It isn't easy to fit your entire life into as few boxes as possible; it is probably one of the most difficult aspects of moving from one location to another. When it comes to moving, you need to get rid of things that you don't need any longer and take the things that are essential and valuable. To ensure that your move is organized, it will require strategic planning. Here are a few tips.

1. Keep a Moving-Related Folder

It is wise to keep all moving-related items in one location so that it can be easily accessed when necessary. Things can get pretty chaotic during a move, and you don't want to lose anything important. Purchase a multi-pocketed folder that you can use to keep your moving details organized. You can use this folder to keep up with business brochures, business cards, moving contracts, receipts, and other important details and reminders related to your move. It doesn't hurt to keep a digital folder on your phone and/or laptop as well.

2. Go on a Shopping Diet

Since you are going to be moving in the near future, it is important to avoid shopping. Sure, you may think that piece of artwork would look great in your living room, but you don't want to add more to the stuff that you need to move to your new home. The more stuff that you need to move, the more you are going to have to pay in moving expenses. You can go on a shopping spree when you arrive at your new home.

3. Begin the Purge

A couple of months before your move, start going through all of your belongings and getting rid of stuff that you no longer need—even if you aren't downsizing. For any items that you can do without, consider selling them online or having a garage sale to earn some extra money to help pay for your moving expenses. Anything that you can't sell, you can donate. By taking the time to do this, you will greatly reduce the amount of items that you have to pack, making the packing process easier and minimizing moving costs.

4. Create a Moving Checklist

As you are packing your personal belongings, make a list of the belongings that are going into boxes, especially if they are valuable. You can choose to tape that list to the box or number the boxes and lists and keep them in your moving folder. Keep a separate list of the items that you will be moving with you rather than with the moving company.

These pre-planning tips will help keep you more organized and stress-free during your move. For more tips or to get a moving quote, reach out to moving companies in your area.