We know the process of moving from one home to another can be super-stressful, but we’re here to help make sure getting into your shiny, new home is easy. Below, see some tried-and-true tips to help make your move a lot smoother. Afterward, you can say it was (and maybe celebrate with) a piece of cake!

1. Get rid of clutter.
As soon as you even begin talking about the possibility of moving, purge as much as you can—this will ultimately be a huge time-saver when it comes to packing. Plus it’s just a great feeling to get rid of stuff you no longer need or use. Go room by room with three trash bags: one for items to throw out, one for items to give to charity and one for items to sell.

2. Change your address in advance.
It takes about 7 to 10 business days for your mail to start forwarding to a new address, so try to notify the post office at least two weeks before you move. (Go here to set up a change of address.) And just to be safe, ask the new tenants or enlist a friendly neighbor to keep an eye out for pieces of mail that didn’t get the memo that you’ve moved.

3. Make an inventory list.
Go through each room and write down all of your items, from rugs and furniture to jewelry, along with any relevant details about it, such as model number and original price. This list will come in handy if something of value gets lost or broken in transit and you need to file an insurance claim.

4. Divvy up the packing.
Relationships are all about teamwork, and surviving a move is sort of like winning a championship game. Work together to tackle the dreaded task of packing. For instance, you pack the kitchen, your partner packs the bedroom. And be sure to schedule breaks every once in a while where you both meet in the living room for a glass of wine and maybe even a dance party (you deserve it!).

5. Pack a bag or bin with the essentials.
There are things you’re going to need first as you start unpacking in the new house. Those include toilet paper, scissors, trash bags and paper towels. You should also include things you use every day (toothbrush, contact solution, face wash), just in case the moving van doesn’t get there until late in the evening. The last thing you want to do is unpack every box looking for a few needed items. A duffle bag or plastic bin is great for these essentials because you’ll be able to spot it in a sea of brown boxes, and you won’t need a pair of scissors to get into it.

6. Clean the new house before you move in.
If you’re able to get the keys a few days early, go in there and give your new place a good scrub down (if it’s not already spotless, of course). That way, when all the furniture and boxes get moved in, you won’t have to maneuver around everything when you’re cleaning. And it’s one less task you’ll have to worry about as you try and get settled in.

7. Get a sitter for moving day.
Whether you have a real baby or a fur baby, keeping your little loved ones occupied during the move will make your day calmer and more efficient. Have a friend or family member watch them or hire a sitter if you have to—it will be money well spent.

8. Take pictures of your place.
If you’re renting, be sure to snap pics of your house (both the one you’re moving out of and the one you’re moving into). This will help to ensure that your deposit won’t be unfairly charged for any damage you didn’t do.

9. Have a reward in mind.
Whether it’s a bubble bath in your new oversize tub or a dinner date at that cute Italian place in the neighborhood, take a moment to celebrate your hard work and exciting new chapter in life. Champagne, anyone?

Tricks to Make the Moving Process Easier by Alexandra Filiaci | Coldwell Banker Blue Matter