Between the stress of leaving your old home and the excitement of moving into a new one, there’s hardly room for practical matters. That’s why Newport Beach house owners tend to underestimate the importance of preparing for the big move. More often than not, the Big Move is clouded by last-minute packing and panic over forgotten items.

It doesn’t have to be like that, of course. Moving is just like any other big task; the best way about it is to break it up into smaller ones and work your way down the list. With some organization and a couple of helping hands, you’ll be settled in to your Newport Beach property before you know it. These moving tips can help you start out right.

The planning stage

Divide the move into stages: preparing for the big day, the move itself, and smoothing things into place. The "before" stage includes packing, getting all important accounts and documents transferred, and signing up to new ones in your new address. List down all items that will be affected by the move from magazine subscriptions to the dog’s dental records. It also covers cleaning up the home—it’s best to do this by room, as you pack up the contents of each one.

Getting there

Next, work out the logistics of getting everything—people and possessions alike—from Point A to Point B. Who goes in which car? Who carries what? Chances are you’ll need some professional help, especially if you’re with a family. Your Newport Beach real estate agent can get you in touch with a moving company who can help you settle in and take care of the bulk of the work, at least in the lifting department. Decide which items should go into the moving truck and which ones should stay with you, and how many vehicles (or back-and-forth trips) you will need.

The first few weeks

You’ll also want to plan out how to arrange everything in your new home. Most homeowners let go of a few items when packing for the move, so chances are you’ll have more space than you need. Make sure to use it wisely and resist the urge to fill it with new stuff. Once you’re settled in, you may change your mind a few times about which goes where—that’s normal. Anticipate changes and don’t install anything permanent just yet. If you want, look up Newport Beach homes online and see how people usually manage their spaces.

Knowing the rules

It’s also important to know the rules of your new neighborhood before you move in, or better yet, before you decide to buy the home. Most Newport Beach homes are part of private communities and homeowners’ associations, and adhere to certain rules on parking, exterior design, access to public areas, and sometimes even curfews. Some also have rules on moving in. It may not be mandatory, but it’s usually a good idea to get in touch with the HOA and let them know you’re moving so no one is caught by surprise.