Moving is one of the top five most stressful life activities, according to HealthStatus. Add freezing temperatures, ice-covered pathways and possible snow storms, and the task becomes even more daunting. Here are five tips to help reduce some of the stress caused by moving in the winter:

1. Make sure to have the electricity and heat turned on prior to move-in day. Unloading in a dark, cold house will certainly slow down the process.

2. Choose a packaging tape that holds up in cold temperatures, like Duck brand EZ Start packaging tape. It performs at temperatures as low as 14 degrees, plus offers Frustration Free special release technology, which makes it easy to start with every use and ensures you never lose the tape end – making packing easier, too.

3. Avoid slips and falls by preparing the outside of your home for moving day. Shovel snow from walkways and clear a generous area around the truck for unloading. Salt sidewalks the day before move-in, if possible, to allow ice to thaw.  If you won’t be able to access your home in advance, check with the landlord or homeowners association, if you have one, to see if they can get the space ready.

4. Wrap valuable electronic items with plastic to protect them from any moisture, like snow or rain, which they might encounter on moving day.

5. Before you unload, place large pieces of cardboard or plastic in areas that will experience high traffic throughout the day, to reduce clean up from tracked in snow, as well as protect your flooring from water damage. Keep a few towels handy, too, in case you need to do some quick touchups.