Is there anything more stressful than moving?Packing up your entire house is no one’s idea of a good time but these organizational tips will help make the day significantly less overwhelming.

1. Declutter What You Can
Packing already takes way too long, so don’t add extra work for yourself by packing all the clutter from your house. More than likely, you have some items you could live without. Moving is the perfect opportunity to sift through your closets and drawers and get rid of dead weight. You can donate the items in good condition or sell some to cover some of the moving expenses.

2. Create a Massive To-Do List
With all the chaos of moving, make sure nothing is forgotten by creating a comprehensive to-do list. No item is too small - if you think about it, write it down!

3. Schedule Tasks
With your to-do list written down, you can break down the tasks into manageable portions and fit them into your calendar. By organizing and scheduling your moving-related tasks, you won’t get overwhelmed which means you’ll be able to use your time wisely without forgetting anything.

Scheduling solid blocks of packing time can help keep you focused and motivated.

4. Group Errands Together
Now more than ever, you have to plan ahead for your trips to the hardware store and other moving-related locations. Sit down with your partner or roommates and put together a list of absolutely everything you need to get through the move. Items you may need include packing tape, cardboard boxes, sharpies, cleaning products, packing paper, etc.

5. Label, Label, Label!
When you’re moving, there is no such thing as having too many labels because they are the best way to keep organized. Labels should be on the side of the boxes so you can see them clearly when boxes are stacked. They should also be as detailed as possible. At minimum, you should write down the room and category the contents belong to. At maximum, you can write down the major items in the box so they’re easy to find. Some people also choose to create a numbering system to indicate which boxes should be unpacked first within each room. However you choose to label, make sure it is as descriptive as possible.

6. Don’t Pack Away Everything
Before you start packing, you need a plan of action to figure out what you need to set aside. Consider that you won’t get everything unpacked right away so set aside whatever you need for a few days while you get settled in your new place. These items should include a personal overnight bag, cleaning supplies, bathroom necessities like a shower curtain, towels and toilet paper, and any important documents you don’t want to end up in the moving truck.

7. Take Photos of Wires
A great trick for an organized move is to take photos of the backs of your electronic devices. Having a photographic reminder of where each cord connects makes it significantly simpler to set it up again.

8. Keep Bags Nearby
As you undo electronics and furniture, you’re probably going to end up with a lot of cords and loose screws. The easiest way to keep this organized is to have bags on hand. Keep the pieces grouped in individual bags per item of furniture, and make sure to label them. If you want to go a step further, tape the bag to the item so that they travel together. This way, you never have to look for the screws or pieces.

Moving can be overwhelming but staying focused on the tasks at hand will help the whole process go smoother. It’s not a fun thing to do, but if you keep organized it will be much less of a headache. Good luck and happy moving!