Moving on a Budget: Simple Tips to Help you Save Money

Moving, as anyone who has done it can attest to, can be an extremely stressful and time-consuming process. Not only that, it can also be extremely expensive once you pay for supplies, transport, and possibly storage. Most people who are going to be moving don't think that there is any time to set up a moving budget, but planning carefully can really save a lot of money - not to mention a lot of stress.

As you begin the budget and the expenses really start to add up, you'll probably start looking for effective ways to cut down on some of the costs and save some extra money. Here are a few quick tips that will really help you out when moving day comes.

1. Make some extra money. You can start pulling in extra money from various sources to help with the expenses. Holding a garage sale is an excellent way to both get rid of extra luggage you don't really need and make a few hundred extra dollars. If you were previously renting, now would be a good time to ask your landlord for the security deposit, and find out if you have any extra money on the way from your employer for vacation days that you never took.

2. Look for cheap supplies. Cardboard boxes don't have to be expensive. If you know someone who recently moved ask them if you can have their old boxes. Websites such as Shop4Boxes.com are another useful avenue where you can find various moving boxes at an affordable rate. You may also be able to rent moving blankets from your moving company. Or if you are really tight, you can use your own blankets, linens, and clothes for packing your fragile objects. Just remember to wash anything you used as padding once you arrive at your new destination.

3. Think about the labor. This is usually the biggest expense, but one that can be saved on as well. If you use a professional moving service or van line, shop around to get the best price by getting a moving estimate from every company that you are interested in working with. Different companies will have different rates, and some may have specials going on at the time of your move. Another option would be to rent a truck or a trailer from a company and ask a few friends, neighbors, or relatives to help you with the heavy lifting. After everything is loaded you might want to order a few pizzas for the volunteers or give them some drinks, maybe even a little cash.