People should look forward to moving. Where there should be a sense of excited anticipation, there is usually a sense of foreboding. People worry that while moving they may misplace something valuable. Other things may be damaged. Sometimes a family may lose track of things, forgetting where they packed them. With a few simple tips, moving can be made less stressful, and give a family something to look forward to again.

Use a checklist. A checklist can be a great tool to use before moving day arrives. People can write down everything that needs to be done, from contacting their television and internet providers to packing up their cookware. Each item can be checked off and referred to, making it much easier to stay organized and not lose track of things.

Get rid of unnecessary stuff. People who take everything with them on a move, whether they need it or not only end up making more of a hassle for themselves. Throwing away or donating things that a family has not used for years not only makes it easier to get around, but will make moving much simpler. A lighter load is always easier to transport.

Get an estimate. Any family, business or individual should ask their moving company for an accurate estimate upfront. This can help to make sure that people know fully whether or not they can afford to move. It also is a good way to avoid hidden fees and surprise charges that can suddenly appear on the final bill.

Ask for a reference. Great moving companies will have no problem giving out references to potential new clients. Speaking to former clients can be a great way to weed out good companies from the bad. A good recommendation can help seal the deal, while a bad one can let a family know that they should keep on looking.

A final thing to keep in mind is to pack everything up safely and securely. Fragile things like picture frames can break easily. People planning on moving should always be sure to properly wrap, pack and label their items. Not only will their belongings be kept safe, but it will be much easier to find them once they arrive at their new home.