Moving Along Frugally

17 Tips for Moving on a Budget

Perhaps you're tired of living in the same apartment complex or you have a hankerin' for the suburbs — either way it's moving time.

I know what it's like to move and after you're done with putting down deposits and pay first and last months rent, you're pretty much tapped out money wise, but there's still that moving part you haven't addressed. Bellow are some helpful tips to moving on a budget.

• Bundle Your Home Entertainment Services — Bundling your home entertainment services saves you money and gives you one conveniently low monthly bill.


• Mover Quotes — Get at least three different quotes from moving companies to get the best low price.


• Boxes — Ask friend, co-workers and anyone you can for free boxes. For the adventurous visit dumpsters behind large grocery stores.


• Packing Tape — Borrow a tape dispenser instead of buying your own.


• Packing Breakables — Use clothes, towels and newspaper to wrap breakable items instead of buying bubble wrap or packing peanuts. If you insist on having bubble wrap or packing peanuts, ask the receptionist at your job to save them for you when she receives company packages. Same goes for shredded company paper.


• Newspaper — If you decide to use newspaper to wrap breakable items then take the free newspapers you can find around town, or ask friends and coworkers to save theirs for you. You can even ask your local coffee shop to hang on to their daily papers for you.


• Minimize Items to Move — Go through all your items like clothes, knick knacks, etc. and throw out or give away things you know you don't want anymore. This will lessen what you have to move, thus making your move less expensive.


• Garage Sale — Sale items before you move to make extra moving money.


• Hire Your Friends — Instead of getting movers, hire your friends. At the end of the day buying pizza and beer to pay your friends will be less expensive than hiring movers.


• Move During Off Season — If at all possible don't move during peak season, which is mid-May to mid-September. Movers are usually looking for work in January and February, so you can get a better rate.


• Pack Your Own Items — Don't hire someone to pack your household. Do it yourself and invite your friends to help.


• Tax Deductions — Did you know you can deduct allowable moving expenses? Remember to keep all receipts!


• Child and Pet Care — Ask friends or family to watch your children or pets the day of the move.


• Sleeping Arrangements — If you need to stay overnight during your move, it is better to stay with family or friends rather than getting a motel room.


• Food — For long distance moves where you will need to eat on the road, pack food to eat instead of eating out or get coupons for places to eat along your route.


• Use Containers — You don't need boxes for everything. If you have storage bins or even suitcases use them to pack items.


• Pick Up Trucks & Vans — Ask friends who have truck and vans to borrow them for your move instead of renting a moving truck.