Relocating is one of those life events that, in theory, are thrilling. New start, new chapter, new paint colors! And then, you find yourself deep in chaos immediately. The stress begins to creep in between the packing of boxes and protecting your most valuable possessions.

But worry not. It is possible to make the relocation process a little less of a survival training and a little more of a planned mission. Here are the tips to keep you sane through a major relocation.

Start with decluttering

You must breathe deeply and have a terrible honesty with yourself before you pack a single box. Do you actually need the box of tangled cables? Remember, you have been dragging it between houses since 2009? You probably don’t need it.

This is the best time to clear out unnecessary stuff. It hurts at first. But you will feel free after it. Consider this moment as an opportunity to curate your next chapter. Don’t just drag your past into a new house.

See also: Effortless Elegance: The Perfect LED TV Stand for Your Home

Label everything

Three weeks down the road, you will be standing in a stack of boxes trying to find the coffee maker. Do yourself a favor and label everything. Not simply appliances and equipment. But even mugs and coffee supplies.

Color-coded tags are very helpful. You can do blue for the bedroom, yellow for the kitchen, and red to signify fragile items. It is one of those little things that will make it 10 times easier to unpack. Your movers will also appreciate it.

Pack in layers, not chaos

Pack heavy items on the bottom. Then, soft items on the top. Also, add a note or a list on the inside of the cover. This will make it easier to carry the items into the truck. It will also make it easier for you to unpack.

Keep in mind that you may need essential things that night. So, pack a day one box, which includes the necessities:

• Toiletry
• Towel
• Some basic kitchenware
• Chargers
• Spare change of clothes.

Everything else can wait.

Be ready for delays

Sometimes, closing dates fail. At times, movers double-book, and you might be the victim. Even worse, new house keys might not be there when you are. Prepare for such delays.

This is where self-storage facilities near Okotoks save the day. They give you a safe spot for furniture and essentials until the new place is finally ready.

Don’t try to do it all at once

Moving is a marathon disguised as a weekend project. Imagine the packing, moving, unpacking, and settling into your new place. Everything can be overwhelming. So, pace yourself. Address one area per day, and when you feel tired, rest.

Wrapping up

A relocation is not just a physical change. It is an emotional one. You are moving to an unfamiliar place with so many tasks ahead of you. It is best to give yourself some grace. With some planning, you will maintain your sanity throughout the process.