The idea of moving to a big city like New York can be intimidating, but if you take a few measures beforehand, you can make the process much simpler and less frustrating. Consider these basic tips to help ensure an easier move.

No. 1 — Ease Your New York Moving Experience With an Inventory List

Preparation is probably the number one technique for easing your moving experience. One of the top problems people have with their move is lost or damaged items. If you do a complete inventory of the items in your home, and use a number system to indicate what box each item will be in (don't forget to number the boxes), then you can avoid many of these problems. Make the list first, and then number items according to priority.

When you arrive at your location, you will know instantly where your most important items are and whether anything is missing. Be as specific as possible when labeling items and boxes. Do not use shorthand unless you are positive that you can read what you have written. Ideally, you should make your list on a computer. This will allow you to make necessary changes and ensure that you do not lose the list.

No. 2 — Careful Packing to Ease Your New York Moving Experience

The other major problem people have with their move is broken items. This is a particular worry for people who are doing a full service move. The more padding you provide for your items, the less likely they will be damaged in transit. Bubble wrap, Styrofoam, blankets, newspaper and anything else that will protect your items should be used as much as possible. Your goal is to reduce or eliminate the amount of free space between items. Immobility is the key.

No. 3 — Ease Your New York Moving Experience and Sell Your Car

You probably will not have much use for a vehicle in New York City, where parking is at a premium, traffic is heavy and public transportation abounds. Unload your car at your current location, where there may be a bigger market for used vehicles. You may think you cannot live without your car, but the New York City subway system is quite extensive, and you can get to almost anywhere you need to go, day or night.

No. 4 — Use Paperless Billing for Your New York Moving Experience

Your mail may have a tough time making it to your new location. Even if there is no postal confusion, there may be a delay before you receive your bills, which could result in costly late fees that you would rather avoid. Stave off problems with missed bills and switch to paperless billing. Handle your monthly bills on the Internet and don't worry about relying on the post office.

No. 5 — Bring a Variety of Clothing for an Easier New York Moving Experience

New York can get sweltering hot in summer, and numbingly cold in the winter. It also rains from time to time. Make sure you have clothing for any eventuality. You should store clothing for warm and cold weather in separate boxes. This way, you can unpack exactly what you need first.

No. 6 — Ease Your New York Moving Experience and Use Storage Facilities or Sell Your Extra Items

New York City real estate tends not to offer a great deal of space for your money. When you purchase an apartment, the price per square foot for a studio in New York can be over $1,000. A one-bedroom rental in New York can go for $5,000 or more. You may find you have less room for personal property than at your old location. Consider keeping excess items in an affordable storage facility. Alternatively, you may want to try to sell some items before your New York moving experience.

A "going out of town sale" can attract many bargain hunters and allow you to unload some of those extraneous possessions fast. If you prefer, or in addition to this option, you can always try getting rid of extra things on an auction website. If you go the Internet route, try to do it well in advance of your move so that you don't run into problems with receiving payment at your new location (see tip 4).

No. 7 — Earplugs and Easing Your New York Moving Experience

New York can get loud, with sirens, honking horns and other sounds of the city. When your double-parked moving van blocks a narrow city street, you are sure to get a rousing and cacophonous welcome from the neighbors. Be prepared with some auditory protection devices. New York City is a great place to live. When you're planning to move there, the air can be filled with anticipation and excitement. The moving process should not be the primary focus.

If you follow these tips, you can relax with the confidence that your belongings will arrive safely and you will be able to settle in quickly. This will free you up to get right into what is really important: Enjoying your new life in New York City.