You probably know about many moving day tips and hacks, but we have assembled a master list with the best moving tips to help you have a smooth transition from planning to unpacking the last item.

No headaches.

No chaos.

All to keep you sane during the first day in your new home.

Let us show you the secrets of an effective move-in.

1. Plan ahead

Put your organization skills to good use and make a game plan.

Do you need extra help? Let your friends and family know.

Do you need to rent a moving truck? Book it one month in advance and figure out the truck size you will need.

Getting these things laid out before moving day can help you avoid total madness.

2. Make a calendar 

Part of your planning should include a calendar. One task per day and who is responsible for it is a great start. There is satisfaction in checking items off your to-do list. Each time you accomplish something, fewer things will pile on for the moving day.

Oh, and avoid procrastination.

3. ​​​Get utilities up and running

Before you move in, you want to make sure you have water, gas and electricity in your new home. Without it, you can't a take a well-deserved shower after a moving and unpacking marathon.

4. Research moving companies

Policies and services between moving companies differ between each other. Research them, google them, talk to friends, or just pick up the phone, but make sure that the one you pick matches your expectations.

Ask about the cost, the equipment used, the services included (e.g. disassembling and assembling furniture) and always read the fine print. Know the refund policy for any damages caused to your belongings. Hire them one month in advance to get the best rate.

5. Talk to the movers

Communication with your moving company is key. They should know which items are fragile and what kind of access they get to both buildings (e.g. elevators, narrow hallways, etc.). Make things clear before they are at your doorstep.

6. Figure out the moving rules of your new place

If you live in a condominium, there will be rules for the move-in day. Tipically, you have to book elevators and give a deposit in case you damage any common areas.

Don't forget to inform your neighbours about the possible disturbance.

7. Start your card box collection

Card boxes are available everywhere and for free. Once you know you are moving out, it is time to gather and collect. As long as they are not worn out, they can be reused. Not to mention, you are recycling too!

8. Time to purge

Moving is the perfect time to throw away all the clutter you don't need. Think of it as another spring cleaning. You can host a yard sale, donate to them to charity, sell them online, or throw them in the trash (if they can't be recycled first, of course).

9. Create an inventory

Once you take out all the items you don't need, concentrate on what's left. With an inventory, you can keep track of everything in case they go missing or stolen. Include which box they are in, which room they belong to, if they are fragile contents and whether it needs to be assembled. You can create a spreadsheet or go old school with pen and paper.

10. Have the essentials in a separate box

Everything you need on a daily basis should go separately. If you need it for the first night and the day after, pack it in a different box. Have easy access to toiletries, bedding, clothes, medications, cleaning supplies and chargers.

11. Pack according to rooms

Arrange your packing by room. All kitchen stuff goes in the kitchen box. All bedroom things go in the bedroom box. Easy and simple. Once you move in, each one will go in its respective room instead of having a maze of boxes in the living room.

12. Heavy and light items go in different boxes

Heavy items like books should be easy to carry and in small boxes to distribute the weight, while lighter items like pillows go in larger boxes.

13. Pack what you don't need

All seasonal items and decorative items can be done in advance to speed things up. It will give you time to figure out how to pack them without breaking them.

14. Save on bubble wrap and card boxes

Bubble wrap is not the only option to keep your fragile items from breaking. Use clothes, towels or socks to give some extra cushion.

To use fewer card boxes, use suitcases for clothes and find the original boxes for your electronics.

15. Label everything

Labels are the secret for a smooth transition. Number the boxes and include the room they go in. Put the tag on the side to see it easily once they are stacked on top of each other.

For smaller items like assembly pieces, put them in one labeled bag. You don't want to be guessing which screws go with which IKEA furniture.

16. Be ready when movers arrive

Everything should be packed and ready to go in the truck once they know in your door. Just one way to keep things in order.

17. Furniture goes in the back

To ease the process of unloading everything out of the truck, put all furniture at the back. Lighter items that are easier to carry can go in the front.

18. Check instruction manuals

For large appliances, the instruction manual can give some directions on how to move them without causing damage.

19. Defrost your fridge

Before you move, defrost your fridge. Stop doing groceries, defrost it and give it a good clean before setting it up again in your new home.

20. Keep your valuables with you

All passports, IDs, tax receipts, laptops, and other important documents should be with at all times.

21. Find a babysitter

A family member or a friend can take care of the children during the day. That way you can focus on moving and ensuring everything goes according to plan. Might as well, leave your pet with them too.

22. Clear the ice

In the winter, make sure you can park the truck close to the entrance without any ice (beware of slipping!) or snow getting in the way.

23. Bring snacks

Show the movers your appreciation whether you hired them or they are just volunteers. Everyone enjoys a piece of pizza or a cold drink after a hard day's work.

24. Be ready for bed

First thing to unpack? Your bed. It should be ready for you to crash and have a good night's sleep.