FrontDoor.com

Anyone who has ever moved has likely experienced the stress associated with the daunting task of packing. Some people panic and begin tossing everything into garbage bags while others simply freeze.

But there's another option: Take control of the stress, and don't let moving get the better of you.

Sandee Payne's first relocation experience came when her military husband was reassigned from upstate New York to Missouri.

"I had only heard stories about the dreaded (moving) process and was about to face it head-on," said Payne, moving expert and author of Move Your House.

Payne's tips for how to pack (which sound a bit like a therapist's advice) are perfect for when you have no idea where to begin.

• Stay focused. Concentrate on one room at a time. Focusing on small, individual tasks is typically easier than trying to take on the whole job, Payne said.
• Simplify. Remove items from your home that you don't want bring to your next home before packing so that you don't have to maneuver around unnecessary obstacles. Learn more about organizing before a move.
• Pack what you use least often first. Hold on to those comfort items, like the stereo you're using to blast some motivational rock music, to keep you sane during the stressful packing process.
• Bag it. If items have many small pieces (like desk items, collections and toiletries) take the time to pack them together in a clear, plastic bag. It will be easier to reassemble your space when you arrive at your new home.
• Do laundry. It can actually be therapeutic, plus you'll be thanking yourself post-move. Make sure bed linens, blankets, pillows and towels are washed and dried, and place them in tall kitchen bags with a dryer sheet for freshness. If you're really ambitious, wash and press your window treatments.
• Label, label, label. Get some markers and write a detailed list of the contents in each moving box that you pack; you're pre-emptively reducing unpacking stress and keeping yourself organized.
• Create a household inventory. Payne suggests a written, itemized list, videotaping or (for the tech-inclined) making a digital photo library. While it takes some work, this step can help assuage moving anxiety and give you recourse if anything goes missing or gets damaged in the moving process.

Put receipts and warranties for valuable items in a binder or envelope along with your inventory. Hand-carry this home inventory with you; it can also help you deal with moving companies.

If you get an organized and levelheaded start, chances are the pattern will continue throughout your moving process.

This article was written by Annika Mengisen, a contributor to Relocation.com, a leading provider of moving quotes and information on moving companies.

GO TO: Part 1: Get Started

GO TO: Part 2: Plan and Pack

GO TO: Part 3: Moving Day

GO TO: Part 4: Settle In

GO TO: Moving Guide

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• First-Time Homebuyer's Guide
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• How to Find Budget Packing Materials
• Moving Checklist