I moved all of my belongings across the US 5 times in a year without a car. Here are 6 things that I wish I'd known sooner.

• I relocated five times in one year, and I did it without a car thanks to these tips.
• Getting familiar with airlines' luggage policies and pairing down your belongings are essential.

I moved on my own for the first time in 2020 after deciding to leave my marriage.

Little did I know, I was going to move a total of five times across four different states that year, and I was going to do it all without access to a car.

Here are the tips I wish I knew before my first move.

The moving process can be stressful, so don't be afraid to ask for help

Moving without a car requires you to be resourceful, and that includes tapping on all expertise possible. After all, moving can be a lot for one person to handle on their own.

The first time I packed up my belongings, I was so focused on the logistics that I didn't ask my friends or family for help or advice. In hindsight, that was a mistake.

Organization isn't my strong suit, so my packing strategy was flawed, to put it kindly. My best friend is an expert at putting together suitcases and cleaning up messes, so I should've asked her for assistance earlier.

If I had, I could've saved time, space, and money.

If you're flying to your new home, factor the airline's luggage policy into your packing strategy

Each airline has its own policy when it comes to luggage. Do your homework ahead of time to form a packing strategy that allows you to bring the items you need and avoid unexpected bag fees.

I prefer to fly Southwest Airlines when I move since passengers can check two bags free of charge. I used to try to stuff all of my belonging into the two suitcases, which would often result in an overweight baggage fee of $75.

Now, I have a different game plan. Each additional checked bag costs $75, and I pay for two. It's the same price I used to pay for my two oversized check bags. Using this method, I can pack everything I need.

Pair down your belongings as early as possible — you'll thank yourself later

I overpacked the first time I moved, which made relocating much more challenging. Without a car, I didn't have the luxury of stuffing things in backseat crevices or trunk corners. I knew that every inch of my suitcase was precious, but there were still some items I couldn't part with.

I paired down my belongings with each move. It became clear which items were essential to my survival and my happiness. I held onto my favorite books, workout equipment, and childhood mementos.

Getting rid of things took me time, but I recommend doing so earlier in the moving process. You'll thank yourself down the line.

Before you throw away items that you don't need or use, consider selling or donating them instead

I have a habit of holding onto things that I should've tossed years prior. Some of these items — like a decade-old laptop charger — probably aren't useful to anyone, but others are worth selling or donating.

Space is precious during a move, so make sure everything you carry serves a purpose. If it doesn't come in handy for you, it might for someone else. So think twice before tossing it in the garbage.

For example, I'd amassed a sizable makeup collection that I brought with me on my journey. I wasn't using most of the products, many of which were brand new, so I ended up selling over 100 eyeshadow palettes.

Know the location of the nearest medical care

If you don't have a car, living too far away from emergency medical care can be risky.

Before committing to move to a location, I always try to make sure that there's a doctor or hospital within walking distance or an affordable rideshare drive away.

Test out rideshare apps to gauge prices and wait times

When I can't use public transportation or walk, I rely on rideshare apps. I've found that the cost of these trips vary depending on location.

Once, I arrived in a new city and was shocked that the rideshare from the airport to my new home was more than $100, a huge jump from what a similar route cost in my previous destination.

Rideshare rates also fluctuate throughout the day, so a 2 p.m. trip is likely priced differently than a 2 a.m. trip.

I've found it helpful to check the apps, even when I don't need a ride, to get an idea of how much a trip would cost at a variety of times. From there, I make sure to budget double the amount of money in case of any price surges or other unexpected hiccups.