Moving house is as stressful as a bereavement or divorce. No one really likes moving. It is like being uprooted from one place and transported to another. The home you live in grows on you and becomes a part of you. You realize your attachment to your home only when you are about to make a move. But, often it is too late and you have to abide by your decision to move.

However, things have changed and most of us these days make the move many times in their lifetime. Knowing the steps involved in moving a house, can make the move absolutely stress-free. Here are some tips that can help you do that:

First of all, sort out your stuff and get rid of all the items you do not want to take with you. You should look at each and every item and decide whether you want to carry it or you would rather replace it with a new one in the new house. Of course, the redundant things can be thrown without a thought. There is no need to pile up only because of sentimental attachment.

Once you are clear about the things you want to take with you, it is time to organize. Pack the items that are not of immediate use like all decorative items. Put them in boxes and label the boxes clearly on all four sides. This seemingly superfluous effort will save you a lot of trouble at the time of unpacking. You will know exactly which box to open when you are looking for something. If you know that a particular box is meant for a particular room, specify this too on the label, so that your removalist can put it at the right place and you do not have to shift them again in the new house.

There are all sorts of boxes available in the market. You need to choose them judiciously. As a rule of the thumb, always buy letter/legal file boxes that have lids and handles for your heavier items, such as books, files, DVDs and CDs, and anything else relatively small and heavy. And, buy big moving boxes for clothes, pots and pans, and the lighter, bulkier objects. Of course, you may find the uniformly-sized boxes with handles and lids so convenient that you may not want anything else.

Pack all the items that you will need immediately after you shift in boxes that are kept separately from all other stuff, so they do not get uploaded on the mover's truck by mistake. This will include necessary items like food, toiletries, dishes, medicine, linens and clothes for everyone for at least two days and pet food and bowls.

Regarding your pets, it is better to get them into carriers before the removalist arrives. You can even board them for a short time to reduce stress on both you and them.

Most importantly, don't leave tasks for the last minute. Start cleaning and packing at least six weeks before your move. You will soon realize that there is a lot more to resolve that you ever thought.

Remember, preparation is the key to a successful and stress-free move.