Moving across the country may seem like a daunting task, but with a little planning and preparation you can make it into a fun and exciting adventure. Follow these simple moving tips to make your move as stress free as possible:

1. Organize your belongings and form a budget

The most important part of planning a move is figuring out exactly how much you need to move. It’s hard to budget for your move when you’re unsure of what you will be moving and how it needs to be transported. Start by making an inventory of your belongings. Once you’ve identified what you don’t need, consider holding a garage sale or making a donation run to your local thrift store. When you’ve determined how much you’re moving you can make an informed decision about how best to move. Common moving options include renting a truck, renting a container, or hiring a professional moving company. Moving companies are generally the more expensive option as you will be paying for transportation and labor. You will have to decide if the hassle of loading your own vehicle and the expense of tolls and gas is worth the cost savings of renting a truck instead of hiring a moving company.

2. Pack Smartly

If you are renting a truck or a container you will usually be responsible for packing your own belongings. Thankfully it is easy to acquire packing materials cheaply or even free. Consider asking local grocery stores for their extra boxes. Newspapers and old magazines make for a cheap alternative to tissue paper when packing plates and other fragile items. Hire your friends as moving help and be sure to provide plenty of food and beverages or a small stipend. Consider packing your bedding, toiletries, and other essentials separately so that they are available immediately when you get to your destination.

3. Enjoy the Journey

Your long distance move should be an adventure to look back upon fondly. It’s a great chance to see new places and meet new people. If you are driving make sure to get plenty of rest and change drivers often. It is often cheaper (and healthier) to pack a cooler and picnic at rest areas or your hotel than to eat out for every meal.

Remember, with proper planning any long distance move can be successful. Following these simple moving tips will set you up for success.