Moving is a stressful process that can be challenging for even the best planners. Following these 20 tips can make the process go more smoothly, reduce the work on your plate and reduce stress until you are settled into your new home sweet home.

1. Hire movers. Vet companies for reliability and quality. If your budget allows, hiring movers is the single best thing you can do to make moving day less stressful.

2. Set a budget. Speaking of budgets, set yours early on in the process. Moving can be very expensive, so think carefully about how much you can spend and where you can cut corners.

3. Eat through your cupboards. As you prep for your move, eat as much of the food you already have as possible. Now is the time to get creative in the kitchen and find inventive ways to use up the last bits of leftovers in the freezer. Don’t waste precious moving space and energy by hauling food to your new abode.

4. Purge your closet. If you don’t love it, it doesn’t fit or is damaged, donate it to an organization in your community.

5. Arrange for donation pick-up. Many charities will pick up donations from your home, saving you time and effort. Schedule pick-up before your move to reduce stress.

6. Consider self-storage. Our self-storage units are the perfect place to house items you aren’t committed to getting rid of but aren’t certain you want in your new space. Store them here to evaluate later on!

7. Source free packing supplies. Liquor stores, groceries and other retailers often have tons of boxes that will only get tossed or recycled. Call around in your neighborhood and ask family and friends for any unused boxes.

8. Leave clothes on hangers. Group your clothes and wrap them in garbage bags or use a wardrobe box for easy transport and re-hanging.

9. Don’t empty your dresser. The same strategy can be used for your dresser. Wrap your items in plastic wrap but keep them in the drawers.

10. Give towels double-duty. Use your socks, linens and towels to wrap up delicate items like glasses or vases.

11. Fill pots with smaller items. Your pots can do double-duty as well! Fill them with small kitchen items like utensils or spices to save space.

12. Pack your suitcases. If yours have wheels, use them to store heavier items like serving dishes or books.

13. Label everything. We love a color-coded labeling system. Slap green post-it notes on items going into storage, pink for kitchen boxes, blue for the living room and yellow for bedrooms.

14. Take pictures. Snap pics of boxes before you close them so you know exactly what’s inside. We also recommend taking pictures of any electronics, like your TV, that will need to be rewired.

15. Pack the essentials. Use a book bag or duffle bag to store your must-have items during the move, like your toothbrush, phone charger, important documents, toiletries and medications.

16. Get help for pets and kids. If possible, have family or friends hang out with your kids or pets for the day to make the process smoother.

17. Finish packing early. Moving day itself can be very stressful. Make it easier on yourself by planning on finishing packing at least the night before. You’ll thank yourself in the morning.

18. Communicate with the movers. Movers are used to moving fast, but take a minute to go over the plan with your team to make sure all details and logistics are clear.

19. Get takeout. Seriously. Don’t plan on cooking your first night in your new place.

20. Focus on one task at a time. Moving can be very stressful, but taking it one step at a time helps!