For instance: If you usually have a landline phone, consider cutting the cord and going cellular. Or since you're changing your mailing address, sign up for paperless delivery of your important bills. Here are six other ways to change up your home life and daily routine for the better.
1. This time, actually unpack all those boxes
When people move, they eventually get tired of unpacking after a few weeks (and who can blame them?). And once you've unpacked the essentials, it's easy to take a break from unpacking—never to go back.2. Purge unused subscriptions and other auto-renewal fees
When you move, it's a good idea to look at all the deductions from your bank account.Services with auto-renewals you simply forgot to cancel—like that streaming channel that you subscribed to for just one show, or a magazine that goes straight to the recycling bin—can add up to a lot being deducted from your bank account.
3. Cut the cord—or consolidate streaming services
"When my wife and I looked into cable TV plans in the area we were moving to, we were met with plans that totaled $130 per month," says Aselstine. He realized the pared-down local internet service provider cost only $35 a month; that, combined with Netflix for $10 and other cheap add-ons, could meet most of his TV needs for much less.Already subscribed to streaming services? Make sure you use them all; if not, it's time to pare down, or go back to good ol' public TV!
4. Switch to energy-efficient lightbulbs and dimmers
You'll be handling all of your lamps when you move, so why not make the swap to energy-saving LED light bulbs? These light bulbs can help the typical home save about $1,000 over 10 years. And while dimmers are best known for their ability to improve a room's ambiance, these devices also reduce energy consumption and cut costs on your power bill, leaving more money in your wallet.5. Resolve to keep records of all of your home improvements
Even though you just moved, you never know where life is going to take you. A surprise job offer may have you selling your new house sooner than expected. Having a record of when you fixed something at a glance is hugely helpful.If you bought your current digs, those records will also help with capital gains. And from a budgeting perspective, you'll know when the last time major systems such as the furnace, air conditioning, or roof were maintained, so you can budget for future upkeep.
6. Start a new cleaning ritual
"If you've been in a house for years, chances are you learned to live with some deferred maintenance–type things," says Messenger. When she moved, Messenger made it her mission to always keep the house tidy in case someone stopped by for a surprise visit."It's challenging with pets, but I feel much more pride in my new home knowing I'm taking care of it," she says.
Another bonus? Messenger found doing a few small things daily meant her free time wasn't spent on massive cleanup days.
