By Gina Cappiello, 123Movers.com

Let’s be honest: money is tight right now for everyone. We are all thinking twice before making purchases, putting every expense under a microscope, and saving like never before. But what if you have to move? It can often be a huge expense with the cost of trucks, packing, and planning. Here are some smart and clever ways to save (and make) some money during a move:

Use free materials
Think you need to buy special boxes and packing peanuts to get your beloved items from point A to point B? No way! You can pick up a variety of boxes at local supermarkets, shops, and wholesale outlets for free. Be sure to ask before taking them, though. Use that old stack of newspapers to wrap fragile dishes, glasses, and knick-knacks with. You can also utilize your suitcases, backpacks, and reusable bags to pack items. The bags are coming with you regardless, so why not put them to good use?

PYO (Pack Your Own)
Packing services can get up to the thousands depending on how many things you have to pack. Spend a few weekends before your move sifting through all of your possessions to decide what’s staying and what can go. Once you decide what is coming with you, pack it up and put the boxes aside.

Purge and profit
Now that you have decided what is necessary and unnecessary, it’s time to make some money. Sell everything you cannot take or do not want by having a moving sale or post everything with prices on free online marketplaces. Anything left over you can give away to a charity. Not only is your donation tax-deductible, but some charitable organizations will even arrange for a truck to pick up all of your unwanted items for free.

Eat up
Remember those canned goods, boxes of pasta, and non-perishables you stacked your pantry with thanks to recession-busting sales at the grocery store? It’s time to reap what you have sown! Create some delicious dishes with your pantry staples instead of buying tons of groceries that may go to waste. Not only will you save money by saving on food, but you may discover some creative meals to make on a budget.

Shop around
You don’t have to choose the first moving company you come across to take care of everything. Speak with multiple moving companies to get an idea of how they operate and how they charge. Choose a company that you feel the most comfortable and confident about. Also, be sure to ask plenty of questions so you won’t be surprised about the bill after the move.

Saving on a move doesn’t have to be hard. Just a few adjustments to your moving plan can help you save hundreds of dollars without compromising anything.