Buying a new home can be a hectic time in your life. Not only do you have to worry about how the sale will go and the closing, but once that has been taken care of you still have moving to look forward to. There are many things that you can do that will make the moving experience a much smoother one. Below you will find all the tips and information that you will need to orchestrate the easiest move possible.

Move on a weekday if you can and shoot for as earlier in the day if possible. This will cut down on some traffic and make it easier if you need to make stops. You want to make sure you are moving when banks, utilities and government offices are open.

Order preprinted address labels with your new address as soon as you know it.
This will make the process of changing your address much easier.

Do your best to keep a utility log. This will allow you to check service-transfer dates.

If the move you are planning is a local one, you may want to consider leaving the power and water on a few extra days. This will give you a chance to plan a more leisurely move and leave time for you to go back and clean up once you have finished moving out.

Load houseplants last. The main reason for this is that you will be able to unload them first, which is also important.

Designate one room in your home to be the packing room. Begin packing ahead of time and save time by packing a few boxes or things each day.

Make sure that you mark each box with the contents and the room that it should go in. That way everyone knows what they have and where it’s going no matter who has it!

You want to make sure you will have the items you know you need on hand as soon as you need them. These items include: towels, toiletries, tissues, and clothing for the next few days. One great way to make sure that you find these things instantly is to pack them in a clothes hamper right before you move that way you will instantly know when to find them.

Consider using wardrobe boxes when you move. These will allow you to move clothes directly from the closet, but there's room on the bottom of the box for shoes, and any throw pillows and linens in a particular room. Permitting you label these it will be a smooth transition to and from closets.

Wrap lamp shades separately with non-printed packing paper. Put two or three in a large box. This will make sure your lamp shades stay clean and most importantly they will not get crushed.

If you are moving locally, consider having your pets spend moving day with a friend. Animals can become frightened during a move and will be much more comfortable showing up at an unpacked home.

Put plastic bags around the hoses of your washing machine and secure them with rubber bands to prevent any leaks on your way to the new house.

Packing Preparation
Never use newspaper to wrap your prized possessions or any possessions at all for that matter. Newspaper has an open-grain construction and the inks used in printing are not dried. That ink will rub off and stain anything you wrap in newspaper. Always use clean, white paper to pack with.

Dishes
You want to make sure that your box of dishes has extra cushioning. The best way to do this is to place one plate in the center of a stack of wrapping paper and pull a few sheets of paper over the plate. Stack a second plate on top and pull another sheet of paper over to cover the stacked plates. If you want to keep your dishes extra safe many moving companies offer things that will allow you to pack each dish individually in a foam package.

Glasses & Knickknacks
Cups and glasses should be nested (one placed inside the other) with three or four to a nesting. The first glass of the nesting should be wrapped in a foam pouch, which should be placed in a cell-protected box. Use additional foam material to fill in excess space. Wrap and pack your goblets and stemware individually. Do not nest them.

Small Kitchen Appliances
Small items such as blenders and coffeemakers should be packed together. Wrap each appliance separately with a cushiony foam product or bubble wrap and place it in your box. Fill any empty space with paper, additional foam or bubble, or use this space for lighter items.

Home Electronics
Wrap small electronic items in plenty of packing material. Place each item in a box and then wedge it on top of other soft items. Do not use loose-fill foam peanuts with computers. This material could generate static electricity that could damage circuit boards. TV and Microwave style boxes are ideal for moving your larger home-electronics units, especially 19" and 27" TVs. Remember to use plenty of foam and bubble wrap to keep these items cushioned.

Lamps
You will want to have boxes that are specifically for your lamps. No matter what type of box you have, make sure you line the bottom with plenty of bubble wrap for an extra layer of protection. Remove the lamp shade and the bulb and wrap the cord around the base of the lamp. Use packing paper or bubble wrap around the lamp base and tape it down. Place the lamp in the lined Lamp Box. If you have several tall table lamps, place them in the box so that the base of one lamp is facing the top of the next lamp. When all lamps are packed, fill up the carton with plenty of paper or bubble-packing material. As far as lamp shades and artificial-flower arrangements go, you will find they cushion and protect each other when packed in a large box.

Pictures & Mirrors
Many moving companies have special Mirror/Picture Boxes. If you don’t have these it is fine, any large box will work with the right packing! Seal one end of your box with packing tape. Lay your picture face down on a heavy duty packing pad and fold over the edges of the pad and tape them down. Slide the protected picture into the open end of the box. For extra protection, fill excess space with crumpled paper or paper pads. Next, seal the open end with tape. Make sure to stand the carton up in your moving van, preferably between mattresses or box springs.

Clothing
Most moving companies now have what are known as Wardrobe Boxes. These make things tremendously easy by allowing you to take your clothes on hangers and move them from closet to box. Using white liners when you move will help keep clothes clean. You can also leave your clothes in dressers, but you will want to make sure the drawers are not too heavy. The reason for that is that if the drawers are too heavy they have a better chance of getting damaged in the move.

Washing Machines
It is important to protect your washing machine while moving it. Secure the spring-mounted motors by bracing the tub. Disconnect the machine’s hoses from the wall and put the end of each hose in a plastic sandwich bag, then seal the bag tightly around the end of the hose with a rubber band so that any remaining water won’t leak out.

Pets
Consult your vet when it comes time to moving one of your four legged friends. A mild sedative may be your best bet for keeping your pet relaxed during a move. Cats and small dogs will be most comfortable making the trip in a pet carrier. If your pet is too big to travel this way, keep a leash on them at all times. Another good idea revolves around water. Depending on your area, the water may be different. Chances are your pet is used to the water at your old home so it would be a nice idea and a natural calming technique to have some of the water from your old home on hand on moving day.

Refrigerator & Freezer
Defrost, dry and load refrigerator in the moving van in an upright position. Make sure to use any additional inside space for bulky, lightweight goods. Some good ideas would be any large stuffed animals or pillows you need a place for. Always move and store your refrigerator in the upright position. Laying a refrigerator on its side could damage the unit.

Books
Small boxes are perfect for books. Pack your books flat so that the spines won’t break and make sure that you do not jam them in tightly. Never pack fragile items with books.

Drawers and Desks
Pack your drawers full but make sure that breakable items are well padded. To prevent drawers from opening, place the unit up against the van or against another flat surface such as a mattress.

Tables
Remove legs from all tables and load the flat surfaces on edge. If this can’t be done, load tables on their top surfaces with the legs up. Make sure to protect the finish of the tops of the tables by padding them with blankets or another soft item.

Plants
Water plants right before your move. Once they have been watered wrap them in plastic, punch air holes in the wrap, and lay them in cartons. Plants will be better off riding up front with you.

Donate anything you do not need
Consider donating unwanted clothing and household items. This will ensure that you eliminate clutter and give to charity all at the same time. There are many organizations, such as Goodwill Industries and Salvation Army that take donations from local families and in turn try to help out the community with other goods and services for those that need them.