5 easy ways to save money during a move.

Moving is probably one of the most stressful and time-consuming activities you can undertake as a human being. The costs can add up quickly with all of the various boxes, supplies, and movers you might need, not to mention the security deposits and realtor fees that must be paid as you move in to your new place.

Luckily, many moving costs are avoidable if you’re willing to put in some effort. So if your money is tight, consider some of these cost saving strategies.

Make Some Friends and Move it Yourself – This one should be a no-brainer; If you have legs and arms, you are officially qualified to move boxes and furniture! If you’re friends are lazy, offer to buy them lunch for their troubles, it will still cost much less than hiring professional movers.

Don’t Buy Boxes at the U-Haul Store – While these boxes may be conveniently placed next to the checkout desk, there are many much cheaper alternatives. Some grocery stores and pharmacies will give their used boxes away for free, and many websites sell high-quality boxes in bulk at huge discounts.

Use Your Clothes, Towels and Blankets as Padding – For your precious cargo, you can forgo buying bubble wrap or Styrofoam and instead use your own clothes, towels, blankets and spare newspaper. This not only saves you money on supplies, but saves room in your boxes.

Sell or Throw Away Your Junk Items – Moving is the perfect time to part with all of your unused decorations, unnecessary furniture and useless junk. Consider having a pre-move sidewalk sale, or listing your unwanted items on Craigslist or EBay. If all goes well, you might even net a gain on your move!