You can’t always choose when you’re making a move, and sometimes, unfortunately, it falls during a time of year that brings greater logistical and emotional challenges.

If you must move during the holiday season or shortly after, here’s how to simplify the process while also taking care of yourself and your family.

Make a plan

Thorough planning is always important when moving, but it will be critical if you’re doing so during this busy season. If you haven’t already, create a detailed timeline and checklist to help you stay on task and minimize stress. In addition, make sure that you’re communicating well with the members of your household as well as with other family and friends to ensure that everyone’s on the same page.

Seek support

This is not the time to go it alone; you’ll feel better if you lean on loved ones and professional movers during the process. When someone asks how they can help, tell them! Delegating tasks and accepting assistance will, quite literally, help you to lighten the load.

Manage expectations

Understand that moving during this time of year is bound to come with more challenges and disruptions. Set realistic expectations, be flexible with your plans, and go into the process knowing that this holiday season may not look like a Norman Rockwell painting. Everything will eventually get done if you keep your eye on the end goal.

Maintain self-care

This is the time to prioritize taking good care of yourself. Don’t forego your usual exercise, meditation, and relaxation. They’re not indulgences—they’re necessary for managing your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Celebrate small victories

Don’t forget that the holidays are a time of enjoyment. Make your moving process more fun by celebrating small milestones and achievements along the way, whether you simply packed up a room or completed a successful move-in day. Acknowledging your progress will give you and your family a morale boost to help keep you feeling positive and motivated.

Stay organized

With how much you have going on, you’ll save yourself time if you stay organized. Label boxes clearly and carefully, and set aside a bin for essential first-night items so you’re not searching for them later. Also, keep a moving binder or detailed notes in your phone with contact information and copies of important documents.

Create a sense of normalcy

If you’re moving before the end of the year, maintaining holiday traditions and routines amid the chaos will be good for everyone. Depending on your timing, put out a few decorations in your old place to keep the spirit alive while you pack or adorn your new space with them, even if it’s not perfectly put together. This can also help preserve some of the holiday magic for children and ease anxieties about the move. Above all, prioritize quality time with those you love to help keep perspective on what matters most.

Practice gratitude

Take some time out of each day to reflect on new experiences and happy outcomes. While your move might not be entirely perfect, focus on its positive aspects, such as a shorter commute, new opportunities, closer proximity to family, more space, or a big backyard.

Be kinda to yourself

Remember to cut yourself some slack during this challenging time. Moving is inherently demanding, and doing so during the holidays or immediately after is even more so. Give yourself the gift of grace and compassion, and recognize that it’s OK not to be perfect— even if there are a few bumps in the road, everything will work out fine in the long run.

The true gift of the holiday season isn’t found in the presents under the tree but in the joy of shared space and the support and strength you’ll find within yourself and your loved ones. As you reflect on cherished memories and celebrate new beginnings, embrace whatever challenges your moving day may hold, keeping an open mind, a positive perspective, and a focus on every aspect of what it means to be home.