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Moving yourself takes a lot of heavy lifting, but it can save you money and help you start your life in your new home with a lighter load. The key is to be organized.

First, try to determine what mode of transportation best suits your move. If you’re heading across town, you can employ a pickup and a couple of friends. If you’re heading across the country, a rented truck, trailer or portable storage container may be your best bet. Each option varies in cost and storage capacity, so make sure to read the fine print.

Once you’re leaning toward a vehicle or container type, but before you make the reservation, you have to make some tough decisions. Most of us have far more belongings than we actually need, and this truism is never more apparent than when we’re moving ourselves. Make an inventory of the big items in your home, and estimate how many boxes of smaller items you’ll have after packing. Tip: Round up. Then, refer back to the vehicle/container specifications. Are you being realistic? If so, make the reservation. If not, upgrade or downgrade.

Next, hit up your local big-box retailers and grocery stores for free boxes. You’ll have the best luck with stores at which you have been “a regular.” Ask the manager which days of the week offer the best boxes, and be there on time to pick them up. Tip: Boxes for copier paper from office supply stores are especially durable and easily stacked.

Start packing early, and be methodical. Take only what is necessary for daily life and important for sentimental reasons. If you haven’t used or worn stuff in years, have a garage sale or donate the items to a local charity. Your new place will look great without your old clutter.