Moms suddenly finding themselves moving across town or across the country can make the change easier with a little bit of planning.

More than 20 million American households, or at least 16 percent of the population, move every year. Taking a little time to prepare can go a long way to helping the process.

Here are some tips from Bank of America:

• Make a master plan. There's a lot to do, ranging from writing a budget and pre-qualifying for a mortgage to buying boxes. Gather lists and incorporate them into one planner. Break down the list by weekly chores to help spread out the work and make sure everything is accomplished on time.

• Start a list of people you need to notify about your new address. Keep a list handy so you can add to it as you go through daily routines such as going to the doctor, the gym, the post office, an accountant, or visiting friends.

• Get the basics out of the way early.
  • Pay bills online ahead of time, or schedule them for later so you don't have to worry about them during the move.
  • Get gift cards for older children. The children will be able to buy supplies or run errands quickly, without waiting to get money from you.
  • Make sure insurance is in order so household belongings are protected during and right after the move.

• Find supplies. Get boxes, packing tape, markers and bubble wrap early so you can take spare time to pack off-season clothes and other items you aren't using. Start saving newspapers, which can be used for packing.

Bank of America recently launched an enhanced online Movers Resource Center, which provides a checklist, enables visitors to sign up for weekly reminders and also lets them keep track of whether a particular task has been completed. The list includes financial information, as well as timelines for when to pack, transfer school records or find recycling facilities for items that can't be moved.