One thing that’s reliably constant in life is change. And for millions of Americans each year, that change is geographic. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, from a tiny apartment or a sprawling house, relocating can be stressful and all-consuming (to say the least). But with the right planning and tools, it doesn’t have to be.
For tips on how to organize and stay sane during your move, we spoke with Laura McHolm, founder of NorthStar Moving Company, which has been in business for over 25 years, moving celebrity clients and mere mortals alike. We also talked to Brian Brooks, president and co-owner of Columbus, Ohio–based E.E. Ward Moving & Storage. And we spoke with Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer, co-founders of the NEAT Method, a luxury home-organizing company. For five years, Wirecutter staff writer Kit Dillon has worked weekends and holidays as a professional mover in Hawaii.