Let’s be honest: moving is almost always unpleasant. Whether you’re moving from one neighborhood to the next or across the country, the process is often time-consuming, stressful and expensive. Plus, if you’re moving somewhere you’ve never been before, the uncertainty can be terrifying.

However, moving is a fact of life for most of us. The average person in the U.S. is expected to move 11+ times in his or her life, according to U.S. Census data. Want help making your next move a little bit easier? Check out these four tips:

1. Use your real estate agent: It’s easy to look things up on the internet, but if you really want to know what the area you’re moving to is like, ask your real estate agent. Not only can they give you the lo-down on schools and neighborhoods, but they can show you the best places to eat, shop and more. By definition, agents have to be experts of their respective areas. You might as well use their knowledge to get acclimated to your new hometown and help quell your concerns.
2. Consider moving before you buy: No matter how much research you do, it can be difficult to truly know what it’s like to live in an area until you get there. If this is a major concern for you, consider getting a short-term rental while you look for a house to buy. Once you’ve lived somewhere for a few months, you’ll feel more confident about the precise location you want to put down roots. Be sure to use your real estate agent to help you get a rental.
3. Purge three months before moving: One of the most strenuous parts of moving is deciding what to keep and what to get rid of. Especially if you’ve lived somewhere for a long time, you’ve likely accumulated a lot of “stuff.” Because it’s so unpleasant, many people put off purging until the last minute and end up packing items they simply don’t need. If you purge in advance, it will not only be easier to pack, but you’ll also prevent accidentally tossing out something you wanted to keep.
4. Label boxes by room: One of the biggest mistakes many people make when moving is not labeling their boxes properly – or not labeling them at all. Unpacking can be a nightmare if boxes aren’t labeled, and the best way to label boxes is by room. That way, either you or your movers can put all of the boxes in the correct room right away. Also, relating to the last tip, feel free to have a “Maybe Get Rid Of” box. This can help expedite the purging / packing process, and it’ll be easier to decide whether or not you want to keep something in your new space.