can lighten a moving load and earn money for additional relocation costs.

9. Donate

Certain items are in high demand as donations. Typically, children’s clothes and toys can be donated via Freecycle, Goodwill, and more. Research homeless shelters and hospitals in the area, which may have donation spots for supplies.

10. Tidy up and relocate!

Get a group of friends together with some cleaning supplies and make the old residence spotless. A thorough cleaning can get most or all of a security deposit back, if property damage has not occurred. Check in with the landlord and lease to see what is required from a renter before vacating.