by Catalogs.com Info Guru Lisa Pratto

Moving is no fun.

Period. I won’t even try to convince you that it is. There are, however, several tips out there to make the process a little smoother. And, let’s face it, when it comes to packing your home and moving, we can use all the help we can get.

10. Pace Yourself

Even if you don’t know exactly when and where you are moving, start now. Pack up an unused closet, sort through the cans in your pantry, clean out the garage. The more prepared you can be in advance of the big move, the better off you will be in the long run.

9. Free Boxes

The concept of buying nice, new boxes is passé and even a little wasteful. Free boxes are available on Craigslist, via freecycle, in dumpsters and even at your local fast food joint. In fact, McDonald’s fry boxes have a cult following because they are virtually indestructible.

8. Bed Stuff

Many people like to use old comforters and blankets to wrap larger wood pieces of furniture, which is a great tip. Just be sure to save some for your first night or you’ll be cold and uncomfortable.

7. Sell It

Purge everything you can; anything you haven’t used in the last six months can go. eBay, Craigslist and traditional garage sales are all your best friend now.

6. Donate It

Once you have sold what you can, open your heart and donate the rest. Do not, under any circumstances, pack what you can’t sell and assume you can sell it once you arrive. You won’t. Save yourself time when packing your home and donate it now.

5. Store It

If you are strapped for cash and the new boss wants you to start on Monday, why not throw everything in a storage pod? You can send for it when you have a few paychecks under your belt.

4. Shrink Wrap

You know those rolls of shrink wrap that people are always seen using to shrink wrap a car on prank videos? They are a great tool for packing your home as well. Just put a bunch of unbreakable in a laundry basket or other box without a lid and shrink away. Fabulous stuff.

3. Ship It Ahead

This may sound like an odd tip but, depending on how much stuff you actually own, it may be cheaper to ship books and the like ahead of time via media mail. This tip saves valuable trunk space for some people.

2. The “Paper Box”

Another tip that most people do not think of is the “Paper Box”. This is a little awkward so I will just come out and say it. Toilet paper, soap and paper towels are often overlooked in the big move. You do not want to be running to the car in search of a fast food napkin or two. Enough said.

1. The “Coffee Box”

Now, if you aren’t a coffee drinker, you could argue the position of this point, but I, for one, view it as the most important tip I can offer. Make a separate box for all your morning coffee essentials – cups, spoons, coffee, powdered cream, sugar and the coffee pot itself. Label it. Guard it with your life. Make sure you never take your eyes off it and know it’s location at all times. When you stumble out of bed early on that first morning in your new place and are surrounded by a dizzying number of boxes, you will be glad you do not have to hunt down your first cup of joe.