Nobody likes to move. Even though they like the end result (when everything is unpacked at the place they moved to), getting there is one big long groan. Packing and preparing…it’s all a drag. If you plan on moving at any time in your future, then check out these tips that might make the moving process a little smoother.

(Note: These are tips, not magic words that will do your packing for you. Sorry.) Some advice on the beginning process of making the move: Start as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the more stressed you will be.

Before we start, here’s the bonus tip of the day: Start the process of setting up utilities, changing your address, etc. It’s great to move into a place and know it’s already home. Don’t forget to change your driver’s license, too.

Tip #1: Get rid of your trash.

The first thing that you should do when you’re going to move is go through each room and get rid of the trash. Not just trash, but also the stuff you haven’t used in a long time and probably never will. The same thing goes for your closets; get rid of the clothes that you haven’t worn in over a year. To get rid of all of this, have a yard sale, give it to charity, or throw it out.

Tip #2: Find inexpensive supplies.

To get ready to pack, you need a good tape gun and tape (don’t skimp on tape; get good quality tape), and boxes. To get some free, look on Craigslist. There are people everywhere giving away moving boxes at any given time. The back of supermarkets, liquor stores (they may have some with glass separators and/or lids) or book stores. If you don’t find any outside, go in and ask.

In addition, call a few clothing stores to see if you can get a few wardrobe boxes. You can also Google shipping supply specialists. To move everything, you are going to need a dolly. You can rent them, ask someone if you can borrow one, or just buy one. (If you’re using a moving company, they usually bring their own, but ask ahead of time.)

Tip #3: Packing.

Before you start, figure out what you are going to need as far as immediate supplies – clothes, toiletries, etc. – and pack them into suitcases. And then start packing: You can take it room by room, or you can take it by category, like electronics, bedding, towels, etc., but do try and keep it as room-specific as possible; it’ll save you tons of frustration later.

Wrap any fragile things (dishes, knick-knacks, and the like) in newspaper, or if you want to keep these things a bit cleaner, put the larger fragile items in plastic shopping bags, and the smaller ones in baggies or paper towels, and then wrap them in newspaper. When you put anything into a box, after you shut it and tape it, label it – either by room and/or by what’s in the box.

Try to be more specific than not: A label like “Amy’s Shoes” will help a lot more than “Shoes.” Make sure to mark your fragile boxes well; when your movers (whether they are friends or a moving company) move these boxes, they need to know to be careful. Wrap any mirrors in heavy blankets. (Again, if you are using one, moving companies usually bring these along. Call ahead and check.)

Tip #4: Getting settled in your new place.

This is when you are going to become a traffic cop. If you have done your preparation right, it’ll be easy to tell the movers where to put everything. Also, if your furniture wasn’t dirty before, it probably is now. Be ready with a rag and when you see a piece of furniture, give it a quick swipe before it gets into the house. Make sure to set up the beds first, and that the heavy furniture is exactly where you want it.

Because you have prepared, you will be able to take the next few days to put everything away in its correct place, so when the truck (and your car) is completely unloaded, order pizza (delivery only), kick back, and enjoy your new home. The hard part of moving is truly over.

This article was written by Anthony Graves. Anthony started his career driving moving trucks over 10 years ago, and has been working in the Moving industry ever since. He is now a freelance moving consultant for Vanlines.com. His expert advice has helped many people lower the stress and hassle of moving.