It’s estimated that 14.19 percent of Americans move each year. People aged 18 through 34 make up the majority of the people moving. Hundreds of thousands of these people will struggle with the moving process, simply because they are unprepared. Whether you believe it or not, packing and moving can be done fairly quickly if you do it right.

1.Linens

Save room, and boxes, by using your linens as packing material. Instead of using wadded up newspaper, use bed sheets to take up extra room in boxes. Use towels to wrap fragile items, and use pillow cases in instances that you would use bags.

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2.Totes

If your local big box store has a sale and plastic totes are included, buy plenty. You can use these totes to pack, and then use them for storage in your new house.

3.Saran Wrap

Saran wrap is an amazing thing. Not only is it handy in the kitchen, but it’s a terrific packing tool. Open your closets, move all of your hanging clothes to the middle, and wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. All you have to do is throw your clothes in your trunk, hang them in your new closet and cut off the wrap.

4.Labels

Everyone knows that you should label the outside of your boxes. Take it one step further; on the outside of the box, write the room that the box belongs in. Put a piece of colored tape on the box. On a sheet of notebook paper, write down the contents of the box along with the box’s assigned color. This prevents you from having to search through every box for what you’re looking for later.

5.Space Bags

You’ve seen the infomercials for Space Bags but have hesitated to order them. If you’re moving, buy some of these wonderful bags. Use them to turn puffy comforters and pillows to flat pancakes, ready to toss into the truck.

6.Large Breakables

If you must pack breakables in a moving truck, pack them last. Remember that last in equals first out. If you have a large television to move or other items that you’d rather not seen broken, wrap them well and load them onto the truck last. This prevents them from being banged around as you are unpacking the truck.

7.Open-Me Box

Everyone should pack a box full of the things they’ll need right away. Paper plates, plastic utensils, drinking cups, a first-aid kit, basic tools and even a blanket or two should be placed inside of your “Open Me” box. This box will be invaluable on your first night if you can’t force yourself to unpack everything else.

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8.Don’t Pack It

If you haven’t used it in the last six to 12 months, don’t pack it. Instead, donate it, throw it away or recycle it. It makes no sense to pack things that you don’t use anymore.

9.Organize It

Organize as you pack. Have you been thinking that you’d like to separate your clothes by season but haven’t gotten around to it? Do it as you pack. Have you wanted to organize your kitchen cupboards? Do it as you pack. When you unpack, your things will be perfectly organized.

10.Installations

If you are going to put in lazy Susans, closet organizers, or garage shelves, do it before you move if you are able. Doing this will allow you to unpack more quickly and keep yourself organized.

Moving is stressful no matter what you do. The better you pack, the less stressful the entire situation will be. Use these tips to keep yourself from getting overly anxious in the days before your move.