Start by decluttering before you pack. There’s no point in paying to move things you no longer want or need, so donate or sell anything that’s still in good shape. You should also get creative with packing materials rather than buying everything new — source boxes from neighbours, local stores or your workplace, and use towels and linens as padding for fragile items.

When it comes to hiring professional help for your move, don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Shop around, compare prices and read reviews carefully. Finally, be strategic about timing if you can. Demand for movers tends to be lower in the fall and winter, mid-month and on weekdays, which can translate into meaningful savings on moving day.