Moving day is never simple, but it can be more bearable and even somewhat enjoyable! To figure out how to make the big move as stress-free as possible, here are 15 ideas that may make your big day a bit more of a breeze.

1. Don't bring anything you don't need:  If you need to sell or give away any of your things, have a good-bye party and put post-it notes on the things that the guests can take home with them. It's a nice way to say good-bye and a lot better than posting things on Craigslist and having to deal with strangers.
2. Do all of your packing/labeling before moving day. There are so many details you need to handle on moving day, don't make it worse by having to rush to do these things you know you'll have to do.
3. Make yourself a survival kit for moving day. Pack a baggie with things you'll need on that day and possibly the next — toothbrush and toothpaste, snacks, change of clothes, medication, contact lens supplies, etc. 
4. Tell your neighbors you are moving. This way they can avoid the elevators and/or use the stairs on that day, staying out of the movers' way.
5. Try to make sure that no one else is moving in or out on the same day as you are. The fact that sharing elevators and hallways slows everything down and increases the risk of losing stuff. 
6. Have lots of bottles of water for your movers. Offering the movers some snacks like candy bars or chips to keep their energy up and make sure that the vibe between you and them is positive. 
7. Make sure all your electronic devices are fully charged—especially your cell phone. Don't pack your chargers away, have them with you in case things take longer than expected.
8. Buy some touch-up paint and wall filler ahead of time. This way you can make quick repair for any minor damage caused by the movers on the way out. Have a broom and dustpan handy so you can sweep up at the end of the loading phase.
9. Have some basic tools—screw driver, allen wrench, box cutter –for breaking down boxes, putting furniture together. Your mover should have it all but just in case, this can be a big help.
10. Do a quick walk through with the movers before getting started. You'll want to inspect your furniture to make sure the inventory sheet is correct. Also, be sure that you and the movers agree on the condition of the furniture before anything goes on to the truck. 
11. Keep some extra packing materials on hand. This way you don't have to buy them from the mover at the last minute when you've lost all negotiating juice.
12. Keep pets/kids away from the movers. In fact, it's better to have your kids out of the home on moving day. Let them come in to an unpacked house and a set-up their new room later on. You need to be totally and completely available to the movers during each step of the process, no distractions. 
13. Consider spreading the move out over two days. If your move is local and the home you're moving from is large, it would be great to move the kitchen, living room and dining room one day and the bedrooms and other spaces the next.
14. Choose your “helpers” carefully. It's tempting to ask friends and family for help, but don't overdo it. Recruit volunteers who know their way around your place so you won't have to waste time answering their questions.
15. Learn as much about the place you are moving to as you can. Often the most stressful part of the move is at the “unknown” destination. Ask your Realtor or building manager about moving-in or out rules, and know the dimensions of the door openings so that your favorite sofa makes it into your next home.

Good luck on the big move coming up soon!

Darin