Whether you're moving across the country for a job or just for fun, there are many ways to keep expenses low before, during, and immediately after your move. These can be summarized as: Plan ahead, think creatively, take calculated risks, and set realistic goals.

PLAN AHEAD

When you're preparing to move, the biggest challenge will be weeding out the junk you've accumulated. The less stuff you move, the less money you'll spend hauling it to your new home.

If possible, start going through your belongings several months in advance. If that's not possible, pace yourself so that you don't hit burnout and throw everything into boxes--or into the trash--in frustration. Either extreme can be very expensive.

Most decluttering experts recommend the 15/10 work schedule. Set a timer for 15 minutes, and work on sorting through your belongings. When the 15 minutes is up, set the timer for a ten minute break, and be sure to take that time to relax or do something totally different. Return for another 15 minutes of work, followed by another ten of relaxing, and so on. Two hours is usually the most that people can handle if they own a lot of stuff. Here are another pair of numbers to keep in mind: The 80/20 rule, which says that 80 percent of the time, you're using only 20 percent of your belongings.

If you can distill your stuff down to that important 20 percent, you'll save a bundle in moving expenses. As you go through your belongings, you'll need three kinds of containers. First, you'll need trash bags, and probably lots of them. Second, have a stack of grocery bags and boxes on hand, for things that you're giving to friends or to charity. Finally, you'll need moving boxes. If you are going to use a rental truck to move, or a moving service that charges you for space as well as weight, it's important to use the truck’s space efficiently. One of the best ways to do this is to use mostly identical boxes. Fortunately, most office supply stores carry storage boxes in standard sizes.

For moving, you will be very happy if you use "banker's boxes," which are 10" x 12" x 15" boxes--usually white--with separate lids. They come in packages of five or six, and you assemble them yourself. They're a good size for most belongings, they're inexpensive, and they have openings on two sides to make them easy to lift when it's time to pack the truck.

If you are moving to or from an area where cockroaches, silverfish, or other bugs can be a problem, line the boxes with plastic bags. These bags won't prevent determined bugs from getting into your belongings, but they'll significantly reduce the problem. You can use regular trash bags for this, but it's better to use clear bags intended for recycling cans and bottles. They're usually sold in the grocery store in the same section as the plastic trash bags. You can tape the bag closed when the box is full, and still see what's inside if you've used clear bags.

THINK CREATIVELY

Moving by truck may not be your best choice if you're trying to save money. Compare the cost of hiring a moving service, renting a truck that you'll drive yourself, and how much it would cost you to ship your packages by U.S. mail or with a carrier such as UPS. If you'd prefer to use a moving service, there are various options.

You can use a full-service mover. If you do, be sure to get multiple bids in writing, and make certain that they won't surprise you with a much higher bill when they arrive to unpack your belongings at your new home. Also, there are movers who specialize in different kinds of moves. For example, if you're moving to a retirement state such as Florida, you'll find movers who specialize in Florida moves and might be able to add your belongings to another shipment for a low fee.

If you're moving from Florida to another state, the vans that arrived full with retirees' goods will then return to their home state empty unless they can find a customer who's moving in that other direction. This is to your advantage, and you can negotiate a lower moving fee. Rental trucks vary widely in price. Call every service; after getting rental rates from two or three, don't assume that all of the other companies will be in about the same range. Ask about hidden fees, too.

These can include gasoline surcharges, deposits, drop-off charges if you're not returning the van to the place where you rented it, and so on. Check the rental services' roadside assistance, especially at night and in rural locations. No matter what they say, have a backup plan such as AAA. Also, see if your existing auto insurance already covers you for rental trucks.

Likewise, if you have renters' or homeowners' insurance, ask if your goods are covered in transit. You can save a hundred dollars or more by not carrying unnecessary insurance. Even if you are using a moving service or renting a truck, you may save some money by shipping heavier items--such as books--by regular mail, or by bus. Consider every possible way to move your belongings.

Finally, don’t forget that you can load your car with belongings when you’re moving. People tend to either overestimate how much the car will hold, or forget about the car altogether. Also remember that you can usually rent a storage container for the roof of your car, or tow a small rental trailer behind you.

TAKE CALCULATED RISKS

When you’re moving a long distance, there may be other ways that you can reduce your expenses. For example, if you’re moving to a warm climate from a cooler one, you probably won’t need so many winter clothes. If you are a smart shopper at yard sales and flea markets, it may be smarter to sell your furniture rather than move it.

There’s always a tricky balance between the wisdom of selling heavy and bulky belongings—expecting to replace them for the same price as you sold them for—and hauling items that could be expensive to buy again, even secondhand.

If you have friends at your new location, you can ask their advice. It’s also smart to get a copy of the weekend newspapers from that area, to study the prices in display and classified ads. You probably won’t be able to replace your favorite antique oak table at the same price if you’re moving from Massachusetts to southern California. But, if you’ve always wanted to furnish your home with 1950s kitsch and you’re moving to Florida or parts of the Midwest, you may be happily surprised at how little it will cost to shop at thrift stores and yard sales.

SET REALISTIC GOALS

If you have a limited budget or a short amount of time to prepare for your move, it may be wise to ship the necessities first, get settled, and then return for the rest of your belongings. However, this is smart only if you can leave your stuff with a friend or relative who won’t be inconvenienced by this.

It’ll be far harder than you expect, to return for that second batch of goods. In fact, many people leave their belongings for years, and some never pick them up. So, use this only as a last resort. It is never smart to leave belongings in a paid storage unit.

This is why storage centers have so many auctions, to get rid of abandoned goods when the owners stop paying the rent for them. When it’s time to get on the road, keep your goals simple. Whether you’re loading the truck or movers are, it will always take far longer and be more exhausting than you’d planned. Plan to spend that night with local friends, or—if you’re eager to get on the road—expect to drive no more than four hours.

If you’re driving across country, set specific daily goals.If you start each day knowing exactly where you’ll stop for the night, you’ll save money. Having your room reserved ahead of time means that you won’t end up in an overpriced motel because a convention filled the less expensive choices. And, if you don’t drive to the point of exhaustion each day, you’ll save gas—and sometimes tolls--because you won’t miss exits or make wrong turns. If you’re staying in motels, select one brand, register for their frequent visitor program, and always stay at that chain. By the end of your trip, you may have earned a free night.

IN GENERAL

Moving across the country can be an expensive, stress-filled headache, or it can be like a well-organized vacation. By planning ahead, making smart choices, and pacing yourself, you can reduce both the stress and the expense of moving, and enjoy the adventure.