Let's face it: Moving is stressful! But by following the tried-and-true tips in our handy Moving Guide, you can reduce the stress and keep things manageable.

Getting Ready to Move

Start with a plan. Make a floor plan of your new home. Then think about where you're going to put everything. Consider the sizes and shapes of furniture and appliances, as well as the locations of electric sockets, phone jacks and other hook-ups when planning.

Get Organized: Take only what you need. Make a list of what to keep and what to get rid of. Consider donating old clothes, toys and appliances to a charity. Many organizations will even pick your stuff up for free! Or maybe you can hold a garage sale to clear the clutter and make some extra cash.

Clearly label all boxes. Use colored markers or labels on each box, using specific colors for each room. Write the contents on the outside of each box so you know what's in it when you arrive at your new home.

Put all pre-packed boxes in a single place. Pick a spot in your current home and keep them there until loading time. Make sure your storage area is protected from water, temperature and curious animals.

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