Moving can be a huge expense. If you are not properly prepared, it can cost you more than you can afford. The following tips will help you to have a smooth transition, with the least amount of money spent.

First things first, determine how much stuff' you have to move. You can start doing this long before your actually move - months even! Pack off season clothes, shoes, and the like. Remember to weed through these items, tossing or donating things that you no longer use, or don't really need. Start minimizing. If you buy things like shampoo, soap, and detergent in bulk - stop purchasing them now. If you will only use one bottle of conditioner before the big moving day, leave that in your shower, but pack the rest away. Figure out how many boxes you will need for the rest of your items. You can usually pick these up for free at local grocery or department stores. Getting these free boxes will save you from having to purchase expensive moving boxes. Be sure to label all sealed boxes, to make for easier unpacking.

Determine how you plan to move you things. If you are moving a long distance, it may be cheaper to rent a moving truck. If you are moving a shorter distance, it may be cheaper to grab a couple of close friends with big trucks to help you. Sometimes many small trips will be more costly in gas than one trip with a moving truck. Plan ahead and do the math to save some cash. Be sure to ask your friends, don't assume that they will help you. There's nothing worse than having a house full of filled boxes, and no one shows up to make the move! Offer an incentive of a home cooked dinner - with drinks - and maybe they will even help with the unpacking! Start saving newspapers, junk mail, and advertisements. These will cut the cost of packing material. Shred them and put them into a garbage bag to save for use in packing dishes, mirrors, and other breakable items. If you decide on a moving truck, research different companies, and compare prices to get the best deal.

Make sure that everything you are taking will fit into your new home. If not, or if you plan on replacing your old tattered couch, make arrangements to donate or sell your unwanted items. Many donation centers will pick up the used items for free. If you plan to replace large furniture, wait to buy new once you have moved. This way, you can have the new items delivered right to your new home, and won't have to move them!

Make a list of utilities that you will

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