Picking up and relocating is a difficult task. Even if you’ve identified an ideal home for you and your family, orchestrating a successful move is as challenging as any assignment you could ever face. The good news is, you can work to ease some of the burdens associated with moving with a little progressive thinking. To that end, here are five tips and tricks the most experienced professionals use to pull off a big transition like a move without any hitches or hiccups along the way.

Ask Questions First

Hindsight is 20/20, but it won’t help you fix a problem in the present moment. That’s why it’s vital before you make any big financial decisions to analyze and inspect every element of your move. Explore multiple housing options, quiz competing realtors, and examine every inch of your new home. You don’t want to be facing a big problem down the line because you neglected to check on cracks in the basement, or termites in the attic, for instance.

Take Inventory

Taking stock of your valued possessions is one of the essential things everyone should do before they move. It just makes good sense. If you don’t take the trouble to properly archive your belongings, there’s a good chance something important will get lost in the shuffle. Separating items by color, size, shape, or even value is a good way to ensure you don’t lose anything you’ll miss dearly.

Finance Smarter

Moving is expensive, plain and simple. Between taking on costs associated with realtors and contractors –– not to mention a hefty new mortgage itself –– money can often present a major stumbling block for would-be movers. Fortunately, you’ve got more options to help secure some extra capital than you may realize. Indeed, based on your line of work or other circumstances, you may be able to get the funding you need to complete your dream move. Whether you pursue a physician home loan, or a cash advance from the bank, look for lending alternatives before dipping into your own savings to cover moving costs.

Make a Plan

The smoothest transitions are those that are well designed from the outset. Haphazardly trying to move into a new home will likely stretch into weeks of work and cost you countless stressful hours. That’s why you need to determine the best way to transfer your belongings well before your move begins in earnest. In addition, hiring trustworthy, professional help can go a long way toward saving you precious time.

Dare to Dream

Moving into a new home should –– at its best –– be a culmination of the American dream. So don’t be afraid to imagine the new and exciting possibilities your new home presents. Not only will this lessen the strain moving causes, but it will also provide you with a bevy of invigorating opportunities to explore.