Moving a standard three- or four-bedroom house is a process that takes most people many months of work. However, getting started early can help. Those who can start the moving process before the work becomes urgent can take a more organized and logical approach to moving.

Declutter: One Year to 6 Months Before Relocation

Decluttering is one of the most important steps in the moving process because it can make the rest of the relocation easier and more affordable. This process reduces the amount of stuff that needs to be moved (which can reduce the moving fees) and makes the packing and unpacking process simpler.

People should tackle the decluttering process room by room. To successfully declutter a home, it's important for people to start by sorting through the most obvious places, like the clutter that ends up on coffee tables, countertops, kitchen tables, and on night stands. This clutter usually consists of mail, loose change, extra pens, and scraps of paper. These items can be thrown out or put away.

Other forms of clutter, found in storage areas, usually consists of old things that are no longer needed, like out-of-style shirts and pants, old holiday decorations that are no longer used, and parts of sheet sets that no longer match. These items can be donated, sold, or thrown away.

Sorting through clutter takes time, so it's important for people to get started early to ensure that the decluttering process is as simple as possible.

Start Packing: 5 to 4 Months Before Relocation

Once the decluttering process is finished, home sellers can start packing. The best way to handle packing is for people to start about 4 to 5 months before it's time to move. To get started with packing, people must collect boxes and packing supplies, like packing tape, packing peanuts, and bubble wrap. It's also important for them to have plenty of permanent markers and scissors.

The following are helpful packing tips:

• Label each box on all four sides with bold, permanent marker.
• Put "fragile" stickers on boxes that contain fragile items like dishes.
• Use strong boxes that will not crumple if placed under pressure.
• Use small boxes for heavy items like books.
• Always keep extras of all packing supplies on hand, in case some supplies (like scissors and permanent markers) are lost.

Find a Mover: 3 to 2 Months Before Relocation

Moving companies book up fast, especially at the height of the moving season. People who want to ensure they use a reputable moving company for their upcoming relocation should start speaking with moving companies at least two (possibly three) months in advance. However, finding a mover can be a challenge. When trying to find a mover, it's important for people to consider the following:

• Reputation. People can research a company's reputation by contacting references and reading reviews of that company.
• Budget. The cheapest mover may not be the best, but it's important to hire a company that someone can afford.
• Transparency. People should read the contract with the moving company carefully to ensure they agree with the pricing structure and other terms.

Once someone has packed, found a mover, and decluttered their home, they're well on their way to going through a successful relocation.

Moving is often a stressful event. If someone can handle their upcoming relocation by staying organized and getting an early start, their move will be made easier.