While moving into a new house is exciting, few people enjoy the actual day of moving. Moving is stressful, whether you’re moving across town or the country. Here are a few helpful tips from moving experts to make your big day more manageable.

1. Plan your move in advance. Don’t wait to the last minute before scheduling your move. Moving companies are booked weeks in advance. Be sure to let them know in advance if there are any large or heavy objects you need moved. You don’t want the movers showing up without enough staff or a truck too small to safely move your items.

2. Consider having the moving company package your belongings. It may be worth it to hire packers if it is within your budget. Packers are generally very efficient, and they take the time to carefully wrap fragile items. Packing is usually done the day before the move. This means that you won’t need to worry about packing away items you might need on the moving day.

3. Schedule services. Don’t forget to have services transferred or started at your new home. You may need: internet, tv, phone, gas, lawn, pool service, and security system monitoring

4. Your new home should be professionally cleaned. You can arrange for the cleaning of your new home to be done by a professional if you are not receiving any prior notice from the seller.

5. Pack a moving box. You should pack a moving supply box with items that you will need to unpack and settle in at your new house, including:

Toilet paper, paper towels, sponge, all purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, furniture, moving pads, scissors, cordless screwdriver, picture hanging kit, bottled water, snacks, pet food, paper plates, cups, disposable utensils, hand and dish soap. Make Your Bed. Once your mattress and bed frames are off the truck and have been assembled by the movers, you can make up the beds. Pack all your blankets, pillows, and sheets in a box that is clearly marked so you can easily find them. You’ll appreciate that the beds will be ready for you to sink into when you are tired at the end.

7. Do the same with your bath towels and soap. You can also pack your soap and towels with your bedsheets so that you don’t have to look for them when you go into the shower.

8. Plan for your pets. You don’t want your pet to be stressed out on moving day, or even worse, escape in an unknown neighborhood. Plan for your pets day to be spent with family, friends, a sitter, or boarding facility until you feel ready to bring them into their new home.

9. Accept helpers. It can be difficult to accept help from friends or family if you don’t know what they are capable of. You can delegate the following tasks:

Lay shelf liner in the kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers Unpack and put away your kitchen items (you can rearrange later!) Babysit or keep your children occupied Make up your beds, place towels in the bathrooms Wipe down cabinets and counters Break down packing boxes Hang clothes in closets Organize tools and equipment in the garage Pick up lunch or dinner

10.  Hire a Sitter. If you have little ones, they will be very excited about their new home, new rooms, and yard. They will want to be with you, but they will not be interested in unpacking boxes! Make plans for someone to be available just for them, so you can concentrate. A family member, friend or hired sitter can help them explore their new surroundings, build a box fort, or organize their toys in their new rooms without you worrying about where they are.

11. Hire someone to hang art. If you don’t like to do it yourself, consider hiring a handyman to install your window treatments and wall art. You can save a lot of time by having a handyman come in and hang your wall art. A decorator is a good choice if you need assistance deciding how to hang portraits or art. They can assist you in deciding on the placement of items and either hang them themselves or instruct a handyman to do so.

12. Leave the old home. You should have filled out a form at the post office to change your address before closing. Remember to leave any keys, garage door openers or gate openers. Also make sure that the movers do not pack loose items like ceiling fan remotes or other items that remain with the home. Do not forget to clean the attic, sheds in your backyard, crawlspaces or other hidden spaces where you may have stored things. It’s always nice to have the home professionally cleaned for the new owners, and, if you feel inclined, leave a list of recommended local vendors for household services.