If you're one of the approximately 50 million Americans moving this year, you probably don't want to spend a fortune to get from point A to point B.

With a little planning ahead, it's possible to execute a do-it-yourself move without breaking the bank.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 16 percent of all moves are work-related -- moving to find a new job or to be closer to a current job. Whatever your reason for moving, you don't have to pay a company to pack up your belongings and transport them to your new home.

Here are some easy ways to move yourself and stay on budget:

* If you need to rent a truck or trailer, especially if you only have a few large items that can't fit into your vehicle, check out your local big box retail hardware store. They often rent trucks and trailers by the hour at a fraction of the cost of renting from a moving company.

* Collect free boxes from friends, family and from local grocery and liquor stores. Save old newspapers to wrap valuables in instead of purchasing expensive rolls of bubble wrap.

* Plug in the refrigerator at your new place a day or two ahead of time. Pack frozen and perishable foods in a cooler with ice packs and unpack that food into your new fridge first. Having your food melt or go bad means an additional, and expensive, trip to the grocery store.

* Pick up change of address forms, free of charge, from the post office. Request a free "welcome kit" from the local chamber of commerce in your new community. These kits contain valuable information and often include money saving coupons for local businesses.

* Pack wisely and avoid filling boxes so much that they're too heavy for you to lift without help. You'll get more done with each person carrying their own box.

* Clear a path. Before you lift a load, make sure you've got a clear path to your destination. You won't be able to see well or move obstacles out of your way once the load is in your arms.

* Use the right tools for the job. Hand trucks can be rented inexpensively and should be used to transport multiple boxes at once or smaller items of furniture. Remember that hand trucks are not good for moving items up or down stairs and are difficult to maneuver around tight turns. For large pieces of furniture, appliances, stairs and tight spaces, try the Shoulder Dolly, an ergonomically designed, patented harness system that allows users to lift with their legs and safely pick up virtually any heavy or bulky item in the home (www.ShoulderDolly.com). Working in two-person teams, users simply strap into the Shoulder Dolly, slip the carrying strap under the item to be lifted, and then use their leg muscles to lift the weight. By using your legs (your strongest muscles), the Shoulder Dolly significantly decreases the strain and risk of injury to your lower back, hands, biceps and forearms.

* Don't end up in the hospital. When lifting a load, keep your back straight and bend your knees. Keep your head up and look straight ahead to ensure your back remains perpendicular to the ground. Hold the object securely and use the large, powerful leg muscles to lift the weight. Avoid twisting or turning at the waist when lifting. Turn your entire body by moving your hips first, which will force your shoulders to stay in line.

Moving to a new community can be a great adventure, if you go with the right attitude and a sound strategy for settling in. Make an action plan and you'll stay focused, organized and proactive -- just what's needed to put roots down fast.

Before You Go
* Complete a change of address form with the post office, which can be done online at usps.com. You'll also want to send your new address to any publications you subscribe to, as it can take up to eight weeks for the change to become effective.
* Contact the local Visitor's Bureau for materials about your new town, which should include a map. Identify important routes, such as those between your home and your office or your child's school.
* Make initial contact with childcare facilities. Depending on the area you move to, you may need to put your name on a waiting list.
* If possible, enroll your children in school. Firm plans will reduce the stress.
* Pack a box with essentials for your first few nights, such as prescription medicine, toiletries, a telephone, clothing, towels, toilet paper and bed linen.
* You'll also want to make arrangements to have utilities transferred to your name or turned on. In addition, you will want to set up appointments to have services such as telephone, cable and high-speed Internet connected.

Upon Arrival
* For safety and peace of mind, change the locks. You never know who has a copy of the house key.
* Locate emergency services -- police and fire stations and the closest hospital.
* Hang drapes or curtains to give you some privacy.
* Select one room, perhaps the family room, as a place of refuge. Make it a cozy space, free of unpacked boxes, empty cartons or anything else move-related.
* Stock the fridge with prepared entrees and the makings for no-fuss meals.

The First Week
* Check with the post office to see if they are holding mail for you. Finish sending out change of address to credit card companies, clubs, associations, friends and family.
* File away all documents related to the move. You'll need them for verification of moving expenses at tax time.
* Call your waste removal company or department of sanitation for a trash collection schedule.
* Open a bank account and arrange for a safe deposit box, if needed.
* Obtain a local driver's license and transfer the vehicle registration.
* Register to vote. Call the local Board of Elections for information.
* Take a tour of your neighborhood to become familiar with your new surroundings. Learn the routes to work, school, grocers, etc.

Help Your Children Adjust
* Maintain family routines. Kids will appreciate the continuity of family life.
* Involve the kids. Allow them to select new furnishings or decorate their rooms.
* Take your children to the local playground. If you move during the summer, it's likely they'll make friends there, which should ease the transition to the new school.
* Try to be home when the children return from their first day at school. Kids feel reassured when a parent is there to hear about their day.
* Watch for signs of adjustment problems. These can manifest with trouble-making friends, academic difficulties and irritability or depression.

Get Involved in the Community
* Spend time outdoors. Neighbors may greet you and come by for sidewalk chats.
* Walk your dog in an area where you see other dog owners congregating.
* Schedule an after-work coffee or dessert hour. Invite neighbors to drop by.
* Choose a place to worship and get involved; consider doing volunteer work.
* Select professional service providers such as doctor, dentist and financial and/or tax advisor.
* Find out if your community has a Newcomers Club. Your local library is a good place to start.
* Join a club or take up activities you enjoyed before the move.
* Take a job-related class to develop new professional contacts and update skills.

Don't hesitate to contact local financial and real estate professionals for more ideas or information about your new community. By re-establishing daily patterns and developing ties soon after arrival, your new environment will feel like home in no time.