There is only one thing worse than doing the dishes or the laundry: moving. The boxes, the tape, the endless packing … when does it end? There is no need to worry or be stressed out. In fact, here are some tips to help make any move easier. So take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves and start packing for your next adventure.

1. START TO USE A CHECKLIST. Make yourself a moving checklist outlining everything that needs to be done before, and after, your move.
   
   
2. LEAVE IT BEHIND. Avoid moving anything you don't really need. If you don't use it now, you most likely won't use it later.
   
   
3. TOSS THE CLUTTER. Before you move, dispose of broken tools, old toys, old clothing and other items that you no longer need. Give usable items to charity or hold a garage sale.
   
   
4. DON'T CHOOSE CHEAP. Choose an experienced moving firm with an established reputation for good service and reliability. Choosing someone that is unreliable or inexperienced will waste time and money.
   
   
5. GET HELP FROM FRIENDS. You will get a lot more done, with some family members and friends helping you pack and/or unpack.
   
   
6. BOXES. Get boxes in assorted sizes. Be sure they're clean, in good condition and have covers so they can be closed and sealed with tape. Start collecting them from your local stores, or purchase them from your moving company. Liquor boxes work well as they are sturdy and contain dividers making them ideal for packing glasses, goblets, vases, etc.--but make sure these boxes have lids. An easy way to store boxes so they do not take up storage space is to open both ends and flatten them out. Cartons can be resealed with tape as you use them.
   
   
7. ALPHABETIZE IT. Not everything you pack has to be unpacked the first day in your new home. If it contains essential items, mark it PRIORITY.
   
   
8. WRAP IT. You will need plenty of wrapping paper and heavy-duty tape.
   
   
9. MARK IT. Felt pens are ideal for marking boxes with information including contents, destination room, fragile or this side up.
   
   
10. LABEL IT. As you're packing, place removable, colored, circle stickers on your boxes to easily distinguish kitchen items, from bedroom items, from bathroom items, etc. Sue says use a different color for each room.
    
    
11. ROOM BY ROOM. Pack on a room-by-room basis, keeping the contents of each room in separate boxes. This will eliminate confusion and save time when you're unpacking.
    
    
12. PACK EARLY. Even if you only pack two boxes a day, in thirty days you will have packed sixty boxes. Start in areas where the goods are not in frequent use such as the cellar, attic, garage, etc.
    
    
13. USE THE ONE ROOM RULE. Set up ONE room in your new home as quickly as possible.
    
    
14. HAVE A TOOL KIT ON HAND. One of the most important things to have on hand when you're setting up your new home is a basic toolbox that includes basic tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, nails, hooks, etc.
    
    
15. LET EVERYONE KNOW. Inform everyone that you've moved with simple postcards, or e-mail for those family members who can receive it.