Moving day is stressful. Even when you’re excited about a new place, the thought of packing, organizing, and getting everything from point A to point B can be overwhelming. Sure a moving company will handle a lot of stuff, but there’s still plenty left to do, and the anxiety can sneak up on you. The good news is, it doesn’t have to feel like chaos.

Here are 3 easy ways to keep the stress low and manage your anxiety on moving day.

Break Your Day Into Time Blocks

One of the best ways to avoid feeling overwhelmed is to break your day into small chunks. Instead of looking at everything you need to do as one big project, focus on one thing at a time. Make a timeline for the day, giving yourself specific tasks to do at certain times. For example, plan to spend 30 minutes packing up your bathroom, then take a 10-minute break before moving on to something else. It makes the whole process feel way more doable, and you’ll feel like you’re making progress without everything happening at once.

If something doesn’t go as planned (which happens), don’t panic. Just shift that task to another time block. This way, you’re still moving forward without stressing over things not being perfect.

Use Music or Podcasts to Stay in the Zone

If you’re working in silence, it’s easy for your mind to fixate on all the stuff you need to get done. So, drown out the stress with some background noise. Whether it’s a playlist of your favorite songs or a podcast you’ve been meaning to catch up on, it helps keep your brain distracted from overthinking.

Really, you’re less likely to get anxious when your brain is focused on something more fun.

Set Up a ‘Calm Zone’ in Your New Place

Once you get to your new home, it can feel like things are even more chaotic—boxes everywhere, nothing in its place yet. So, as soon as you arrive, set up a little ‘calm zone.’ Pick a small area, maybe by a window or in a quiet corner, and put a few things that make you feel relaxed. It could be a cozy chair with a blanket, a candle, or even just a few plants that make the space feel inviting.

This small retreat gives you a place to step away and breathe when the move feels like too much. Even though the rest of the house might still be a mess, having this one spot that feels peaceful will make a huge difference.

By breaking your day into smaller chunks, adding some tunes or a podcast, and setting up a cozy spot in your new place, you can seriously reduce the stress that comes with moving!