If at all possible, try setting aside extra money for things like utility and cable deposits. While some areas don't require deposits to connect gas, electric and water service for new customers, many areas do, so it's imperative that you contact the utility companies in your new area as soon as possible in order to find out how much, if any deposit is needed. The same thing applies to cable and satellite TV as well. Depending on your new cable or satellite provider, you may be required to pay a small deposit, or even the first month of service in advance. If your credit is good, though, many cable and satellite providers will install your service absolutely free. Of course you'll need to contact the provider of your choice in order to find out their policies. It's also a good idea to ask about specials, as you could end up paying a substantially less amount for the same service, even if it's only temporary.

If you don't have the full amount to pay for move-in costs, there are many ways to move in for little or no cash. If you check thoroughly and ask around, you may be able to locate a house that needs various repairs. Many landlords who either don't have the time or the money to complete the repairs themselves will allow you to rent a house for practically nothing if you agree to make the necessary repairs yourself. Of course after all the repairs are completed you'll have to begin paying rent, but hopefully by this time you'll be able to pay the rent with no problem. If you're very lucky, you could even find a landlord willing to allow you to rent-to-own with such an arrangement.

Instead of purchasing boxes from a moving company, which can really become expensive if you have lots of things to pack, you can visit your local retail or grocery store and request boxes. These types of stores usually restock their shelves either early in the morning or late at night, when there aren't as many customers expected to be in the store. Visiting the store of your choice during one of these times is a good idea, and you can usually get all the boxes that you need absolutely free. The boxes will most likely be broken down, so you'll have to make sure that you have plenty of tape, but the cost of tape is certainly a lot cheaper than buying numerous boxes from a moving store. In addition, if you check Craigslist.com, you can often find ads from individuals giving away their used moving boxes for free.

Of course whenever you move, you have to consider how you'll get your things to your new house or apartment. Professional moving companies can be quite expensive, so if you're on a tight budget you may want to consider other options. Hiring a small, local company would definitely be a less expensive option. You can find these types of moving companies by checking for ads in your local newspaper or either on Craigslist.com. Another option is to ask for assistance from a couple of friends and move the items yourself. If you don't have a great deal of things, this would certainly be the most cost effective way to move. Depending on how much you have to move, if you have a large enough vehicle, you can make several trips and move everything even without renting a moving truck.

There is no reason to think that you need $5000 in order to move. As long as you plan as far ahead of time in advance and check around for lower prices, you can move for $500 or less. If your new utility and cable companies don't require deposits and you or a friend have a vehicle large enough to move all of your belongings, then the only thing that you'll have to pay are the move-in costs for the home or apartment. And if you're resourceful enough, you can even avoid all or most of those fees. Many apartment complexes offer various specials in order to attract new tenants. You could possibly nab a nice, luxury apartment within your price range for less than $200 in move-in costs. Of course in order to take advantage of such a special you have to have good credit, but even if you don't, there are still other specials that you can take advantage of, provided you find them.