As is common across many service businesses today, the cost of full service moving has increased a lot in the past few years. Part of this cost has to do with rising gasoline prices and an overall shortage of qualified truck drivers, which has increased labor costs. Regardless of the reasons for the increases, it makes sense to try to take some simple steps to reduce your out of pocket moving costs. Whether you are paying for the move yourself, or your relocation is an employer paid move, saving money on your move can free up some additional dollars to handle other relocation related expenses that you are likely to incur.

Below are 5 simple suggestions to help you control the costs on your next move:

1. 1. Since most long distance moves are based on the weight of your shipment, it is important to seriously evaluate the need to move certain heavy items. In the planning stages of the move, check areas of your home for items that have not been used for a long time period and simply dispose of the in some manner. Often when someone is moving, they will have garage sales or donate items that are no longer needed. It is simply not wise to pay good money to move unused or seldom used items.

2. 2. Packing services performed by the mover are often as expensive as the transportation cost itself. Having a professional do the packing is normally preferred, but may not always be an affordable option for all families. Even if you are having your goods packed by the mover, there are some ways of saving money on those services. For example, items that are nonbreakable such as linens and bedding can be packed easily without the risk of damage. In addition, books, toys and games, plastic ware, tools and inexpensive items can be packed by you. Remember, most movers will be happy to do a partial pack of your goods, and every carton you pack yourself will save money.

3. 3. Movers do not generally disconnect or reconnect appliances such as washer/dryer. And icemakers. A 3rd party company is hired to do that service, which requires a service trip to your home as well as a service rate. If you are friends or family members are able to disconnect and reconnect these appliances yourself, you can often save a lot of money.

4. 4. As you would expect, every service that you have a professional mover perform will come with an additional cost. If you have items that are located at a storage unit or at another location, you should try to move those items to your home so that extra pick-up charges would not apply. Most items that need to be disassembled can be done so by the mover, examples are beds and entertainment centers. However, other items such as exercise equipment, outdoor gym and play sets, and certain other pieces will require extra labor, and your charges will be increased. Whenever, possible disassemble and reassemble these items yourself.

5. 5. The time of the year that you are moving can affect your costs. June, July, and August are the most expensive months to move in because there is a larger demand for moving services. If possible, plan your move before or after those months. If you are forced to move during the summer, try and plan your move in the middle of those months. Rates are higher at the beginning and the end of the month. Throughout the year, the busiest time to move is the last few days and the first few days of the month. This is due to the large number of apartment leases that have month-end lease term dates. If you can be flexible with your move dates, you may be able to negotiate higher discounts from the moving company as they may be able to work your shipment into other shipments that they have booked.

Finally, if you are working on a budget, be open and have a conversation with your chosen moving company. Many companies can find ways to work with you and there may be other things that you can do yourself to help reduce the total cost. Most moving companies earnestly want to gain your business and will strike an appropriate balance between services provided and costs to meet your family's relocation budget.