Moving companies base their fees on factors such as cargo weight and the number of vehicles provided, according to John Bisney, director of public relations for the American Moving & Storage Association in Alexandria, Va.
So, an upcoming move is a great excuse to get rid of unused items. By lightening the load, you may wind up with more money in your pocket.
Getting rid of rarely used items "is good advice whether you are using a full-service mover or whether you're moving yourself," Bisney says.
"In either case, you are likely to save some money simply because you have less to move," he says.
You can even earn a few dollars by selling used items or donating them to charity and earning a tax deduction.
"Many charitable organizations will come to your house and take away your unwanted belongings for free," Poage says. "Then you will get a tax deduction for these items if you itemize them on your income tax returns."
Poage urges consumers to ask a tax consultant about charitable tax deductions, as they change frequently.
"Never move something that you will never use again," Poage says. "Donate it, sell it or recycle it."