Moving day can be a drag—but these tips will help prevent hiccups and ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.

Moving into a new home can be an exciting time (especially if it’s your first home!), but it can also be one fraught with stress. From packing up all your belongings carefully to getting rid of the old to scheduling movers to cancelling services at your old house and activating them at your new house, it can seem like something’s bound to go wrong—but don’t fret. Here are 10 things to do that’ll help you have an easy move.

1. Pick your moving day carefully
Pay special attention to the day you choose to move and make sure it makes the most sense for everyone involved. Movers are typically busiest on weekends, at the start and end of each month, during the summer and on holidays. By being flexible with your moving day, you may be able to secure a better moving fee. If you’re moving into an apartment or condominium building, find out if anyone else is moving in on the same day, and book an elevator in advance for a timeframe that works for your movers.

2. Use your move as an opportunity to lighten up
Moving is the perfect time to edit your belongings. Decide what stays, what needs to be donated and what needs to be ditched. Consider hosting a yard sale to get rid of things and make a few bucks to help offset the cost of moving.

3. Create a to-do list
Prioritize your tasks by making a list and take the time to ensure everything is on it. Go day by day, room by room, making sure every task and time is considered.

4. Measure furniture to make sure it will fit in your new home — and through the doors
The last thing you want to do is invest time, money and effort into moving furniture from your old house to your new one, only to find it doesn’t fit. Avert inconvenience by measuring your furniture as well as the space where you’d like it to live in the new house.

5. Ask friends and family and local businesses for moving boxes
Before spending money on boxes, ask friends, family and local businesses like liquor and grocery stores if they have any you can have. You can also search Craigslist; select “For Sale” and then “Free Stuff.”

6. Use around-the-house items as moving boxes
Suitcases, clean trash cans and laundry baskets can also serve double duty as moving boxes, so fill them up with pieces before you pack them.

7. Label boxes clearly
Speed up the unpacking process by labelling boxes with the room they belong in and what they contain.

8. Use garbage bags to pack clothes still on their hangers
Taking clothing off of hangers, folding and packing, then unpacking and hanging them again when you move can be a time-consuming process. Save yourself the time and energy by keeping your clothing on hangers. Tie hangers together with twist-ties, then use the garbage bag like a suit bag to protect the clothing.

9. Take a picture
Take a picture of the wires behind your TV or other electrical appliances so you can set them up easily in your new home.

10. Wrap your cutlery tray in plastic wrap
No need to remove cutlery from its tray and carefully pack. Just wrap the entire tray filled with utensils tightly and securely with plastic wrap and transport it as is.

Do These 10 Things to Have an Easy Moving Day by Natalie DiScala | Style at Home