I don’t know one single person who has ever told me that they actually like moving. As if emotionally packing up your memories and cherished moments wasn’t enough, you also have to physically pack up all of your belongings in the midst of your already busy life.

Here are eight things you can do to prepare your home for the big move from our friends over at Zillow.

How to Pack Up Your Home in the Most Efficient Way Possible

De-clutter, De-clutter, De-clutter

Home design consultant DeAnna Radaj recommends asking yourself these three questions while you’re pulling your hair out and sifting through your treasures, deciding what to keep: Do I love it? Do I use it? Do I need it? If you can’t answer “yes” to at least two of those questions for each item, you should sell, toss or donate it.

Once you’ve narrowed down what you’re going to hold onto, consider holding a garage sale to get rid of your unwanted stuff.

“This can help you save on packing expenses, because why pay to pack things you do not want?” Brandon Morris, president of North Dallas Moving and Storage said. “The money from the garage sale could also pay for your packing expenses on the things that you do want.”

Prepare your Pantry

The last thing you need to worry about is the food in your kitchen. To avoid having to transport bags of food or conversely to avoid throwing away unwanted or spoiled food products, prepare for the big move by using canned or frozen food and buy only what you will need before you plop down in your new home.

Be an Organized Packer

Pack by room-to-room and organize each box appropriately. This will decrease your chances of losing any items during the move. It makes packing easier and unpacking less of a hassle.

Also, set aside an “open first” box for things you’ll need right away like toilet paper or paper towels.

Make a Home for Important Items

Hang onto passports, checkbooks, medication and other critical items. They should be kept separate from your everyday belongings, according to Dan Komm, brand manager at Humboldt Storage & Moving. The last thing you want to do is lose those babies.

Look Around your Home One Last Time

If you’re selling your home, make sure you document its condition before the moving crew arrives. Make a list, and take photos or video because you just never know what could happen. And you don’t want to be held liable in case something does.

“Damage to walls, switch plates, fixtures and flooring can derail a sale if a buyer chooses to ask for compensation after a final walk-through,” said Orlando, FL real estate agent Don Harkins. “It’s important to know who caused the damage so that you don’t get stuck with an added expense as a seller.”