For a local move, moving companies generally charge an hourly rate along with travel time and a fuel surcharge to local moves. While most companies include the cost of furniture blankets, tape, and shrink wrap in the cost of the move there are companies that will charge extra for these items, even though they are standard items used on every move. Be sure to pay close attention to your estimate to see what you are actually being charged for. Before you start assembling moving boxes, throw open those drawers and cabinets and get to work decluttering. Experts go to the website suggest sorting items into piles to keep, toss, sell, and donate. Clearing out your unused and unwanted items makes the packing process more straightforward and is one of the best ways to reduce moving costs. Long distance movers charge for according to the distance of the move and weight of the shipment. You probably have at least a few hundred pounds of clutter lurking in your closets and overflowing from your drawers. Think what a relief it would be to move without this extra baggage!