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Moving tips and budgeting

Moving into a new place can be exciting, but the actual packing-your-stuff-in-boxes part… not so much. Whether you’re moving across the country or just across town, we have a few tricks to making moving a little bit easier.

  • Clean out the clutter!

    Do you really need three oven mitts? Why are you hanging on to those jeans that are falling apart? Try lightening your load before you even start packing.

    Organize your extra stuff into two piles: one for donating and one for tossing. If you haven’t worn something in a year, give it away. If it doesn’t work, chunk it. Or, if you have the time, hold a yard sale so you can earn some extra cash to decorate your new place. The less you have to move out, the less you have to move in.

    Looking for somewhere to donate your unwanted stuff? Donate it to Goodwill. There's probably one in your area.

    Find a Donation Store

  • Label, label, label

    Label each box with the room with what’s inside and what room it's going in. Oh, and make sure you also write FRAGILE on those boxes full of glasses.

    If you want to get really organized, use a different color marker or sticker for every room. Try to keep all the rooms together when you move. Trust us – it’ll make your life a whole lot easier.

  • Take pictures of your electronic hook-ups!

    Before you unplug, snap pics of all the connections with your phone. Inputs. Outputs. Red wires. Yellow wires. Now you’ll know exactly how to hook them up again so you can watch a movie and order pizza at the end of moving day instead of spending your time on the phone with the cable company.

    Creating a virtual inventory of all your valuable products (including serial numbers and original boxes where possible) is a good idea for insurance in case something happens. Download the images to the cloud. That way, if there's ever a natural disaster, you have documentation for insurance that gets you more money faster.

  • Pack a personal box

    Assemble overnight bags or small boxes with all the things everyone needs right after the move before you have time to unpack. Your box should include:

    • Pajamas and one outfit
    • Toothbrushes and toothpaste
    • Face wash and makeup remover wipes
    • Books for the kids for easy entertainment
    • Phone chargers
    • Easy breakfast items, like granola bars

  • Budgeting for the move

    On top of the hassle, moving can be expensive. Check out our list of 22 hidden costs you can expect when moving into a new apartment, or download our budgeting spreadsheet to help you plan.

    Download Budgeting Spreadsheet Read About Hidden Moving Costs

Did you know?

Did you know?

Don't want to move that old brown couch? Shop our wide selection of name brand furniture and let us do the heavy lifting! When you lease a product from Aaron's, we'll deliver it to your new home for free.

Plus, we will move Aaron's merchandise within 15 miles of the local store!

Learn More >