Managing Your Move

Work together so you don’t transport duplicate items.

The big move often comes after the big day. It’s an exciting (and often expensive) time. Consider these tips to streamline your move and save you money so you can fully enjoy the honeymoon phase in your new home, be it an apartment, condo or house.

Pare down

Who needs two coffee makers? Identify duplicate items and move the ones that are in the best condition. Items to consider include furniture, kitchen appliances, electronics and linens. Also factor in your wedding gifts. Did you receive new dishes? You can probably ditch an old set.

If you’ve already been living together and are moving into a larger place after you wed, make a list of unwanted items and ask your fiancé or new spouse to do the same. When you compare lists, you’ll get an idea of what doesn’t need to move to your new home.

Purging now will save time later and money, especially if you are paying someone to move you. Professionals can charge per item or for weight, or both.

Sell and save

Before you move, host a garage sale or sell items you don’t need online to make some cash. Alternatively, donate to a local nonprofit and take the tax write-off at the end of the year.

Be smart with wedding gifts

Did you receive gift cards? Wait until after you move to spend them, so you don’t have to haul what you buy.

For other wedding gifts received, try to keep them in the original boxes for extra protection and item information.

Determine moving truck size

If you are renting a truck, many young couples moving from a small apartment or condo into a larger first home will find a 12- or 16-foot rental truck adequate. A good rule is to plan for 150 cubic feet of space for every fully furnished room. There are free apps online to help you estimate sizes and space, include Penske’s Truck Wizard app. Plan to reserve your truck at least two weeks in advance. Ask about discounts when reserving: Some moving companies offer AAA discounts.

Pack smart

Use sturdy boxes. You can purchase them online, at home improvement centers or through moving companies. To get free boxes, try liquor stores. They have “bottle” boxes divided into sections. These are good for housing kitchen glasses, vases and other vertical breakables. At grocery stores, check with the produce department. Some boxes there, such as banana boxes, have cut-out handles for easy lifting.

Clearly label each box with its contents and room name. Consider using different colored markers for different rooms.

Pack a special box with essentials for your first night at your new home, such as lightbulbs, toilet paper, paper towels, bath towels, pillows and bed linens.

When you’re tired or in a hurry, it’s easy to forget how important it is to keep cushioning items as you pack. (You may decide your favorite lamp will be fine without adequate wrapping, only to arrive at your new home with a cracked lamp!) Make sure you have plenty of packing bubbles and towels on hand to wrap breakable items. Finally, tape boxes securely before transport.

Helping hands

Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family to carry and pack boxes. A move is a great reason to get the wedding party together one more time. You can reward them with inexpensive beverages and pizza.