Moving is a stressful time for anyone. It really doesn’t matter if you are moving to another country, across town, or just across the street. Moving is always a hassle. However, there are some things you can do to make the move a little less stressful. Here are five ideas:

1. Pack Early

We usually know that a move is coming quite awhile before it actually gets here. Unfortunately, we still usually end up trying to pack up an entire house in just a couple of days, creating a lot of stress on the family. However, if we pack too early then we pack up all the things we use on a regular basis, and we can’t function in the place we still live in. The solution: pack up everything you don’t have to use every day a couple weeks in advance. You can live two weeks on paper plates and only a few pairs of shoes. Pack up the essentials at the last minute. This also makes unpacking a little easier because you can unpack those essentials first and live off of them for a few days while you get settled.

2. Enlist Help

Get your neighbors, your friends, and your coworkers together to help lift those boxes onto the moving truck. Jobs seem much easier when there are lots of people helping. Just remember to return the favor the next time they move.

3. Get a storage unit

Storage units really do make life so much easier. Instead of storing everything you don’t use often in closets, the basement, or the attic, invest in a storage unit. This way, when you move, you don’t have to move all of these things too. They are still stored in the same place a always. So it might require a little drive to go pick up the Christmas tree when holiday season comes around. It’s better than hauling it all around town.

4. Label Boxes

Labeling does take an extra minute when you are getting packed up, but it will save tons of time when it comes to unpacking. Label boxes not only with the contents, but also which room it goes in. That way whoever gets that box out of the moving truck will know where to take it.

5. Get Rid of a few things

Or a lot of things! Most of us have plenty of things floating around our homes that we don’t use. Before you start packing go through closets, drawers, and cabinets and decide what you can really live without in your new place. Have a yard sale and make some extra cash or take a trip down to the Goodwill. Fewer things to move will definitely make life easier.