So you did the hard part. You found a place to move into. The moving date it set and you are ready to start packing. If you’re not mindful of your moving expenses, they can add up rather quickly. Here are a couple tips on how to save some cash on your moving expenses.

Get Moving Estimates

If you are deciding to have professionals movers help you get your belongings from one home to another, shop around. Many companies will offer free, in-home estimates on the total cost of your move. Look online and read reviews. Find the most highly regarded moving companies and have them come over for an estimate. Once you have a good amount of estimates you can start comparing them to see which would be best fit for your move.

*Tip – a little negotiation never hurt anyone. If you present a company with factual information on lower prices you have found, maybe you could get them to bring down their own prices.

Get friends or neighbors to help

If you have teenagers or young adults in your family then you have ready-to-go movers. Get the whole family involved by assigning everyone to different parts of the house. Friendly neighbors and extended family members are also good options for possible help. If you really want to give everyone an extra push of motivation, offer them compensation such as money or a “thank you” dinner.

Donate

Moving brings about a lot of cleaning. Cleaning can lead to getting rid of old, useless, unwanted objects from all around your home. Instead of paying for costly, monthly storage fees to house these things that you don’t need, donate them. Consignment shops, Good Will, and most churches are more than willing to accept your belongings you no longer need or want. Do a good deed, donate to those less fortunate and possibly even get some cash or a tax write-off for your used items.