Moving costs sneak up on you. They surprise you in the very worst way and most people just haven’t budgeted for removalist fees, boxes and everything else that comes along with it. Whether you’re moving from Rockingham to Cockburn or across the state, chances are your moving costs will set you back a fair bit. All hope is not lost yet and you shouldn’t abandon your moving plans just because of potential moving costs. Here are a few ways you can keep expenses down and not lose your entire weekend moving.

1.Hiring a truck v’s hiring professionals. Hiring professionals will certainly cost you more than if you did the whole move yourself, but it would definitely be a lot less stressful. Asking to negotiate on prices or only having the movers there for a couple of hours versus the entire day could save you a lot of money. Having them there to help move the large items like tables, beds, fridges and couches will also save your back.

2. Create a moving budget. Yes, okay it might sound a little dull but being prepared is always a good idea. Moving never really comes as a surprise and you usually have at least a few weeks to sort everything, so saving at least a little bit of cash can help you in the long run. Create an extra savings goal when saving for your deposit to cover other incidental costs.

3. Spring clean. Do you really need to be lugging around your old pair of skates that you haven’t worn in 10 years or the box of coins you collected that haven’t been looked at since you were 15? If you can declutter and get rid of at least a few boxes worth of things, it will in the end save you money on boxes and packing supplies.

4. Do it yourself. Hiring a truck and moving the small things yourself might be your best money saving bet. If you are moving on your own or with a partner why not hire your friends for the weekend to help you pack, carry and move your belongings. If you’re willing to do the work then you will reap the rewards financially, hiring a truck will mean you probably won’t have to do multiple trips back and forth which in the end not only saves your back but your budget as well.