Whether you’re moving into a seven-bedroom mansion or a studio apartment on the fourth floor, there’s a lot to consider when you move out of state. While it might be logistically difficult to relocate from one state to another, an interstate move doesn’t have to be hard on your wallet. With all the stress that comes with an out-of-state move, you don’t need to rack up additional costs, too. Here are five ways that you can save money on your long-distance move.

1. Plan for Transporting Valuables

Sometimes the most expensive moving cost is the unforeseen loss or damage of items. To prevent anything from happening to your valuables, make sure you have a plan for moving your important documents, jewelry, keepsake items, or heirlooms. Go through your safety deposit box or home safe and organize your belongings. If possible, these items should be kept with you during the moving process. Valuables should never be handed off to your movers. If you don’t have room in your car for transporting your valuables, you can also send these items through the registered or insured mail.

When it comes to transporting your valuables, make sure you have a plan.

2. Don’t Book a Last-Minute Move

To save money on your interstate move and ensure the timeliness of your delivery, you will want to give your movers plenty of time. When you have more time for your move, you can give yourself wiggle room in case you need to change the move-in date at your new place. Cheap Movers DC, one of the best DC moving companies, suggests arranging your move-in dates to avoid the end of the month or other peak season times. Not only will all this planning ahead cut down on possible delays, but it can also save you money at the end of the day.

3. Notify Your Utility Companies

Prior to your move, set a date for the discontinuation of your services and request a final reading for your meter. This will minimize the extra expense of unneeded utility services. Before you arrive in your new city, get the utilities in your new place connected. You don’t want to arrive at your new place only to realize that your lights or heat won’t get turned on until a later date. If you don’t schedule utilities ahead of time, you may find yourself having to stay in a hotel until lights and water are turned on in your new home.

4. Keep Track of Your Inventory

Always keep track of every item that you’re moving to your new location to avoid misplacing your belongings. Start making a list while you’re organizing your move and make sure to clearly label all boxes with their contents. Write down every substantial possession and its value. Consider keeping a photographic or video record of your items in every room for insurance purposes.

5. Consider Moving in the Winter

When you move during the winter months, not only will you have more access to moving companies, you can also save a bit of money. The peak season for movers is the summer when many families can move with less disturbance to their children’s school schedules. Things also get crazy in September when college students are moving into their campus apartments. Because of these factors and colder weather, fewer people seek out interstate moving services in the winter. Many moving companies offer special promotions and reduce their rates in the colder months, which means you could save substantially.

If possible, try to move during the winter months when moving rates are cheaper.

Moving may not always be the most fun experience, but with these tips it doesn’t have to be the most expensive experience either. Plan ahead and minimize the cost of your long distance move.