It’s moving day! Four words that suddenly have you all tied up in knots. Do we deal with THAT? It’s solved? Are they on their way? WHO is doing that?

You have been preparing for this day and you are still not prepared as you would like. Rest assured, it is a day filled with adventure, stress, excitement, apprehension, sadness, and many other emotions. Luckily you only have 1001 things to do, right?

Here are some tips to help you minimize stressors so you can focus on the important things.

1. Whenever possible and practical, hire professional movers. They do this for a living, so let them. Your back, legacy and mind will thank you.

2. Clearly label boxes and label furniture. Storing things in the new house is hard enough without having to relocate boxes or search for items.

3. Keep children and pets worried. They want to help, but the last thing you want is for a child to get hurt because they’re in the way. This is a good day for them to stay with a friend or visit a relative.

4. Enlist the help of friends/family (if you are moving yourself) – the more help you have, the faster the move will be.

5. If you have rented, please be present for pickup and drop off. Check the moving company’s inventory sheets, making sure all items are accounted for. If possible, provide movers with a pre-inventory list with serial numbers, make and model of your key possessions.

6. Coordinate with neighbors. It is a courtesy and you will need space for moving trucks or friends/family vehicles. Most neighbors are happy to oblige, so let them know to keep tensions to a minimum.

7. Start/stop all essential services, such as mail, utilities, and insurance.

8. Provide snacks. Water, snacks, lunch, etc. are always appreciated.

9. Carrying or sending valuables through certified/insured mail services.

10. Put together a must-have kit for the new home. Items such as alarm clocks, box cutters, changes of clothes, pain relievers, snacks, disposable tableware, extension cords/batteries, bedding, medications, basic tools, cleaning supplies/garbage bags, pet food, toilet paper, gloves work and toys for children should be useful.

11. Take a last minute tour to make sure you haven’t left anything behind. Lock doors and windows, turn off thermostat/lights (if applicable), and clean if necessary.

Moving is stressful, but with a little organization and preparation you can make it a fun experience for the family. So which box is the TV remote in again?