Moving is stressful—not only physically but financially. Even if you don’t hire a moving company, you still need to spend some bucks for the moving. But if you know how to save some money when moving, then you will probably have cheaper moving. You may be asking how you will do this. Simple—just follow these five ways to cheaper moving. You’ll be surprised that you can still save some dollars even if you hire a moving company’s services.

Cheaper Moving Tip No. 1: Turn off all your house’s utilities on the moving date.

Inform your cable, Internet, or phone providers that you will be moving on a certain date. This way, you don’t have to pay for the services that in the first place you never used. You can also cut other regular services in advance so you can save even more money.

Also, check your house’s lights, water heater, thermostats, and other similar utilities. Make sure that all their switches are turned off so they won’t add up to your last bill.

Properly lock and seal your house’s windows and doors too. You can protect your area while it is empty by doing this.

Cheaper Moving Tip No. 2: Reduce your items’ weight to reduce expenses.

Moving companies usually charge depending on your items’ weight. So make sure that you only get charged for the necessary items. You can do that though getting rid of all your unused items.

Hold a garage sale, sell some of your items online or to a second-hand store, or donate your things to a charity. You’ll not just earn some money or some pride doing these but you’ll also save money.

Cheaper Moving Tip No. 3: Pack your things by yourself.

Most professional moving companies offer packing services. But getting this will only add up to your expenses. Why not pack your things instead? You’ll not just save money but you’ll also be able to take care of your valuable things.

You can save money while not disturbing your work through packing your items on your free time, say once in a week. Ask some of your family members to help in the packing too.

Cheaper Moving Tip No. 4: Get services from a moving company.

Do you have your own truck? Do you have enough manpower to load and unload all your things? If you say “no” to all of these questions, then you definitely need services from a moving company.

You can still save doing some money when you hire a moving company through shopping rightly and choosing the best. Do this through getting quotes from different moving companies and comparing these quotes. Don’t base on the price alone, though. Base you decision on the overall standing of the moving company like the services, charge, and reputation.

Cheaper Moving Tip No. 5: Estimate how much the moving will cost and stick to that.

How much will be the moving company’s service costs? Add some for the snacks, packing materials, gases, and other things. Don’t forget to include some bucks for the emergencies too.

Saving is still possible even when hiring a moving company. As long as you know how to be resourceful, you will certain save more than you ever expected. Besides, if you’re really on the budget, you don’t have any choice but to cut and cut your expenses.