Packing up your possessions and bringing them to the next location can drastically drain finances if you are not careful.

It is possible to save quite a bit of money on moving expenses whether you are moving across town or across the country.

The more advanced notice you have, the more opportunity you have to save money. Begin by researching every service you may think you need.

Organization is the key to a successful move. Gradually begin packing items well in advance that is not being utilized on a regular basis.

Free packing packets can be picked up at various moving companies, or log on to their website for advice on how to pack valuable items such as china, televisions, computers, etc.

If you move is job related and are fortunate enough to have your employer reimburse you for moving expenses, remember to save all receipts and paperwork.

If it is with a new employer or if you are accepting a new position with your current employer, negotiate moving expenses as part of the deal.

You really begin to realize how much stuff you have accumulated when you have to pack it up. Most people have way more things then they actually need to take to the next location.

Cast a critical eye to all of your belongings. If you have not used an item in more than six months, odds are you can probably do without it.

Take out an advertisement in the local classifieds or sell it on an auction site like eBay.

If your time is limited, hold a garage sale or donate no longer need items to charity (Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army or Volunteers of America), where someone else can put them to good use. Be sure and get a receipt since donated items may be tax deductible.

The lighter the load, the cheaper it will be on transport whether you move yourself, or hire a moving company.

A couple of items that definitely need consideration when moving:

• Books and Magazines - if you have to bring them with you, consider shipping them via USPS book rate or media mail. Otherwise, donate them to the public library;
• Plants - usually do not travel well and are not cost-effective when moving. Contemplate giving them to appreciative friends and neighbors.

• Scour places like home centers, schools, hospitals, restaurants, supermarkets, appliance outlets, furniture, retail and convenience stores where sturdy free boxes are usually readily available;
• Check out CraigsList or a recycling center near you. Since many people are becoming more environmentally aware, these wonderful organizations are popping up everywhere;
• If you know someone that has moved recently, ask them for their boxes;
• Ask people you know to be on the lookout for boxes and save them for you;
• Purchase used boxes from UsedCardboardBoxes.com. This way is cheaper than buying new and you will be doing the environment and a tree a really big favor. They will even ship them to you at no charge;
• If you purchase new boxes from a moving company, sell them back to the company when you are done with them.

Borrow tape dispensers, dollies and hand-trucks from work or friends instead of purchasing these items.

• Blankets and towels are economical and environmentally friendly items that can be utilized to cushion breakables;
• Research prices on bubble wrap and packing peanuts online from various sellers on eBay;
• Log on to Office Depot or Staples website to compare their charges for packing supplies.

Ask a friend or neighbor to pet sit for you on that day. This time can be very stressful and extremely confusing for pets.

Enlist willing family members and friends on moving day to help move boxes after they have already been packed.

• Call several different do-it-yourself rental companies (UHaul, Ryder, and PODS) to obtain quotes. Many companies base their charges by the pound.
• If your move is not too far, borrow a pick-up truck from a friend;
• Contact full service movers like Van Lines or Mayflower for information on their moving packages.