May is the official kickoff to moving season so it’s helpful to stay organized through your transitioning process. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1 in every 9 American moves a year. May tends to be one of the most prominent times for moves due to prime weather conditions and the school year coming to a close.

Packing and transporting your goods from one home to another is one of the most stressful parts of the process. However, with the right tactics, you can survive the big move with your belongings and sanity intact.

If you are approaching a moving date, it’s the perfect time to get rid of old, unused items. Moving toward the future allows you to get rid of the past, as well as being cost efficient. Here are some ways to reduce moving costs:

  1. Old Clothing Pays Off

Rather than throwing away unwanted belongings, Bankrate advises deducting your clothes when you donate them. When tax season approaches, you can use these deductions to gain some extra spending money. If you want instant gratification, you can offer your belongings to resale shops. While the money you receive may not be a lump sum, you can get joy in a small return on investment.

  1. Eliminate the Dead Weight

Once you have donated your clothing or resold it, your load will be much lighter. This can save you money when it comes to moving costs. If you are hiring movers, their rates depend on a few aspects, including the weight of the cargo. Based on the amount of clothing you decided to get rid of, this can pay off in your favor.  Less weight translates into lower costs.

  1. Be a Weekday Warrior

If you have waited until the last minute to book a mover, you will notice the high rate increase. A simple trick to lowering these costs includes scheduling your move for a weekday. Just like any other business that provides a service, there will be a higher demand Saturday and Sunday because people are busy during the week. If you have free time Monday-Friday, you may be able to lock in lower prices.

  1. Prepare for the Worst

If you are in the process of purchasing a new home, don’t forget to inspect the property. By working with a home inspector, you can identify issues related to water damage, construction, utilities, plumbing damage and other home systems. This can help you save money by identifying issues before they become your expenses.

We understand moving is expensive and stressful. To remove the worry from your life, we offer expert home inspections that can help you ease into a new home. WIN Home Inspection can help homeowners with everything from water quality testing to identifying wood-destroying insects.

To find a trusted, friendly home inspector near you, visit WIN Home Inspection.