There's no way round it. Whether you've employed the services of a professional mover or have recruited your friends and family, by the end of the day you will be exhausted.

Here are a few tips to help minimise the disruption and possibly distress after your long day

• Plan ahead for the things you will need on the first night in your new home. Set aside a box and include critical things you know you will need within the first 24 hours of your move - and mark it clearly. There's nothing more frustrating than sorting through boxes in the middle of the night to find what you need.
  
• If possible, pre-cook a meal which can simply be heated up. Something hearty like a homemade stew will replenish you after a long day of lugging boxes.
• Alternatively, pick up some quality take-away food so you don't need to worry about plates and cutlery. Better still - explore outlets that deliver to your door for free or for minimal cost. You'll appreciate not having to head out in your grubby work clothes.
• Make sure you've set aside all the cooking and eating items you'll need for the next couple of days.
• Ensure the essential electrical appliances are packed where you can reach them easily - the microwave oven to quickly heat up your pre-cooked meal, kettle for your tea and coffee and toaster for that morning piece of toast and vegemite.
• Pack a small tool kit for re-assembling items that couldn't be moved whole.
• For each person in the household, pack a change of clothes, towel, toothbrush, shampoo, hairbrush, hot water bottles and other personal items.
• Pack a medical bag including any prescription drugs, painkillers for that stress headache, Deep Heat, band-aids and bandages.
• Think about the other items you may need in the next 24 hours: Cheque book, wallet, flashlight, mobile telephones and power pack, toilet paper, tissues, matches, garbage bags, light bulbs, detergent and other cleaning items.
• Remember essential items you'll need for breakfast in the morning - cereal, butter or margarine, tea bags, coffee, milk, bread and condiments.
• Try to keep some area in the kitchen clear so that you can prepare food and drinks without having to move boxes each time - ready your box of essential kitchen items so when you really need that break, you do not have to search for the tea bags and biscuits!
• Try to set up an area in the lounge where you can take a moment to really relax when you stop for refreshments - you'll feel more revived and be able to work with renewed enthusiasm.
• Most importantly, make all the beds up earlier in the day. You'll thank yourself at the end of the tiring day!