While it's always exciting to move to a new home, let's face it, no one looks forward to the actual process of moving.

But it doesn't need to be so stressful...

Even if you're hiring insured moving professionals to take care of most of the logistics and heavy lifting, there are always many aspects that will require your input.

So we thought it would be make sense to offer some tips to help you plan ahead, even if you're working with professional movers.

Plan ahead - Writing a moving plan at room level really helps. This means that you can check that all required tasks are carried out, and in the right order. This can be made easier by engaging other family members in the process.

Clever boxing - If you're doing the packing, or just part of it, make sure you have purpose-made boxes in a range of appropriate sizes. And don't forget to stock up with plenty of tape, labels, marker pens, bubble wrap and other cushioning materials.

Make light of heavy lifting - If you're moving heavy items yourself, considering buying or hiring an suitable dolly, equipped with straps. Lifting straps can also be really useful. And don't hesitate to recruit able-bodied friends and relatives to lighten the load. People always love to help!

Labels, labels, labels - Make sure you know what's in your moving boxes by clear labeling. And try to place items like electrical cables in logical boxes so they don't become separated from the equipment they supply power to. Better still, put individual labels on these items so you know what they are for. It's so tempting to just pile everything in a box with a view to sorting it all out later. That can lead to chaos as you unpack, especially as there are so many cables in modern living.

Food management - It makes so much sense to run down your food stocks as the move approaches, minimizing the amount of stuff that needs to be transported. Fridges and freezers should be defrosted in advance to avoid water leaks in transit.

Valuables and very fragile items - Moving companies will have all the necessary know-how and experience to move your most precious and fragile items. If you're moving these yourself then seek guidance on how best to pack them. There is a wide range of packing media available for almost any application.

Kids and pets - Older kids can often be of considerable assistance during the move, but if they are young or their assistance is simply not practical, it might be better for a family member of close friend to look after them on the day of the move, especially if you are moving locally. Pets are best cared for elsewhere while the move takes place.

Changing address - A change of address has far reaching consequences these days and, in order to have a seamless move, it's absolutely essential that you manage this process correctly and sufficiently in advance. While the most important matters, like banking and utilities, are almost certain to get your attention, don't forget about more minor things such as magazine subscriptions and even your default delivery address for online shopping accounts.

Keep essentials near and handy - Items like toiletries, towels, a change of clothing and necessary medications should all form part of a kit that you keep in a handy bag that travels with you. Hydration and maintaining energy levels are also very important, so make sure you pack sufficient cool drinks and food that can be eaten en route and/or as unpacking occurs.

Stay online - Internet is something we all tend to rely on for so many things these days and this needs to be in your plans too. Wait until you move and there will almost certainly be a delay of at least a few days before you are hooked up.

We hope these tips help you in your plans. As ever, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at 928-445-2100 for any aspect of real estate.