Clean out everything. Sort through, throw out, give away, or sell everything you don't need, want, or use anymore. This may seem tedious and like a big hassle, but it will make things easier when packing and unpacking your belongings.

Save old newspapers. As soon as you know you're moving, start saving your old newspapers, tissue paper, boxes you've received packages in, etc. Save anything that will help you get the packing done.

Schedule your repairs early. If you have some lag time before you move in, schedule your repairs to be done before you move in. Also, if you plan on painting, you may want to get that completed before unpacking as well. That will save inconveniences after your move in.

Have your utilities set up. Make sure you have your utilities such as electricity, water, and telephone set up and scheduled to be turned on for your move. Also, make sure to have your utilities at your previous residence turned off after your move. You want to be sure to have water to drink and lights on while you're packing and moving at both houses.

Change of address. Make sure to change your addresses with the post office, Fed-Ex, UPS, and all of your bills, including credit cards, loans, car payments, etc. It usually takes a few weeks for that to process, so you will want to do that at least a week or two before your move. Also, make sure to arrange mail pick up with the new occupant of the residence just in case some of your mail is sent to the wrong house.

Get enough supplies. Make sure you have enough boxes, wrapping material, and tape. If you're buying your boxes, make sure to buy more than you think you will need. You can always return them later for a refund if they aren't used. If you're getting boxes from a business, take more than you think you will need, and simply recycle the rest when you're done. Also, make sure you have enough tissue paper or newspaper to securely wrap all of your breakable items.

Pack ahead. Pack as much as you can ahead of time. Pack up all extras that you can live without for the last week or two...extra cooking utensils, extra toiletries, clothing that isn't being worn, extra tvs and electronics, anything extra that you can pack up to make your moving day easier.

Use your luggage. Fill your luggage with clothes, bedding, towels, and other such items that you may need right away. It's much easier to find than that brown box that looks like all that others that you put all that stuff in.

Keep valued and important items with you. Keep your jewelry, collectibles, antiques, and important papers in your possession. Those are things you don't want to trust to a mover. They are things you may not every be able to replace. Just keep them with you.

Label boxes. Label each box with what room it belongs in. That way the movers can put it in the correct room, which will make unpacking much easier for you. Also write what is in each box (clothing, shoes, pictures, etc.), so you can find what you're looking for right away.

Moving may not be a fun experience, but using these steps will help make it much less stressful and so much easier.