Moving is always stressful, however, there are ways to reduce stress, make the move enjoyable. Whether you’re planning to move into a rental or looking for temporary housing so you can get to know a city before you purchase a house, reducing stress during the move could make a huge difference.

Leave the Clutter Behind

Most people have clutter they can dispose of. If you have things that haven’t been used in years, if it’s in poor shape and needs replacing, or if it’s just something you don’t want anymore, dispose of it! Packing items you no longer want to use means there’s more to travel with causing more stress. Unwanted items in good condition can be donated or sold. Start this process well ahead of the move. If you’re looking for a furnished rental, think about donating furniture you may not need or want in the future. If you want to keep the furniture, decide on a storage unit until the furniture is needed again.

Schedule Time to Pack

Packing takes time. Instead of rushing, take some time to make sure everything is packed properly. Set aside time for packing so there’s no need to rush. If you’re planning on leasing a short-term rental and purchasing later, make sure your belongings are secured in a climate-controlled storage unit.

Stay Organized

Keep everything as organized as possible during the move. When packing boxes, stick with one room at a time, labeling each box. Use different colored tape for each room. The more organized you are during the packing process, the easier it will be to unpack. With short-term corporately furnished housing, this can make it a breeze to immediately know what will go into storage upon reaching your new location.

Protect What is Valuable to You

What’s really valuable to you deserves extra-special attention and care during a move. Anything breakable must be carefully packed. The moving industry has saturated the market with paper, bubble wrap and other protective materials. Write “Handle with Care” on your boxes so whoever moves your items knows more care is required. Whenever possible, take specials items with you so they remain under your control.

Make Time for a Good Night’s Sleep

During the rush to get all your tasks completed, don’t forget to rest your body. Moving is exhausting, and in order to be good (at anything), sleep is required for us to perform our best. When you’ve spent an entire day packing, a good night’s sleep helps renew you. On the night before your move, get well-rested and prepared for travel. Getting more sleep helps reduce the amount of stress your body is under and ensures you have plenty of energy.

Moving is stressful, but there are ways to reduce the tension and ensure your move goes smoothly. If you’re planning on moving to a new location, reducing stress is a must.