First things first: Congratulations on your new home! Moving to a new house is a thrilling time. A fresh start, a new space to decorate, and a neighborhood to explore – what could be better?  
 
Now, actually moving into your new home? That can be slightly less thrilling. It also can result in many hidden costs that will hurt your wallet. To save money on the moving process, the team at Network Real Estate has put together seven easy tips. Follow our advice, and you’ll have more cash to spend on things that matter, like decorating your new home!

1. Have a yard sale. A yard sale isn’t so much about making a pile of money, although the extra cash is always nice. It’s actually a sneaky way to make the moving process easier by getting rid of stuff you don’t want, use or need. The less you have, the more time and money you’ll save when moving all your worldly possessions from one place to the next.
    
2. Donate unwanted items to charity. Maybe you don’t have time to host a yard sale. Perhaps you’d like to do something a little more charitable with your castoff belongings. In this case, donate what you don’t want to a worthy charity and get a receipt. When it’s time to file your taxes, you can double down on your good karma and earn yourself a few deductions.
    
3. Move during the off-season. The off-season for moving is considered October through April, and if you’re lucky enough to buy a house during this time period, you can also take advantage of extra savings. Chances are you won’t have to fight other home buyers for the best moving companies, and you’ll get other deals on moving costs and services.
    
4. Don’t pay for moving boxes. Moving boxes can add up quickly, which is a shame, especially considering they’re one-time use items. Before you head to the store for brand new boxes, check Craigslist or your local classifieds. Often, people who have just moved will have boxes they no longer need and don’t want to keep around. You can also ask for boxes at your local grocery or liquor stores. When you’re done with the boxes, return the favor and hand them off to someone else who may need them.
    
5. Plan ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to pack, ship and move your things into your new home. Don’t wait until the day or even the week before your closing date to start packing. This almost always results in unexpected costs and last-minute splurges. By taking the time to think out your moving strategy, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions that are savvy and frugal.
    
6. Eat everything in your refrigerator. Moving frozen and refrigerated items can be difficult and lead to spoiling, and there’s no reason to throw away perfectly good food you’ve already paid for. Challenge your family to find a use for everything that needs to be kept cold before you go. Yes, you might end up with some interesting meals, but it will be worth it.
    
7. Pack everything yourself. Many people choose to hire a moving company to help make the process smoother. If you go this route, you can save money by packing your belongings yourself before the movers arrive. This will cut down on their fee significantly. It also will make it easier to unpack later, as you’re more likely to remember where everything is when you were the one who packed it.