Relocation can be one of the most stressful things that happen to you in your life. Whether you are moving across town or the country, it takes time to adjust to your new surroundings and the changes that come with moving.

Whether you’re relocating for your job, your spouse’s job, or school, there are plenty of ways to reduce stress when moving so you’ll be more comfortable in your new home and environment. Down below the leading local moving companies share their seven ways to reduce stress when moving!

Give yourself time

It’s hard—and it’s supposed to be! No matter how well you plan, there will always be little bumps along your journey. Give yourself time to adjust and make some mistakes along the way. Remember that you’re not alone in your struggles, and a support system can help get you through it all! The key is to stay positive and keep moving forward. You’ll find your footing soon enough!

Move with a buddy

While some may think it’s easier to move on your own, moving with a buddy (or 2, or 3) really does help. Not only are you able to split things up and pack at a more reasonable pace, but you also have someone there for support—and who’s probably going through similar emotions as you. It’s hard enough to make friends in new cities; why not take advantage of an opportunity that comes along?

Pack in advance

Packing your bags before you move can help reduce stress. There’s no need for last-minute packing, only to have them sprawled all over your apartment for days on end. The longer you leave things out, the more likely they are to go missing or be broken. Having everything packed up and ready to go ahead of time means less hassle when it comes time to move. Plus, it gives you one less thing to worry about during an already stressful period.

Stay organized

The best way to beat stress when moving is with the organization. If you can remain level-headed and handle your belongings with care, there’s a good chance you won’t lose your mind. Make a plan of action, get rid of unnecessary items and work on organizing what remains ahead of time so you can hit the road running as soon as move day arrives.

It may sound like overkill now, but it could be one less thing for you to worry about during an already stressful event. Most of the people stick to labeling their boxes to reduce the frequency of disorganization, while they are bound to look for some urgent boxes. You can use the same idea, and label all your boxes to ensure organized packaging.

Get help

There’s nothing wrong with seeking help when you need it. If you’re feeling stressed, try to pick up a few boxes at a time, if possible. A little help can go a long way in reducing your own stress levels. And remember that there’s no shame in asking for help; everyone around you is going through similar stresses, and they may just be happy to lend a hand.

Don’t forget to unpack

Getting settled into your new home, apartment, or dorm is important. But it can also be stressful; there are countless errands you have to run and decisions you have to make (What’s for dinner? How do I get a job? Where do I find Wi-Fi?), and at times it can seem like too much. To beat stress when moving, remember not to forget about unpacking — don’t just throw things into boxes and stack them up around your living space.

Don’t neglect your loved ones while you’re stressed

You may be dreading your move or feel like you’re losing sleep, but try not to take it out on your friends and family. They love you and want what’s best for you—so let them help by giving you a call when they know you’ve been working overtime at work. And don’t hesitate to ask for their assistance with anything that comes up along the way; moving is stressful enough without having to worry about getting everything done yourself.

Now that you know how you can easily move your house to a long distance while maintaining your stress levels, get a head start on the process and have a safe move!