Congratulations! You’ve found the perfect home and it’s time to prepare for the big move. So, how soon should you get packing? As soon as possible. The last thing you want to do is move in haste. The key to a stress-free move is to not procrastinate. The sooner you can start the process, the better.

Don’t let the daunting task of moving keep you from putting the big move in motion. To help ease the process, we’ve put together a list to make not just the packing – but the move itself – a lot easier.

Take it room by room. Start with the rooms you use the least. While that may seem pretty obvious, avoid breezing through the packing. Go slow, and keep all relevant items together, using different colored tissues and wrapping paper to know what types of items are packed.

For example, candleholders in green tissue and porcelain figurines in yellow paper. And avoid using newspaper to wrap your items as the ink can transfer to your cherished possessions.   

Label everything. Label each box with details of its contents as well as each wrapped item in the box. Consider using different colored markers for each room.     

Let it go. Moving to a new home is a wonderful opportunity to donate items including clothing, kitchen utensils and old pots and pans, furniture and workout equipment to thrift stores. Some items, like gently used or vintage clothes, could also be taken to consignment stores. If you’re on the fence about bringing certain things to your new home, chances are it’s not something you really need.

Use moving boxes. Boxes you find behind the grocery store are fine if you’re only moving from a small space. If you’re about to move to your dream home with your family, it’s time to use boxes designed for moving. Not only are these boxes sturdier, they also are easy to seal and secure and have a designated spot for labels.

Hire a professional mover. We can’t stress this enough. Moving can be physically (and mentally) draining. Avoid renting a moving van you’ll drive on your own, and hire people who do it for a living. Not only will they pack your belongings securely, but they’ll also spare you the chance of injuring yourself.

Have a first night box. Pack a box with everything you’ll need for your first night in your new home. This could include protein-rich snacks like almonds and jerky, as well as hygiene products, comfortable clothing, and a few items that help you relax, like essential oils and candles.

If you’re moving young children, make sure to have their favorite toys and stuffed animals nearby. This is the last box your movers will unload. Once it comes off the truck, you know you’re in the home stretch.

Keep the kids happy. Moving can be tense for everyone, including children. To keep them comfortable, make them a part of the moving process. Let them help you pack, unpack and decorate. Try to stick to your daily routine, with the same bedtime rituals, meal times, and fun time.

Get to know the new neighborhood. Start this early. If you enjoy taking yoga classes, for example, take a few in your new neighborhood before you make the big move. Do the same with restaurants and groceries stores, too. That way, once you move, you’re already familiar with your new neighborhood.

Make a point of meeting the neighbors, and help your children meet and make new friends in their new community, too.