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Wrap an entire chest of drawers in plastic wrap. Add a few loops of duct tape to secure the wrapping paper in place and the drawers are ready to move with all of their contents intact.

If drawers have sticking handles that might cause bumps and damages, unscrew them and screw them on the inside.

Put two fitted sheets on each side of your mattress. This way it will stay clean during the entire trip and ready for use. The sheets can go in the washing machine immediately after.

Wrap the legs of heavy furniture (such as the sofa) with a few layers of newspaper and duct tape. This makes for easy sliding and protects the floor from scratches.

For furniture with no legs, you can fold two towels and put underneath each end. This will make sliding easier and allow you to move your heavy furniture around.

When you dismantle furniture to reassemble in your new home, carefully collect all small bits of hardware and put them in a sandwich bag or another appropriate container. Then, label and tape this to it’s according piece of furniture to ensure it will always be nearby when you need it.

Pet Deposits

Chances are, if you find a new place, you are going to have to put down a pet deposit. According to a recent Rent.com survey, pet deposits were the biggest headaches that renters encountered while moving with their pets.

Although dishing out more money on top of moving costs may sound unfair, pets are known to cause messes–especially if you have one that is still not house-trained. A pet-friendly apartment without a pet deposit is rare because of this. However, many pet owners will agree that it’s totally worth it to have Fido around!

Emotional Trauma

Adjusting to a new home is isn’t always easy, and the same goes for your pet. More than a third (39%) of renters listed their pet’s emotional trauma as their biggest concern during a move.

Change is always a tough thing to tackle, especially for pets who have already grown comfortable with their surroundings. Keep in mind that it may take awhile for your cat or dog to feel at home in your new place. To make the transition as smooth as possible, check out our post about how to avoid animal anxiety after a move.

Veterinarian Expenses

If you’re planning a big move that requires you and your furbaby to hop a flight, you’re going to need to factor veterinarian expenses into your moving budget. Many airlines will require a health certificate from a vet within a certain number of days of your flight. For specific information, check with your airline.

Airline Transportation

If you are heading across the country and taking Fido along, finding an airline that accommodates your pooch or feline companion can also be a concern. Many airlines will require an extra fee to bring your dog along. There is a pets-only airline, PetAirways, that specifically accommodates animals and travels to nine cities across the U.S.

However, if you would prefer to travel alongside your furry friend, JetBlue has been rated as one of the best commercial carriers for pets, along with AirTran and Frontier.

Get Rid of your Junk

Many moving companies base their fees on factors such as cargo weight and the number of vehicles provided.  Therefore, a move is a good excuse to get rid of the old and unused items that you have been meaning to but haven’t gotten around to yet.  As a result, you will end up moving less possessions, saving money on moving costs, and you will even have more space in your new place. A thoughtful way to lighten the load that you are moving is donating some of your things to charity.  There are ways that you might be able to earn a tax deduction by donating to charity.  Alternatively, you could also sell some of your unwanted belongings to earn some extra cash.

Find Free Boxes

Why pay for something when you can get it free? If a move is in your future, start saving large boxes from everyday purchases now.  You can also get boxes from local businesses, especially liquor stores, drugstores, grocery stores and offices. All you have to do is ask. Remember, if you hire movers, you may have to buy boxes from them, especially when packing valuable items. Similarly, you can cut costs by packing your items yourself instead of paying movers to do so. Wrapping belongings in thick towels, blankets, sheets, comforters and old newspapers can eliminate the need to purchase Bubble Wrap and plastic foam packing peanuts. Just make sure to pack and unpack carefully.

Move During the Offseason

Save money by scheduling your move between September and May, when rates tend to be lowest.  Yes, this is not always possible when you have a lease that is up during the prime season of moving but it is something to consider when you are closing on a new home or moving into your first apartment.  Also, it could also save money by simply moving during the week compared to the weekend when most are planning their moves.

Let Someone Else Do the Driving

Some people dislike the idea of renting and driving a big truck across the country — or even across town — to move their belongings. If you don’t have the stomach for such driving, yet don’t want to pay the full price of a professional mover, consider looking around for a moving company that will provide a transport-only option.  Some moving companies will drop off a storage container at your residence and let you fill it over several days or weeks. Once you’re ready, the company will pick up the container and drive it to its destination. You then will be responsible for unloading the contents and moving them into your new place.  Although a service like this will put a small dent in your wallet, it shouldn’t cost you as much as hiring professional movers.

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