Moving is stressful. Boxes, tape, rushing around, and forgetting important little things. But if you approach the process systematically, moving turns into a regular task. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you remember everything and keep your sanity.

One month before the move

Start with a review. Go through your apartment and divide all your belongings into three groups: “taking with me,” “throw away,” and “donate/sell.” Be honest with yourself — that dusty exercise machine or the dress you haven’t worn in three years, you don’t need them.

Right after the review, order boxes of different sizes, stretch wrap, bubble wrap, and markers. Don’t use plastic bags — things get wrinkled in them, and they are awkward to carry.

Gather your documents in a separate folder. Passports, contracts, certificates, medical records — these should be with you, not in a common box.

Two weeks before

Start packing things you don’t use every day. Books, seasonal clothing, decor, kitchen utensils (leave one plate and one pot per person). On each box, write with a marker: “bedroom — bedding,” “kitchen — fragile dishes.” This will save hours during unpacking.

Take photos of your appliances from all sides. Especially where the cables attach. Later, you will remember how to put it all back together.

Where to put your belongings during the move

The most common problem is the gap between moving out of the old apartment and moving into the new one. Furniture and boxes have nowhere to go, and the new apartment might still be under renovation. There is a solution — temporary storage at a professional warehouse.

Companies like Keeper offer rental units from 10 to 50 square meters with climate control and 24/7 security. You load your belongings into the storage unit and pick them up at your convenience after the move. No need to ask friends for garage space, risk leaving things in the hallway, or rush your move-in. Simply move everything to the storage facility, and then — in stages — to your new apartment.

Three days before the move

Pack a “survival kit”: toothbrushes, a change of clothes, chargers, slippers, a kettle, and a couple of mugs. On your first day in the new place, you will be exhausted. Hot tea and clean socks will be your best gift.

Disconnect the gas, electricity, and water. Take photos of the meter readings. Sign a contract with trusted movers — trying to save money on them will result in damaged furniture.

On moving day

Check that nothing is left in the closets, on the balcony, or behind the bathroom. People most often forget things in the drying rack, the freezer, and under the bed. Vacuum the empty apartment — this way you will see for sure that nothing got lost.

One last thing. Do not try to do everything alone. Moving is teamwork. Delegate, breathe, and remember: in a week, you will already be drinking coffee in your new kitchen, and all this chaos will just be a story.