It’s a buyers market; which means if everything goes according to plan people are going to start buying homes and moving into them.

Many of these people will be first time buyers who have just achieved their little slice of the American Dream.

But one thing they need to be aware of and prepared for so their dream does not become a nightmare is the whole moving process; because many people would argue that moving is one of the hardest parts of the whole home buying process.

It is even more difficult if you are moving from one house to another as opposed to a small apartment (with few belongings and furniture) into a regular house.

Moving can be stressful, expensive and overwhelming, so it is best if you plan things out in advance in order to eliminate stress and make the whole process a lot less expensive on your wallet.

A recent article by Diane Schmidt of about.com, “Moving money savers,” discusses some tips for moving and saving a lot of money in the process.

“Moving is expensive. In fact, most people aren't prepared for the bills or the amount of cash it actually takes to move, even if you're just moving across town. Knowing what you'll need to spend, where you can save and budgeting appropriately can help keep those dollars in your pocket where they belong.”

The first thing you need to do is make a comprehensive “to-do” list that details the entire scope of your move from beginning to end. Although this may at first seem like an intimidating task to accomplish, it definitely is not and will end up saving you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Planning your move not only requires you to go through your stuff to see which items you want to take with you and which are better left behind, but it also requires you to make a budget and estimate how much everything will cost.

“Before you start to pack, find out where you'll be spending your money. Figuring out exactly what you need to complete your move and how much it will cost, will determine how and when you move. This should be your first step in the planning process.”

Next you will want to decide whether or not you will be hiring a moving company or not. This all depends on where you are moving, how much stuff you have and how much money you want to spend on the move.

“This is where you can save the most money. Hiring a moving company can cost anywhere from $800 to $4000 depending on when and to where you'll be moving, plus how much stuff you have. Moving yourself, while it will take more time and energy, it may be the best option for your particular move. Find out how to weigh the pros and cons of each option before you decide.”

A simple way to save money instead of hiring a moving company is to rent a moving truck instead. This way, you will have enough room for all of your belongings, but you do not have to pay the movers, you can solicit your friends and family members for help instead!