Moving to a new home is a pretty big life transition. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you begin the packing process, but thinking logically through your move can help you figure out a game plan.

Prepare for a move weeks or months in advance by decluttering and securing free or low-cost moving boxes. Label and color-code boxes by room and pack essentials in a separate, easily accessible box.

More than 37 million Americans moved last year—and while that’s actually a historic low, one thing that hasn’t changed is the levels of hair-tearing stress the experience can inspire. Everything about ...