How to . . . take the stress out of moving

Just the thought of relocating can be stressful. There are things you can take care of digitally instead of in person, as well as websites offering tips and checklists. Here are ways to help ease the burden of the big move.

1. Even if you don't hire U-Pack (upack.com) to move you, its website is loaded with useful information. Its pre-move checklist is a week-by-week rundown of things that need doing. You also can buy boxes and supplies, or email free change-of-address cards to relatives and friends.

2. Save a trip to the post office at usps.com/umove, where you can fill out forms for permanently forwarding your mail and specify on what date you want forwarding to begin. ID verification costs $1 (charged to your credit or debit card). Confirmation is emailed immediately.

3. Free and low-cost apps also can assist you, from creating checklists to photographing items as they are boxed. Apps for iPhone include Moving List ($3), Moving Checklist Pro ($1), Moving Day (free), Moving Van ($2), Moving Checklist (free), Box It Up (free), Move Planner ($2). For Android, Moving Planner ($1).