How to Save Money When Moving

The costs associated with moving can send your bank account into the red if you aren't careful. Putting a little thought and effort into trimming the extra costs can be well worth it in the end.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Start collecting boxes once you know you are going to move. If you live in a city with many apartment complexes, check the dumpsters for large television-sized boxes. Grocery and liquor stores are also good places to look. You can even call ahead and find out the best days and times to pick up any boxes they don't want.
2. Pack your own boxes instead of having the movers do it. They may have a policy stipulating that you must sign each box on the tape to cover them in case anything breaks because it wasn't properly packed.
3. Look for U-Haul deals. If you are moving within a couple hours of your current home, opt for the 2-way plan that lets you return the truck to its pick-up location rather than dropping it off at a rental center in your new town. Leave a car at the pick-up location so you can drive home after returning the truck, or ask someone who lives near the pick-up location to drive it back for you.
4. Move yourself with friends. Call every person you know, especially those with trucks or vans, and ask them to help move you. Reward them with beverages and a meal. Be ready to pay back the favor when asked.
5. Have a yard sale before the moving day. Not only can you make some extra cash on stuff you no longer need, you can reduces the number of boxes and furniture you have to move. If you are working with a moving company, they charge by time, so this can save you money. Reducing the number of boxes and having them packed to go will cut the movers' work hours.