A quick search for “Moving Essentials” yields more than 22 million results. But what’s really necessary to survive a move? If it’s been a while since your last move, here is some advice from my recent move this year. From packing supplies to transportation, I’ve put together a list of the five must-have moving essentials to help make your move as smooth as possible.

Mattress Firm's Top Moving Tips

Moving Checklist

Use a checklist to organize and plan your move. Include a list of things you’ll need for the move and a timeline to set goals and keep track of progress. Include important contacts and key dates and keep several copies available so that you can easily access this information during the move. Your checklist will serve as a running to-do list and reminder of things you need to accomplish before the big day. Plus it feels really great when you start crossing things off the list. Sometimes I need to see small progress so I’m not overwhelmed by the larger project.

Recycling and Donation Boxes

Don’t forget to pick up a few extra boxes to pack items that you want to recycle or donate. Moving is an ideal time to sort through things you haven’t used in a while, and consolidate belongings before moving into your new place. Even large items, like mattresses, can be recycled. Mattress Firm currently partners with Sleep, Inc. to keep mattresses out of landfills – approximately 60,000 mattresses a year are ground or shredded and repurposed for other industries.

Packing Supplies

Stock up on supplies for packing, including packaging for your larger items like TVs, sofas and mattresses. For added convenience, seal boxes with colored duct tape to color code the room in which they belong. Even simple household items can be used for packing – for example, use sandwich bags to pack nails, screws and other small items.