Unless you’re a devoutminimalist, moving can be dauntingespecially when you’re on a tight budget.

Here are a handful of tricks and strategies for moving on a tight budget.

These tips for comparing your options should help you make the choice that’s best for you.

When considering professionals, collect at least three quotes from different companies.

Despite what you might think, itispossible tonegotiate with movers.

Department of Transportation’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System.

DIY still look more affordable?

Plan your move toavoid rush hour.

Save yourself gas money and time (and a headache) by driving at off-peak hours.

A number of companies offer this option, thoughPODSis perhaps the most well-known.

You load the unit yourself, the company moves it to your new place, and you unload it.

This is the best of both worlds!

Ask friends who have recently moved or post a request on your social networks.

CheckFreecycleand Craigslist’s Free section or take a look around your neighborhood on recycling and garbage day.

You never know who else has just moved and is getting rid of their used boxes.

Check outside behind mid-sized stores.

Want to earn a little extra cash with your boxes when you’re done?

Try reselling them to companies like Container Exchanger and Box CycleI’veearned 50 cents to $1.50 per box!

Box Buddies starts at $89 to rent 32 cardboard boxes for up to two months.

As a plus, this option is environmentally friendly.

Yes, you might survive without cable for a week or two.

No, you probably don’t want to try this with electricity.

Another important consideration: if you’re bringing bulky furniture, check your new home’s measurements.

Let USPS Move Your Books

Boxes containing books are among the heaviest ones to move.

Your savings on moving your books may take some of the sting off other expenses.

Track Twice, Deduct Once

Keep track of every moving expense.

But be sure to check the exactIRS rules, which can be confusing and include diagrams.

“It worked great and saved a lot of money, but it was ahugepain on the other end.

I’d probably not do it again.”

What’s better than using your linens?

Try packing your breakable items incoffee filters.

They’re soft, inexpensive and they won’t transfer ink like newspaper.