After you’ve found and purchased the right home for you, it’s time to move in. Are you ready? Although an estimated 42 million people move each year, this transitioning process still ranks as one of the most stressful life events we go through. The often-tedious process of organizing, packing, transporting, unpacking, reorganizing and moving into a new residence can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.

Here are 10 tricks to making the moving process as stress-free and as painless as possible:

1. The first step is to plan ahead. Make a list of everything you will need to do, from calling the movers to packing an overnight bag. Making a detailed list will spare you a lot of stress later on.

2. Declutter and hold a garage sale to get rid of anything you don’t need or want anymore. The less stuff you have to worry about taking with you, the easier the move will be.

3. Make sure you have plenty of supplies on hand. Of course you’ll need tons of boxes. You may also need bubble wrap, packing tape, scissors, markers, rags/paper towels and cleaning supplies.

4. Label all boxes clearly and keep like items together for ease when unpacking. You can write the contents directly on the box, or make a categorized list of items you put in each box and then mark each box with a number.

5. When packing boxes, color coordinate for each room. For example, you could use blue tape and blue markers to mark the boxes for the kitchen, and use yellow to designate stuff that belongs in the master bedroom.

6. Investigate the cost of movers in order to get the best possible deal. Also, be sure to find out what things they will and won’t move, as some moving companies have restrictions on certain items.

7. Ask your friends to help you with the move. That way, you can cut the cost of movers and maybe have some fun in the process.

8. In order to keep your important items in a safe place, you should designate a special section for valuables. You definitely don’t want these items to get lost in the shuffle.

9. Use up all perishable items the last week you’re in the house. You can’t take these things with you, so you might as well get some use out of them while you still can.

10. Pack an overnight bag of things you will need immediately when you arrive at your new house. When getting ready to move, make sure you have the power turned on and the phone lines hooked up so you’ll be ready to make the transition.