Moving can be stressful. Whether you’re headed down the street or across the country, you’ll be faced with a minefield of tasks, from packing your belongings to cleaning up your new home.

Since the average American moves nearly 12 times in a lifetime, it’s important to get it right.¹ Thankfully, the right attitude and a few tried-and-true techniques can transform the headache of relocating into the pleasure of embracing a new home.

Additional Read: Moving To Another State: Relocation And Mortgage Tips

As mortgage brokers, we can help you find a home and relocate as quickly and painlessly as possible. Here are some concrete steps you can take to make the transition smoother:

Make a List and Check It Twice

When it comes to moving, lists are your best friends. Start by making a comprehensive list of all your moving tasks at least two months before you leave your current residence. If you wait until it’s time to hit the road, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed by everything that needs to get done.

Here are some things you might want to list:

• Moving Tasks – Having a master to-do list will guide you through the process and keep you on schedule. Include deadlines and check off each item as you go. If you ever get overwhelmed, simply glance at your list, and you’ll have a step-by-step guide on how to proceed.
• Address Changes – Telling the right people about your new address is critical to ensuring a seamless transition. Make a list of all the important contacts you’ll need to notify, including the bank, the post office, and the credit card companies.
• Inventory – Keeping an inventory of all your possessions is essential for insurance purposes and helpful when you start unpacking. Knowing exactly what you have means you’ll know if you’ve lost something valuable.

Create a Plan and Stick to It

A solid plan can get you through the most difficult relocation. The absence of one can turn your life into a nightmare.

A budget is a good place to start. After making a deal on your new home and talking to your mortgage lender, you’ll be able to figure out exactly how much room you’ll have in your budget for relocation costs. Check out our buying tips if you want to ensure you’re purchasing the right home for your financial situation.

Decide well ahead of time if you want to hire a moving company or rent a truck. Will you get professionals to move your stuff out or will you rely on friends and family? Estimate the number of boxes you’ll need. Get a few extra just to be safe.

It may seem like a tedious chore to create a comprehensive plan so far ahead of schedule, but you’ll thank yourself when the work starts to pile up.

Get Your Affairs in Order

From saying goodbye to old friends to getting rid of old junk, it’s important to close the old chapter before opening the next one.

In addition to notifying important contacts of your address change, you’ll need to finish any improvements on your old home and clean up your new home before you set foot in it.

You might also need to throw away some of that old stuff. Whether your new place is smaller than your old place, or whether it’s simply time to get rid of that garage full of junk, there are a number of options for dealing with your old things:

• Hold a garage sale
• Sell your old possessions online
• Give your items to charity
• Rent a storage space

Be sure to keep a record of everything you donate for tax purposes. Get a receipt for every item, if you can.