Moving? Yes, that's the six letter dirty word associated with buying or selling a house. Even if you pay someone to load, unload and transport your belongings it is still a nightmare!

Here are some tips that may help you with the moving process.

• Start early. If you are selling your house, start before you list by removing extra artwork, collectibles, out of season clothes, and any item you won't need for the next three to six months.
• If you have the means, get a storage unit or POD. They will get the above mentioned items out of your home and make it easier to sell and less cluttered.
• Consider having a garage sale or selling things on Facebook. You could also consider Craigslist but there are lots of creeps. If you like the classified platform try a newer app called LetGo.
• Start collecting boxes as soon as possible. Check with your local grocery store for a cheaper alternative to buying boxes.
• Label boxes in permanent marker for quick room placement.
• You can take this a step further and create a detailed list of contents so you know exactly whats in each box.
• Newspaper can leave marks on dishes. Consider wrapping breakables in towels or clothes. You have to pack them anyway!
• Make a bag or two per person with items that will be needed for two or three days during the moving process.
• Take pictures of your electronics or other items that will have to be put back together. This will make it much easier to hook up again.
• Do whatever is possible to keep pets out of the way during the moving process.
• Make a toolbox with common items you may need during the move such as a hammer, screwdrivers, tape etc.
• Put hardware in plastic storage bags and label.
• Carefully plan your meals in the week leading up to the move. This will eliminate as much wasted food as possible.
• Don't forget to notify the USPS of your new address. Also, consider sending out cards to friends and family letting them know your address has changed.
• Tape mirrors to prevent breaking.
• Take cleaning supplies and toilet paper into the new home on your first trip. You don't want to be stuck without them!

Keith McKeever