Moving FAQ — 60 Questions Every Person Planning a Move Asks

Ideally, you should start planning your move at least eight weeks before your target moving date. This gives you enough time to research moving companies, get multiple quotes, declutter your home, and gather packing supplies. Starting early also means you can take advantage of better scheduling availability and potentially lower rates. If you are moving during peak season (summer), consider starting your planning even earlier — ten to twelve weeks out.

The cheapest time of year to move is during the fall and winter months, specifically from late September through April. During these off-peak months, moving companies have lower demand and are more willing to negotiate on price. You can often save 20 to 30 percent compared to peak summer rates. January and February tend to be the absolute cheapest months, though weather can be a factor depending on your route.

Weekdays — particularly Monday through Thursday — are generally the cheapest days to move. Most people prefer to move on weekends for convenience, which drives up demand and prices on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Mid-month weekdays are even cheaper because lease agreements and home closings tend to cluster around the first and last days of the month. Booking a Tuesday or Wednesday mid-month move can save you a significant amount.

For local moves, booking four to six weeks in advance is usually sufficient. For long-distance or cross-country moves, you should book at least six to eight weeks ahead, and even earlier during peak summer months (May through September). Waiting until the last minute limits your options and often results in higher prices or limited availability. If you are moving during a holiday weekend or at the end of a month, booking even further in advance is strongly recommended.

A cross-country move typically takes between one and three weeks from pickup to delivery, depending on the distance and the moving company's schedule. Moves under 1,000 miles usually arrive within a week, while coast-to-coast moves (2,500+ miles) can take up to 21 days. The time frame also depends on whether your shipment is a direct or consolidated load. Always confirm the delivery window in writing with your moving company before signing a contract.

Packing a 3-bedroom house typically takes three to five days when done by the homeowners themselves, working several hours each day. A professional packing crew can usually complete the job in one full day. The timeline depends on how much stuff you have, how organized you are, and how much decluttering you do beforehand. Starting with rooms you use least — like guest bedrooms and storage areas — helps you make steady progress without disrupting daily life.

The very first thing you should do is set a moving budget and determine whether you will hire professional movers or handle the move yourself. This decision shapes every other aspect of your planning. Once you know your budget, create a moving timeline with key milestones such as booking movers, starting to pack, and changing your address. Having a clear budget and timeline from the start prevents last-minute scrambling and unexpected expenses.

Start by creating a dedicated moving folder — digital or physical — to keep all quotes, receipts, contracts, and important documents in one place. Next, make a room-by-room inventory of your belongings and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Use a moving checklist with weekly tasks leading up to your move date to stay on track. Color-coded labels for boxes by room and a numbered inventory list will make both loading and unpacking dramatically easier.

The average cost to move a 3-bedroom house across the country ranges from $3,000 to $7,500, depending on the total distance, the weight of your belongings, and the services you choose. A 2,000-mile move with full packing services can cost $6,000 to $10,000 or more. Factors like specialty items (pianos, antiques), stairs, and storage needs can add to the total. Always get at least three in-home or virtual estimates to compare accurate pricing for your specific move.

A local move (under 50 miles) for a 2- to 3-bedroom home typically costs between $800 and $2,500. Most local movers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $80 to $120 per hour for a two-person crew with a truck. The total depends on how much furniture you have, whether there are stairs or long carries, and how quickly the crew can work. Additional services like packing, disassembly, and storage will increase the final cost.

A binding estimate is a written guarantee from a moving company that the total cost will not exceed the quoted price, as long as you do not add items or services beyond what was originally inventoried. This type of estimate gives you price certainty and protects you from surprise charges on moving day. However, if you add items that were not on the original inventory, the mover can adjust the price. Binding estimates are generally recommended for long-distance moves because they eliminate guesswork about your final bill.

A non-binding estimate is the moving company's best guess at what your move will cost, but the final price can be higher or lower based on the actual weight of your shipment and services performed. You are required to pay the actual cost, which may differ significantly from the estimate. Federal law does limit what movers can collect at delivery on a non-binding estimate to 110 percent of the original estimate, with the remainder due within 30 days. Non-binding estimates carry more financial risk, so be sure you understand the terms before agreeing.

A not-to-exceed estimate (also called a binding not-to-exceed estimate) sets a maximum price you will pay, but if the actual weight or cost comes in lower, you pay the lower amount. This gives you the best of both worlds: a price ceiling for budgeting and the chance to pay less if your shipment is lighter than expected. It is widely considered the most consumer-friendly type of moving estimate. Always request this type of estimate when possible, and make sure it is clearly stated in your contract.

Several factors can drive up moving costs: distance is the biggest one, followed by the total weight or volume of your belongings. Moves that involve stairs, narrow hallways, long carries from the door to the truck, or elevator reservations incur additional labor charges. Peak season timing, specialty items like pianos or pool tables, packing services, and the need for temporary storage all add to the price. Requesting a guaranteed delivery date or shuttle service for hard-to-reach locations also increases costs.

The most effective way to reduce costs is to declutter aggressively before your move — every pound you eliminate saves money on a long-distance move. Get at least three to five quotes and be willing to move on a weekday or during the off-peak season for better rates. Do your own packing using free boxes from local stores or community groups to avoid packing service fees. Finally, disassemble furniture yourself and clearly label everything so the crew can work faster, reducing hourly charges on local moves.

Tipping is not required but is customary and appreciated in the moving industry. A general guideline is $20 to $40 per mover for a local move and $40 to $80 per mover for a long-distance move, depending on the complexity and quality of service. You can also provide cold drinks, snacks, or lunch during the move as a gesture of goodwill. If a crew member goes above and beyond — handling stairs, fragile items, or a particularly difficult piece of furniture — a larger tip is a nice way to show your appreciation.

For most people, moving costs are no longer tax deductible under current federal tax law. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 suspended the moving expense deduction for tax years 2018 through 2025 for all taxpayers except active-duty members of the Armed Forces who move due to a military order. If you are active-duty military, you can still deduct reasonable moving expenses related to a permanent change of station. Always consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation, as state tax laws may differ.

Start by checking the company's USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Legitimate interstate movers are required by law to be registered with the FMCSA and carry proper insurance. Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau, and verify the company has a physical address — not just a P.O. box. Be wary of movers who only provide estimates over the phone without seeing your belongings or who demand large cash deposits upfront.

A USDOT (United States Department of Transportation) number is a unique identifier assigned to commercial motor carriers, including moving companies, that operate across state lines. You can look up any company's USDOT number on the FMCSA's SAFER System website to verify their registration status, safety record, insurance coverage, and complaint history. Any company performing interstate moves is legally required to have an active USDOT number. If a moving company cannot provide their USDOT number or it does not appear in the database, do not hire them.

A moving carrier is the company that actually owns the trucks, employs the movers, and physically transports your belongings. A moving broker, on the other hand, acts as a middleman — they take your information, find a carrier to handle the move, and take a commission. Brokers can be useful for comparing options, but you lose some control because the actual mover may be a company you have never vetted. Always ask upfront whether you are dealing with a carrier or a broker, and if it is a broker, request the name and USDOT number of the carrier who will handle your shipment.

You should get at least three to five quotes from different moving companies to ensure you are getting a fair price and good service. Request in-home or virtual surveys for the most accurate estimates, as phone and online quotes are often less reliable. Comparing multiple quotes also helps you identify outliers — a quote that is dramatically lower than others is often a red flag for a potential scam or bait-and-switch. Look beyond price alone and consider each company's reputation, insurance coverage, and the services included in the estimate.

A legitimate moving contract should clearly state the pickup and delivery dates (or windows), the total cost and payment terms, and the type of estimate (binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed). It should also list all services included — packing, disassembly, storage, and any surcharges — and the valuation coverage option you selected. The contract must include the company's USDOT and MC numbers, their complaint and claims process, and a detailed inventory of items being moved. Never sign a blank or incomplete contract, and keep a copy for your records.

Valuation coverage is the moving company's liability for loss or damage to your belongings during transit. There are two main options: Released Value Protection, which is free but only covers items at $0.60 per pound (meaning a 50-pound TV would only be covered for $30), and Full Value Protection, which requires the mover to repair, replace, or reimburse you for the current market value of damaged items. Full Value Protection costs extra — typically 1 to 2 percent of your shipment's declared value — but provides far better coverage. For most moves, Full Value Protection is the recommended choice.

Document the damage immediately by taking photos and noting the affected items on the inventory sheet before the movers leave. File a written claim with the moving company within nine months of delivery — federal law requires interstate movers to acknowledge your claim within 30 days and resolve it within 120 days. If the company does not resolve your claim fairly, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA or pursue arbitration, which is required to be offered by the moving company at no cost to you. Keep all receipts, photos, and correspondence as evidence throughout the process.

Valuation coverage is the mover's legal liability for your belongings and is regulated by the FMCSA — it is included in your moving contract and is not traditional insurance. Moving insurance, on the other hand, is a separate policy you purchase from a third-party insurance provider that covers loss and damage beyond what valuation offers. Third-party moving insurance can cover the full replacement value of your items and may include coverage for delays, temporary housing, and other losses. If you have high-value belongings, purchasing both Full Value Protection from your mover and a separate moving insurance policy provides the most comprehensive protection.

The biggest red flags include a company that provides a quote over the phone without seeing your belongings, demands a large cash deposit before the move, or has no physical address or verifiable USDOT number. Be cautious of estimates that seem dramatically lower than competitors — this is a common bait-and-switch tactic where the price jumps on moving day. Other warning signs include a generic email address (Gmail, Yahoo) instead of a company domain, a rental truck instead of a branded fleet vehicle, and a refusal to provide a written contract. If anything feels off, trust your instincts and choose a different company.

For a typical 3-bedroom house, you will need a 20- to 26-foot moving truck, depending on how much furniture and how many belongings you have. A 20-foot truck works for a moderately furnished home, while a 26-foot truck is better if you have a full garage, large furniture pieces, or lots of storage items. When in doubt, go one size up — an overpacked truck leads to damage and safety issues. Most truck rental companies offer sizing guides based on the number of rooms, which can help you choose.

Renting a truck is almost always cheaper in terms of direct costs, with one-way truck rentals typically ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for a cross-country move versus $3,000 to $7,500 for professional movers. However, DIY moves come with hidden costs: fuel, tolls, insurance, packing supplies, food, lodging, and the physical toll on your body. You also assume all liability for damage to your belongings and the rental vehicle. For local moves, a DIY truck rental is often the best value, but for long-distance moves with heavy furniture, professional movers may be worth the investment.

The most popular moving truck rental companies in the United States include U-Haul (the largest fleet and most locations), Penske (known for well-maintained, newer trucks), and Budget Truck Rental (often the most affordable for one-way moves). U-Haul offers the most flexibility with one-way rentals and a wide range of truck sizes, while Penske trucks tend to be newer and more comfortable for long drives. For a portable container option, PODS, U-Pack, and 1-800-PACK-RAT let you load at your own pace without driving. Compare quotes from at least three companies and read the fine print on mileage limits and insurance coverage.

Start by loading the heaviest items first — appliances, dressers, and large furniture — and place them against the front wall of the truck near the cab. Stack boxes from floor to ceiling and fill gaps with soft items like pillows, blankets, and cushions to prevent shifting during transit. Use ratchet straps or rope to secure tall items like mattresses and bookshelves to the truck's anchor points. Load fragile boxes last on top of heavier ones, and distribute weight evenly from side to side to keep the truck balanced on the road.

Essential moving supplies include sturdy cardboard boxes in multiple sizes (small, medium, and large), packing tape and a tape dispenser, bubble wrap or packing paper for fragile items, and permanent markers for labeling. You will also need furniture pads or moving blankets to protect large items, stretch wrap for securing drawers and keeping furniture pads in place, and mattress bags. A basic toolkit (screwdriver, pliers, Allen wrenches) is essential for disassembling and reassembling furniture. Consider adding a dolly or hand truck to make moving heavy items significantly easier and safer.

Use furniture sliders (felt pads for hardwood and plastic discs for carpet) under the legs of heavy furniture to glide pieces across floors without scratching. For doorways and tight corners, apply moving blankets or cardboard to the edges of walls and door frames to prevent dings. Lift furniture rather than dragging it whenever possible, and always have a spotter to guide you around corners. Lay down a path of old blankets, cardboard, or Ram Board floor protector along hallways and high-traffic areas during the move.

Yes, you can move a refrigerator yourself, but it requires careful preparation and at least one strong helper. Empty the fridge completely, defrost the freezer at least 24 hours in advance, and disconnect the water line if applicable. Use an appliance dolly (not a regular hand truck) to wheel it out, keeping the refrigerator upright at all times to avoid damaging the compressor. After delivery, let the refrigerator stand upright for at least four hours before plugging it in to allow the refrigerant to settle, which prevents compressor damage.

Pack one room at a time, starting with the rooms you use the least — guest bedrooms, storage closets, and seasonal items. Use the right size box for the right items: heavy items like books in small boxes and lighter items like linens and pillows in large boxes. Wrap fragile items individually and fill every gap in each box with packing paper or bubble wrap so nothing shifts during transit. Label every box on the top and at least one side with its contents and destination room for fast, organized unpacking.

Use dish pack boxes (also called dish barrels), which are double-walled and provide extra protection. Wrap each dish individually in packing paper, then stand plates vertically on their edges like records — they are much stronger in this position than stacked flat. Place a thick layer of crumpled packing paper on the bottom of the box and between each layer of items, and ensure nothing touches the sides of the box. For glasses and stemware, use cell dividers inside the box and stuff the inside of each glass with packing paper before wrapping the outside.

The easiest method for hanging clothes is to use wardrobe boxes — tall boxes with a built-in hanging bar that let you transfer clothes directly from your closet. For folded clothes, you can leave them in dresser drawers and simply wrap the dresser in stretch wrap to keep drawers closed during the move. Off-season clothing can be packed in vacuum-seal bags to save space, or placed in large garbage bags with a hole cut for the hangers (the poor man's garment bag). Shoes should be packed in small or medium boxes with paper stuffed inside to maintain their shape.

Professional packing services are worth considering if you have a lot of fragile or high-value items, if you are short on time, or if you simply want to reduce the stress of moving. Professional packers are trained to pack efficiently and use proper techniques that minimize breakage, and their work is typically covered under the moving company's valuation coverage. The cost usually ranges from $300 to $800 for a partial pack or $1,000 to $2,500 for a full pack of a 3-bedroom home. If your budget allows, even a partial pack of just your kitchen and fragile items can save significant time and worry.

Your first night box should contain everything you need to get through the first 24 hours in your new home without opening any other boxes. Include toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes and pajamas for each family member, basic cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, and a few trash bags. Pack bed sheets, pillows, and a blanket so you can set up beds immediately. Also include basic kitchen items like paper plates, cups, utensils, a few snacks, and coffee or tea supplies so you can eat and drink without a full kitchen unpack.

Liquor stores and bookstores are excellent sources of free sturdy boxes because their inventory arrives in strong, uniformly sized cartons. Check your local Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Buy Nothing groups — people who have just moved often give away boxes for free. Grocery stores and big-box retailers like Costco and Walmart also break down boxes daily and will often set them aside if you ask. U-Haul's Box Exchange and community platforms like Freecycle are additional resources specifically for finding and sharing used moving boxes.

Never pack hazardous materials such as gasoline, propane tanks, paint thinner, pesticides, fireworks, or ammunition — these are prohibited by law on moving trucks. Perishable food, opened liquids, and items with batteries that could leak or ignite should also be excluded. Important personal documents (passports, birth certificates, financial records), jewelry, cash, and irreplaceable photos should travel with you personally, not on the moving truck. Prescription medications and any items you will need immediate access to should also stay in your personal vehicle.

Use a color-coding system where each room in your new home gets a specific color — for example, blue tape for the kitchen, green for the master bedroom, red for the kids' room. Write the destination room and a brief list of contents on the top and at least one side of every box so you can identify it whether it is stacked or standing. Number each box sequentially and keep a corresponding master inventory list on your phone or a notepad. Mark fragile boxes clearly with 'FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP' and indicate which boxes should be unloaded first with a star or 'OPEN FIRST' label.

Start using up pantry staples and freezer items about three to four weeks before your move to minimize what you need to transport. Donate unopened, non-perishable food to a local food bank rather than throwing it away. For a local move, you can transport pantry items in small boxes, but perishable food should be consumed or given away since movers will not transport it. For long-distance moves, plan to arrive at your new home with a cooler of essentials and hit a grocery store for fresh items on your first day.

File a change of address with the United States Postal Service (USPS) online at usps.com, in person at your local post office, or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS. USPS will forward first-class mail to your new address for 12 months and packages for 15 days. Beyond USPS, update your address directly with your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, employer, the IRS, the DMV, and any subscription services. Do not forget to update online shopping accounts (Amazon, etc.), voter registration, and any professional licensing boards.

The deadline varies by state, but most states require you to obtain a new driver's license within 30 to 90 days of establishing residency. Some states, like Texas and Florida, give you only 30 days, while others, like California, allow 10 days for a license but more time for registration. Visit your new state's DMV website before your move to confirm the exact deadline and learn what documents you will need (typically proof of identity, Social Security number, proof of residency, and your current license). Driving with an expired out-of-state license can result in fines, so make the DMV visit a priority.

Visit your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within the required time frame (usually 30 to 90 days) with your current registration, proof of insurance, a valid driver's license, and a VIN inspection if required. Some states also require a safety inspection or emissions test before they will issue new plates. You will need to pay registration fees and any applicable sales or use tax on your vehicle. Contact the DMV in your old state to cancel your registration there and return your old plates if required to avoid being billed for lapses in insurance.

The essential utilities to set up before your move-in date are electricity, natural gas (if applicable), water and sewer, internet, and trash collection. Contact each provider at least two weeks before your move to schedule activation for your move-in day — being without power or water on your first night is miserable. Many areas have only one provider for water and electricity, but you may have choices for internet and cable. Do not forget to also set up or transfer renters or homeowners insurance, which is often required by your lease or mortgage lender.

Contact your current doctor's office and request a release of your medical records — most offices have a standard release form you can fill out in person or download from their website. Under HIPAA, you have the right to a copy of your records, though the office may charge a reasonable fee for copying. Find a new doctor in your area before your move if possible, and have your records sent directly to the new provider's office. For prescriptions, ask your current doctor to write a 90-day supply or transfer your prescriptions to a pharmacy chain that operates in your new location.

Contact your children's current school and notify them of the withdrawal date, then request that official transcripts and records be sent to the new school. Most schools handle record transfers directly between institutions once you enroll your child in the new school and sign a records release form. Bring copies of report cards, immunization records, IEP or 504 plans (if applicable), and any standardized test scores to the enrollment meeting at the new school. Start the enrollment process as early as possible — popular schools may have waitlists, and having records ready speeds up placement.

Before moving furniture in, do a deep clean of the entire home — it is infinitely easier to clean empty rooms than to work around boxes and furniture. Change the locks or rekey all exterior doors for security, even if the previous owners handed over all their keys. Test all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, and replace batteries as needed. Document the condition of every room with photos or video, especially if you are renting, to protect your security deposit when you eventually move out.

Research neighborhoods online using tools like Niche, AreaVibes, and NeighborhoodScout, which rate areas based on safety, schools, cost of living, and walkability. Visit the neighborhood at different times of day — morning, evening, and weekend — to get a feel for traffic, noise levels, and the general vibe. Talk to locals at coffee shops, parks, or community events, and check local Facebook and Nextdoor groups for unfiltered opinions. If possible, do a short-term rental in the area for a month before committing to a purchase or long-term lease.

The hardest part for most people is the social isolation and loneliness that comes with leaving behind an established network of friends, family, and routines. Combat this by proactively joining local groups, clubs, or classes that align with your interests — apps like Meetup, Bumble BFF, and Nextdoor make it easier to find community in a new place. Establish new routines quickly, such as a regular coffee shop, gym, or weekend farmers market, to create a sense of familiarity and belonging. Give yourself grace and time — it typically takes six months to a year before a new city truly starts to feel like home.

Pianos are extremely heavy (300 to 1,200 pounds depending on the type) and have delicate internal mechanisms, so hiring a specialty piano mover is strongly recommended. Professional piano movers have the equipment — piano boards, heavy-duty dollies, ramps, and straps — specifically designed for safe transport. If you insist on moving a small upright piano yourself, you will need at least four strong helpers, a piano dolly, and moving blankets to protect the finish. Never attempt to move a grand or baby grand piano without professionals, as improper handling can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Moving plants across state lines is regulated by the USDA and individual state departments of agriculture to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Some states, particularly California, Arizona, and Florida, have strict agricultural inspections at their borders and may confiscate certain plants or require certificates of inspection. Contact the department of agriculture in your destination state before your move to learn which plants are allowed and whether you need any permits. Most professional moving companies will not transport plants on long-distance moves due to these regulations and the risk of damage during extended transit.

The two main options for shipping a car are open transport (your car is loaded onto an open multi-car carrier, costing $700 to $1,200 for a cross-country move) and enclosed transport (a covered trailer that provides more protection, costing $1,000 to $2,000). Book your car shipment three to four weeks in advance and get quotes from at least three auto transport companies — verify their USDOT registration and read reviews. Before handing over your vehicle, document its condition with dated photos, remove all personal items, and ensure the gas tank is only about a quarter full. The alternative is driving the car yourself, which costs $300 to $600 in fuel and adds wear but gives you more flexibility.

Start by acclimating your cat to its carrier weeks before the move — leave it open in your home with a familiar blanket and treats inside so the cat associates it with comfort, not just vet visits. On moving day, keep your cat in a quiet, closed room with its carrier, litter box, food, and water until it is time to leave. During the drive, secure the carrier with a seatbelt, cover it partially with a towel to reduce visual stress, and play calming music at low volume. Talk to your veterinarian before the trip about anti-anxiety medication or calming pheromone sprays like Feliway, which can significantly reduce travel stress for anxious cats.

Hazardous materials — including gasoline, propane, paint, paint thinner, pesticides, pool chemicals, fireworks, and ammunition — are prohibited on moving trucks by federal law and cannot be transported by professional movers. Dispose of these items properly through your local household hazardous waste collection program, which most municipalities offer for free on designated days. Many auto parts stores will accept used motor oil and car batteries, and some hardware stores take back unused paint. If you have large quantities, contact your city or county waste management department for a special pickup or drop-off location.

Winter moves require extra preparation for weather-related challenges like snow, ice, and cold temperatures. Clear walkways and driveways of snow and ice at both your old and new homes, and lay down salt or sand to prevent slipping — mover safety and your liability are on the line. Protect floors from slush and mud by laying down plastic sheeting, old towels, or Ram Board in high-traffic paths. Monitor the weather forecast closely and have a backup plan — most moving companies will reschedule at no charge if conditions are truly unsafe, so communicate proactively with your mover.

Gun safes are one of the most challenging items to move due to their extreme weight — many residential safes weigh 500 to 1,500 pounds or more. Hire professional safe movers or a moving company experienced with heavy items, as they have the right equipment including heavy-duty dollies, stair-climbing machines, and reinforced ramps. Always empty the safe completely before moving it — remove all firearms, ammunition, and valuables, and transport those items personally and securely. If the safe must go down or up stairs, professional equipment and technique are absolutely essential to avoid injury or property damage.

Most moving companies will not transport a filled fish tank because the water weight makes it dangerously heavy and the glass is at high risk of cracking during transit. You will need to drain the tank completely, remove all fish and transport them yourself in bags or buckets with an aerator, and pack decorations and equipment separately. For local moves, fill bags with tank water so your fish return to familiar water chemistry, and keep the filter media wet to preserve beneficial bacteria. For long-distance moves, consider rehoming your fish and starting fresh — transporting fish more than a few hours is extremely stressful and often fatal for the animals.

Start the downsizing process at least six to eight weeks before your move by sorting every item in your home into four categories: keep, sell, donate, and discard. Be honest with yourself — if you have not used an item in the past year, you are unlikely to use it in your new home. Sell valuable items through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or a garage sale, and donate usable items to Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, or local shelters. Downsizing aggressively not only reduces your moving costs (less weight and fewer boxes) but gives you a fresh start in your new home without the clutter that accumulated over the years.