The majority of people aren’t lucky enough to get to move for free, so for the rest of us, moving expenses can quickly add up. This can lead to additional stress when tensions are already so high. Between down payments, real estate fees, security deposits, and hiring help, moving can be very costly. Fortunately, there are things you can do to cut down on costs and save money. Here are a few helpful hacks to help you move on a budget.

1. Declutter and Sell Your Excess Belongings

This is one way you can not only save money, but actually make money in the process. Take some time to go through each room in your home and get rid of any unwanted items. The less you have to pack, the cheaper it will be to box it up and transport it. Furthermore, consider which items would be worth selling. Perhaps you have furniture, sports equipment, lawn equipment, or other household items you no longer need and this can be a great way to make some extra money to offset some moving expenses.

2. Use Free Packing Materials

The cost of buying boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper can really add up. Instead of shelling out tons of money on packing supplies, try to use household items or gather free materials where you can. You can start by asking friends, neighbors, or family members who may have moved recently if you can reuse their boxes. You can also gather boxes from local grocery stores, warehouse stores, or liquor stores. Of course you can also make use of household items like suitcases, plastic bins, or duffel bags. Socks, oven mitts, towels, blankets, and bedding also make great alternatives to bubble wrap.

3. Rent a Portable Storage Unit

Renting a portable storage unit can be cheaper than hiring professional movers. Professional movers can cost thousands of dollars while portable storage units only charge you a monthly rental fee for the unit. In addition to saving you money, portable storage units also allow you to pack and unpack at your convenience.

4. Avoid Busy Seasons

Spring and summer tend to be the busiest times of the year for moving. After all, the great weather and longer days are ideal for moving. However, with this great weather also comes a steep price tag. While most people prefer moving during these times, you can capitalize on the fact that moving companies are offering better deals during the off-season. If you want to avoid paying a premiun price for professional movers, consider moving