Around 5 million existing homes are purchased in the United States each year. If you’ve recently purchased an existing home yourself, odds are you can’t wait to move into your new place.

With that being said, if you don’t know how to prepare for a move, the entire situation can be a bit overwhelming. The good news? Planning and executing a big move isn’t as hard as it may seem, as long as you know a few useful tips and tricks.

In this article, we’ll give you some pointers that you can use to make sure your move goes smoothly. We’ll also tell you about a few common moving mistakes to avoid, so you can make sure to avoid any speedbumps along the way.

Start Planning Early

It goes without saying, but waiting until the last minute to start planning a move is never a good idea. This is especially true if you’re getting ready to move across the country, or if you have more than one or two rooms to pack up beforehand.

A pro tip? Give yourself one week per room to plan and pack for your move. That way you can take your time and prevent any unnecessary stress.

Pack Smartly

Knowing how to pack for a move is extremely important. Packing things the right way will not only help you use space in a moving truck more efficiently but will keep your items safe during the move, too.

A few tips to keep in mind? Wrap up all of your breakable items in your clothes and towels. In doing so, you’re not only keeping those fragile items safe but also packing up other items that you need to move anyway.

Also, don’t overstuff your boxes. Keep them light and fill in any empty spaces with things like blankets, towels, and clothes. This will help you keep your boxes from breaking while also giving you the ability to still stack things in a moving truck.

Get Some Help

Trying to do a big move by yourself is a great way to, at best, have a bad day. And at worst, you can seriously injure yourself, which is why we recommend that you get some help on moving day.

If you can’t talk friends or family into helping you, investing in professional movers is more than a good idea. The folks at Moving Ahead Services can not only assist you in the moving process, but they can handle everything themselves so you don’t have to.

Don’t Forget the Little Things

There’s nothing worse than getting to your new place only to realize you forgot to have the power turned on. That, plus no running water, can be a nightmare if you’re moving in at night or on the weekend.

The best way to avoid this problem? Handle all of the little things for your move a week or two in advance. That way, when you arrive at your new home, all you have to do is unpack.

Still Need Help Learning How to Prepare for a Move?

Now that you know how to prepare for a move, you’re aware that the best thing to do so is to start the process early. Make lists, give yourself plenty of time to get everything done, and don’t let the entire situation stress you out.

Looking for information on how you can get in better shape before moving day? Check back with our blog often, as we’re always talking about the latest in health & fitness.