If you’ve made the decision to buy and are ready to pack up your existing home, there are a few things you need to know. Moving is the ultimate opportunity for de-cluttering your life and starting fresh. Throwing out all your unnecessary belongings is the perfect place to start.

Throwing it out

Beginning with your clothes, go through and determine what you haven’t worn in a long time and donate them. Then, take that same mentality to your other belongings like books and dishware. If you have to think about whether or not to keep something, chances are you probably don’t need it.

Packing it up

Shipping and packing supplies can be expensive. What are you going to do with hundreds of sheets of bubble wrap or used newspaper once you move? Use clothes and sheets instead to package your breakable belongings. It will save you room and money.

Make it official

Believe it or not, it’s easy to forget to change your address when you move. Notifying all the necessary people of your new location is important when it comes to your bills and accounts. Contact your bank, magazine subscriptions and any other services that might be at your existing address to save yourself a headache.

Get some help

Nobody likes to move, and few people really enjoy helping, but that’s what friends and family are for! Whether they help you pack or clean your old place, always remember to pay them. Taking them out to dinner or buying drinks usually helps sweeten the deal. Should you need more help, professional movers are always an option.

Getting organized up front, contacting your friends for help and remembering all the important steps that go along with changing your address will ensure your move goes well. With a stress free relocation, you’ll be free to enjoy your new home…and start unpacking!