It’s hot, the air is filled with the smell of despair, and the frustrated sighs of those unfortunate enough to be roped into this entire ordeal can be heard from the neighboring units. So what pray tell is this seemingly godforsaken event? Moving * sounds of thunder roar in the distance*. Whether it be out or in, every bit of the process is exhausting both mentally and physically. However to make the process easier on yourself and those around you, here’s some Do’s and Don’ts to help get you through.

Do: Try to pack well in advance

I know I know its tough, but it’ll help you so much in the long run. I’m not talking like two days in advance either; think more along the lines of at least a week early. Its good to start with things that you don’t use on a regular basis like jackets if you’re moving in the summer or books that you haven’t gotten to read yet.

Don’t: Wait until the night before or the day of to pack everything

This strategy will come back to bite you in the butt once the people who are going to help you arrive. Not only are you rushed but also it makes you look bad for not being prepared.

Do: Repay those who are helping you

I’m not talking monetary but treat them to Starbucks or buy them lunch or dinner to help show them you’re thankful for their time. Whether you want to do it after the move or during it to take a break, a little something will go a long way for those helping you out.

Don’t: Let everyone else do all the work

It might be okay to say pack more things (if you did the overnight thing) or stay in the new place decorating but that’s no bueno. Unless you have a broken bone or physically can’t help, you should be breaking a sweat helping too. It’ll make things go faster and you wont come off like a jerk.

Do: Make sure you clean whatever place you move into

So the place said it had been cleaned by “professional cleaners” but you get the sneaking suspicion that might not be true, its later verified when you move the washer and see leftover puppy chow, eww. Many places say that the new units or houses are cleaned but sometimes they slack on their job or do a, pardon my French, half ass job. It’s always wise while most of your stuff isn’t unpacked yet and you have room to move around, to clean the entire apartment pretty good. This will help cover you if they didn’t actually clean or did a bad job.

Don’t: Leave your previous place a disaster

So you hated your roommate or had a big issue with the owner of the property, so you decide that you’ll leave just how it looks when you leave, what can they do, you’ll already be moved? No stop right there, leaving your place a disaster zone is an awful thing to do. Its common courtesy to clean beforehand because like I mentioned above, they might not clean very well especially if there is a huge mess or the vendetta you had with your roommate is now being taken out on the poor cleaners. In other words, you’re causing someone else who you have no issue with to clean the mess you made and should be cleaning up. Just try not to do it, no matter how upset you are.

Lastly...

Do: Try to keep upbeat and positive.

It’s a rough process but it’s also a new beginning and that’s something to be excited about. You get to start this new place however you want it to be and you get to see how much those around you care about you enough to help you do something so dreaded. It’s a whole new change, so soak it in, and make the best of it!