If you are faced with an upcoming move, then chances are you are researching whether hiring professionals or taking the task on yourself is best for you. While there are advantages to both, if you are short on cash and looking to save, conducting a self-move may be the best option for you. Professional movers tend to be pricey with the average local move costing over $2,000 and a long-distance move averaging over $4,000. Additionally, when using movers, you run the risk of valuable or sentimental items getting broken or misplaced in the chaos. If you take charge of your move yourself, you can pack and move at your own pace and be confident that your items are secure and treated carefully. This article will outline five ways to ensure that your self-move is as smooth as possible.

1. Employ Help

It is important to recognize that while a personal move can be done by yourself, for the sake of your mental sanity and physical well-being, ask some friends or family to pitch in. Instead of paying thousands of dollars for strangers to come into your personal space, chip in for some pizzas and beers in exchange for your friends’ time and services. More importantly, you will need assistance in moving larger pieces of furniture like couches, mattresses, tables, and dressers. Perhaps in the days leading up to the “moving party” you can invite a close trusted friend or family member to help organize and pack your belongings into boxes so that the moving party only needs to do the heavy lifting. Regardless, never be afraid to ask a brother, friend, or neighbor for assistance.

2. Rent a Truck/Trailer

Depending on the volume of belongings being moved, it is worth researching moving vehicles to transport your items from your old location to your new location. Full-sized moving trucks are available at relatively low rates if you are moving three or four bedrooms worth of items. If you are moving fewer large furniture items and have fewer boxes but still have too much to fit in your personal vehicle, you can consider a truck rental with hitch. Typically, individuals who choose this option already own a trailer but may not necessarily own a truck rated high enough to pull such a large amount of weight. Depending on how long you rent the truck, this can considerably cut your moving costs down.

3. Ask Around for Boxes

As you might expect, you will need a lot of boxes leading up to your moving day. However, before you open your wallet to buy Walmart and Home Depot out of moving boxes, check with your local retailer. Often, you can ask for their leftover boxes for free. You will get a variety of industrial-grade boxes in a multitude of sizes—even some massive ones—at no cost to you.

4: Stay Organized

This cannot be stressed enough. The more organized you are during the packing process, the smoother your move-out and move-in day will go. As you pack, group similar items together in boxes with a label to appropriately depict which room they should be placed in upon arrival. You would be surprised how much this can reduce stress and chaos during the moving process—especially if you are using friends and family to help unload.

5. Pack an Essentials Bag

Finally, as you pack, set aside essentials for your first night or two at your new place. Things like toilet paper, a toothbrush and paste, soap, any medications you might need, and pajamas are often forgotten in the bustle of the move. The last thing you want to do after moving all day is dig through boxes to search for a clean pair of underwear. Save yourself the stress by setting aside all the items you may need within the first 24 hours, either in a backpack or suitcase, and be sure that it doesn’t get thrown somewhere you cannot find it.

Whether you conduct a self-move or procure professional movers, it is likely going to be stressful and chaotic. However, taking the necessary steps and planning ahead of time can help minimize the wrinkles in your future moving plan.