5 frugal ways to make moving easier

Have things that you just don't need or want anymore? Consider three options:

• If you have items that still have some life left in them -- just not in your house -- donate them. Charities such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill run thrift stores, where they'll sell your stuff and use the proceeds. Or dial up the thrift stores in your area to see if they have a market for the items you're unloading. You can put the money toward your move or your new place.
• Have a stack of old books? Call a used bookshop and see if you can sell or trade your titles. Ditto at used-record stores.
• For broken or worn-out items, if time is more important than money, services such as 1-800-Got-Junk? will haul it away -- and recycle anything that's salvageable. And since you're not paying to move it, this can save some coin.

Also, many big-box electronics stores will accept and recycle old electronics free.