When you’ve already made it through the buying and/or selling process, the finish line to resting comfortably in your new home is probably in sight. The only obstacle in the way? Actually moving.

Whether you are hiring professional help or plan to tackle the move on your own—with some help of buddies—there is sure to be some work involved on your own. But that doesn’t mean there has to be stress, too. Here are some suggestions for keeping your move running smoothly.

Start early and don’t give yourself a deadline

When it comes to packing, it’s never to early to get organized and to begin putting unused items into boxes. Then, when you’re on the other side and unpacking, don’t put undue stress on yourself by expecting to have every little thing in place by a certain date. Sure, the boxes should probably be out of the living room by, say, 2021. But no one will judge you if there aren’t pictures on the wall by next week.

Reduce the clutter, don’t move it

You know that “storage closet” you haven’t seen the back of since moving into your house in the first place? Before you move take this great opportunity to say good-bye to those items once and for all. There is still plenty of time this year to host a garage sale—or online marketplaces are well-trafficked throughout the year.

Label, organize and label some more

One of the biggest causes of stress with moving is sealing things up in cardboard boxes only to need them later and be unable to find them. Take your time when packing everything up so that you can save yourself time later when you don’t have to hunt for someone you actually need.

Create a plan of attack

If you’re trying to get a jump start on moving (good for you!), try to be strategic about it by starting with closets, the basement or seasonal items that you know you won’t need for a while. To take it another step, draft a schedule to keep yourself on track before the actual moving day—saving things like packing up the kitchen and your bedroom for last.

Come up with an emotional support plan

Moving is physically hard work. But don’t underestimate the emotional challenge it can be, too. Packing up your things can make you feel unrooted for a while, so try your best to give yourself grace—and build in some self-care rituals that can help during this transition, such as a nice bath at the end of the day. (You aren’t packing your tub, after all!)