Whether you’re getting ready for college or moving from one place to another, it can be quite the hassle. There is so much to do in what seems like not enough time to accomplish it all and before you know it, move in day is here and you can’t even remember if you packed your toothbrush or not. You have this gut feeling that you’re forgetting something. Well worry no more! Here are some tips to help you out with your move and aid you in transitioning to a new place and making it feel like home.

1. Weeding

This is the process of going through everything that you own and deciding whether you really need it or not. This is a vital step to the process of moving out. It helps to cut your moving load in half or more! So look around and decide whether you really need that dresser or the clothes that you haven't worn since high school. It's time to say goodbye to them and move on. (Get it?) Think about donating items that you don’t need any more to a local organization or places in need of donations.

2. Organizing

Before you even begin to clean or pack, you need to organize your things into groups - clothes in one pile, things to be donated in another, and so on. That way when you go to pack you will have things in a grouped and organized manner.

3. Clean Items Only

This means do not pack anything that will be saved to clean after the move! Make sure that everything that you pack is cleaned and ready to be put away when you're moving in. You do not want to take dirty items with you with the promise of cleaning them when you get settled in. This is probably one of the worst things that you can do, because let's be honest, you will just procrastinate washing them anyways. Who wants to deal with the smell?

4. Making Sure You Have Enough Packing Materials

This will make your life so much easier. Before you really do anything you should make sure that you have enough packing materials and other things that you need to move your things.

5. Pack Efficiently

Always pack things in an efficient and organized manner. This will save you so much time when you are unpacking items in your new place. Make sure that you fold clothes and pack like items together. Please don’t just stuff things into a random assortment of places. You will regret it when your shampoo and conditioner leak into your favorite pair of socks. Trust me.

6. Correct Labeling

This hack will save you time when you're unpacking your items and helps keep your things from breaking. Don’t generically label items and make them vague. Make sure you label them by which room that they go to and whether it’s a fragile item. This is a moving hack that is severely underrated. And your moving companions will thank you in the long run.

7. Never Enter Or Leave A Dirty Space

This is a make it or break it situation that will also maybe help save you money in the end. Landlords and college institutions just love the added bonus of charging you for having to clean up your mess. So make sure that you clean up before you move out. This also applies to the place that you are moving into. Make sure that the place is cleaned before you move into it. No one wants the added stress of having to clean up a space while moving into it.

8. Photograph Damages

This applies a lot to college apartments and dormitories. That way you won’t be held accountable for anything that was already there when you moved it. This is so that you won’t get charged with fixing it or cleaning it. Also advise your RA or RD of the damages. They probably already know, but it helps to check in with them. This also applies to apartments or places that you rent. Let your landlord know.

9. Pets

Make sure that if you have pets that they are allowed in the building that you are moving in to. Ask about their animal policy and what animals are allowed. Nothing is worse than getting in trouble for not asking about it before hand.

10. Know Thy Address

This goes without saying, but I will say it anyway. Make sure that all billing information is changed and up to date, as well as letting friends and family know where they can reach you. It doesn’t need to be public information, but it is nice not to have to worry about where your mail is going.

11. Unpack Before You Shop For New Items

Nothing is worse than still having packed up boxes and buying new things while you aren’t fully moved in yet. Make sure that you have everything settled and organized first before you splurge on decorations or other items.This will let you get the feel of the place first and not have to worry about where it will go.

12. Ask For Help

If you need help moving, don’t be ashamed! Family and friends are a great place to start. It makes for an easier move and its a great time for everyone as long as you provide food during the process.

13. Don't Forget To Enjoy Your Space

Moving doesn’t have to be a hassle. It can be fun and easy if you do it right! Just remember how much you’re going to love it after the dust has settled and your new place starts to feel like home.