When I first moved out of my parents' home, I had no idea how to effectively transport my belongings from one place to a new one. I basically just threw it all in boxes and then unpacked for about 2 weeks. Then, I transferred apartments and basically did the same thing. Here I am, ready to transfer again, but this time I have an effective plan in place so that I don't have to suffer through weeks of settling into the new place after rushing to get everything out of the first.

1. Go through everything you own.

I know, you think you need it all just because it's in the place you're currently staying. Trust me, you don't. I try to hold onto a ridiculous amount of things that I believe have sentimental value, but if we're being honest, most of it is just junk, and nobody needs that, especially when moving. So, first thing's first, go through clothes, trinkets, décor, the whole bit, and get rid of at least a trash bag worth of items you don't need or won't use. You'll thank me later.

2. Organize.

I have plenty of organizational bins that I usually just throw random things into when cleaning. Before moving is the time for those bins to actually have a purpose. That way, when loading things into the car, you don't have to use as many boxes and everything has a place already. Less unpacking to do!

3. Clean.

This is a step that you'll have to repeat, but it's totally worth it. Get everything clean so that when you're packing, you're not torn between doing dishes or just picking the ones that are already clean.

4. Pack what you don't need.

This means to take all of the décor down and give it a box. Pack all of the dishes that you know you won't need. I kept out two coffee cups to simply clean and reuse every day and my plastic dishes. I packed the breakables so that I didn't have to do that tedious task the day of or the day before.

5. Find some help for move in day.

I started asking about this as soon as I knew my move in date, but closer to it, I started confirming. If you can't lift heavy things, you'll need people who can. I even have someone with a truck helping, thank goodness. Offer them pizza or something like that for helping you out.

6. Pack the rest of your things.

The night before, the rest of the dishes, your clothes, everything must go in boxes. You don't want to be scrambling to gather the remainder of your things the day of move in.

7. Put everything in vehicles.

The night before put everything in the vehicles that are already there. If more people are showing up the day of, you can wait until the morning to fill up their cars, but getting done what you can save you a lot of stress.

8. Clean again.

Since everything is basically clean from the first round, you'll probably just have to vacuum, sweep, mop, and maybe wipe down a couple surfaces.

9. Turn in your keys and get your new ones.

Phase one is complete, now you just have to do it all over again in reverse!

10. Clean the new apartment.

I know a new apartment should already be clean, but not all apartments are up to par, and if you're like me, you'll clean it even if it is. The first and only box to move in at first is the one full of cleaning supplies. Scrub, disinfect, vacuum, do the whole bit. That way nothing is in your way when you actually move your belongings in.

11. Begin the real moving in.

If you're like me, you'll arrange furniture, then move in all of the smaller items, and then decorate, but everyone has their own way of doing things. However you're comfortable doing it, just make it as easy as possible for yourself.