Moving is expensive. It’s just a fact. That doesn’t mean that you have to make it even more expensive, though. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make that cause them to spend even more on their move.

1. Not being thorough about the things you have to move

You don’t know how much stuff you have until you move. Well, the moving company doesn’t know how much stuff you have, either. They only know what you tell them. Before getting a quote, take inventory of the things you have. Overestimate how many boxes you think it will take to pack everything up. Otherwise, on moving day, you might find that the move costs significantly more than you thought. Movers generally charge by the hour. The more stuff you have, the more likely it will go over the quoted time.

2. Not packing your items properly

Many people don’t know how to pack their items to avoid damage. Be sure to use plenty of protective bubble wrap and cushion on expensive knick-knacks and furniture. A lot of people lose money in damaged goods because they didn’t care for them properly.

3. Not shopping around for movers

You have plenty of options when it comes to movers, so shop around! Get a variety of quotes. You can do it over the phone, but you can also ask the moving company to come on site to give you the most accurate quote possible. Getting quotes from multiple companies can help you make your decision. That doesn’t mean that you want to go with the cheapest option, though. Compare the quality of the different companies, too. Ask if the company is insured and up to how much, look up reviews, and trust your gut.

4. Not using movers

Some people think that they will save a lot of money by doing the move themselves. Even if you do have the appropriate vehicle and the muscle to get the job done, it’s unlikely that you’re covered in the event that you break your items. If you do decide that you want to do the job, remember that if anyone drops and breaks something, the cost is entirely on you.

5. Not planning in advance

Most people know about a move plenty of time in advance. Don’t wait to the last minute to plan a move. Plan early and start packing early. If you don’t, you may lose money because you were rushed and had limited options. There are multiple checklists available online to help you time everything right.

6. Not making proper accommodations for the pets

You may not think about it right away, but you need to ensure that your pets are properly taken care of during the moving process. Since moving can be quite hectic, you might not want to have the pets around at this time. To avoid any hassle, be sure to plan ahead for someone to pet sit during the move. If you don’t, you might end up having to pay even more for immediate kennel service or, worse, vet bills.