Want to reduce the headache of moving into a new home? Follow these tips:

BEFORE YOU PACK

1. Plan your move well in advance. This will help you avoid a last-minute frenzy. For a timeline and checklist, visit upack.com/sites/default/files/pdf/MovingChecklist.pdf

2. Protect critical photos and files. Store copies on a portable hard drive you carry with you, or upload them to a free cloud server such as Google Drive or Dropbox.

3. Photograph your cords. Shoot images of the connections on your television, sound system, modem and computer so they’re easier to reconnect in your new home.

4. Make plans for pets. Reduce your pets’ moving stress by boarding them at a kennel or with friends.

5. Get a Movers Guide from the Post Office. This will help you notify service providers of your new address. It also includes $750 in coupons for businesses and services you might need. Your post office has printed copies or you can fill out a digital version at https://moversguide.usps.com

WHILE YOU PACK

6. Color-code your packing boxes. This will make it easy to match them to the right rooms in your new home.

7. Mark essential boxes separately. Anything you’ll need immediately after move-in should be marked in red. And make sure the important boxes get loaded last so they come off the truck first.

8. Create a first-night box of essentials. Include medications, toothbrushes, changes of clothing and anything else you’ll need immediately.

DURING THE MOVE

9. Don’t box valuables or important documents. Put jewelry, passports, birth certificates etc. in a special Move File and hand-carry them in your own car.

10. Pack a first-day cleaning kit. Include a vacuum and cleaning supplies so you can freshen cabinets, closets and counters before you move your possessions in.

11. Make a furniture map. Plot where all the large furniture pieces will go to simplify set-up. You can use graph paper or a free layout tool like homediary.com.

AFTER THE MOVE

12. Save all receipts. If your move is associated with a new job or a transfer, you may be able to deduct some of the costs.