1. The “Great Purge”: Don’t Pay to Move Trash
Every item you move has a cost. Don’t pay to move things you no longer need.
- How it saves money: A lighter move means less time for a local move. For long-distance moves, like our popular Austin to Houston route, it directly saves you money as costs are often based on weight and volume. It’s the same principle for a big move from Austin to Dallas, and you can even make money by selling items.
- What to do: Go through every closet, drawer, and garage shelf. Sort items into three piles: Sell (Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark), Donate (Goodwill, local shelters—get a tax receipt!), and Toss. Be ruthless.
2. Change Your Address (About 2 Weeks Out)
This seems obvious, but doing it at the right time is key.
- How it saves money: This prevents missed bills that rack up late fees, identity theft from mail sent to your old address, and the cost of re-ordering items lost in transit.
- What to do: Go to the official USPS website and schedule your change of address to start on your move-in day. After that, make a list and manually update your address with banks, credit cards, subscription services, and your car insurance.
3. “Eat Down” Your Pantry and Freezer
That giant frozen turkey and pantry full of canned goods are heavy!
- How it saves money: You save money by not having to re-buy groceries you threw away, and it slightly reduces the total weight of your move.
- What to do: Two weeks before your move, stop buying groceries (except for fresh essentials). Get creative and plan meals around what’s in your pantry and freezer.
4. Transfer Utilities Strategically
Don’t find yourself paying for power in two places at once.
- How it saves money: You avoid service overlap, costly “emergency” same-day activation fees, and the expense of staying in a hotel if your new home isn’t habitable.
- What to do: Call your utility companies (electric, water, gas, internet) at least one week before your move. Schedule the power at your old home to be shut off the day after you move out. Schedule the power at your new home to be turned on the day before you move in.
5. Take Photos of Your Electronics
Remembering how that web of wires connects your TV and gaming console is impossible.
- How it saves money: Time is money. This trick saves you hours of frustrating guesswork and prevents you from having to pay a technician to come and set it all up for you.
- What to do: Before you unplug anything, take several clear photos of the back of your electronics. You can even use colored tape to label matching cables and ports.
A smart move is an organized move. By checking these items off your list, you’ll arrive at your new home with less stress and more money in your pocket.