It makes perfect sense if people decide to move when their needs change. Growing families require more space, and empty netters may decide to downsize now that the kids are out of the house. Moving to a new home may seem like an overwhelming task, but there are plenty of things you can do to prepare ahead of time and make the moving process easier.

From getting rid of things you no longer want to identifying furniture you will need for your new home, here are important tips that can help you simplify your move.

1. Plan Ahead
Make sure to leave yourself enough time to do things right before your move. Plan ahead and pack up all the things you won’t be needing any time soon, like snow boots and gloves if you move in the summer or bathing suits and shorts if you move in the winter. When you pack gradually, the task will not seem so difficult.

2. Decide on Furniture

Think about what your life will be like when you move and determine which belongings to bring along and which ones to leave behind. Take a look at your new surroundings and figure out if your furniture fits and if it really reflects your current taste. If you are working from home, you will probably want home office furniture that works for you. Instead of a bedroom set to welcome guests and visits from your kids, you might decide on a sleeper sofa in the living room or home office to make better use of your space.

3. Buy Packing Supplies
As your moving date draws closer, it’s time to get down to business and pack up all your things. Anticipate all the packing supplies you will need, like tape and bubble wrap in addition to boxes. You can get tall wardrobes for items that are hanging in your closet to make it easy when you get to your new home. Sometimes just poking a hole at the top of a large garbage bag can get the job done.

4. Keep Track with a Notebook
Label your boxes clearly so you know where to put them in your new home and number them so you know if anything is missing. Keep track of your belongings with a notebook or a folder so you can keep all your important phone numbers, contracts and purchase agreements organised in the same place.

5. Notify Utility Companies
Leave yourself enough time to disconnect your phone, TV service, gas, electricity and water in your existing home, and connect the services you need in your new home. Some companies require a couple of months’ notice, so plan well ahead of time.