Moving can have its challenges but its also the start of a beautiful new chapter. With the help of these simple tips, you won't get bogged down.

Make a plan to sort out your things. Break them down into categories: non-negotiables, nice-to-have and gone. Begin with the end in mind. It took you a lifetime to accumulate all that stuff. You're not going to get rid of it in five days.

Start with the rooms you use the least because it will be the least disruptive. Focus on the largest items so you'll feel like you're making progress. Get things out of the house as soon as you can. If you let them sit too long, they'll make their way back into the pile.

Don't get bogged down or overly sentimental about your possessions. Keep your best stuff and use it when you move. Let your kids enjoy the rest. It isn't as valuable as you think. The "maybe we'll need it someday" philosophy never really pans out.

When in doubt, throw it out. Every room can afford to lose at least two pieces of furniture. Edit, edit, edit. Let your new lifestyle be full of life not things. Simplify for the good.