Moving to a new home or apartment is one of the few things most people hate to do. It's stressful and downright frustrating. So here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your upcoming move will go as smooth and as stress-free as possible.

1. Pick a good moving company. Ask friends or neighbors if they know any good moving company that they can point you to. The internet is a good way to find movers that are near your area. After finding suitable candidates, do some research before making a final decision. Again the internet is a good way to know a moving company’s reputation. A quick BBB online check is a good place to start.

2. List it all down. Sit back, relax, and take a deep breath. Think of what you absolutely need to bring and what you can spare to leave behind. After gathering your thoughts, list down the most important items that you have in mind. When finished, move from room to room and check for items you missed. Visit each room at least twice. When done, double-check your list to make sure you did not miss small items.

3. Clean up. Clean all the items that you plan to bring before packing them especially clothes, towels, and linens. Small appliances, vases, and wall hangings can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

4. Label your boxes. Mark your moving boxes according to their content. If possible, make a list of items that are inside. Make sure your labels are easy to spot and read for quicker processing. Also, mark boxes that are fragile and point it out to your movers so they may give it extra care.

5. Keep a small bag. This is especially useful during long distance moves. Carry a small bag with essentials like bottled water, snack, and toiletries. This is to avoid the inconvenience of opening boxes and reorganizing items during the move itself.