Moving can be a substantial expense, especially if the move is out-of-state. The average in-state move costs over $1,000, while going across state lines bumps the average price fivefold. However, the good news is that by understanding the three dimensions of move pricing, you can lower your expenses. These three dimensions--weight, space and timing--can be manipulated by homeowners and will help keep costs under control. Below are several practical tips that will help you manage each dimension from a cost perspective:

Weight

The weight dimension refers to the overall weight of the objects moved. As you might imagine, the heavier the weight of your possessions combined, the more expensive the move. Here are some ways to lower the weight:

• Mail books - Books are dense objects, and they can add a tremendous amount of weight to a move despite their small relative size. Besides getting rid of books you don't need any longer, a good way to save money is to send books via the US Postal Service Media Mail service to your new destination. For example, it costs slightly less than $36 to ship a 70-pound box of books. In addition, media rates include items such as compact discs, digital video discs, and computer software, so feel free to toss those items into boxes along with books.

• Don't move heavy, low-value items - There are some things that don't make sense to move due to their low value-to-weight ratio, so leave them out. Such objects include soil inside pots without plants, large containers with inexpensive liquid products, bricks, firewood and scrap lumber.

• Sell or donate heavy items - If you own heavy objects, such as exercise machines, barbecue grills, and portable basketball goals, and your use of them has declined, it may be best to sell them in a garage sale or via an online venue. Alternatively, you can donate these items to a local charity and write off the market value of the goods on your taxes.

Space

The space dimension is a direct reference to the amount of cubic feet filled by your possessions. Moving van space is precious, and the more space your items take up, the more costly it is to move them. Here is how you can lessen the amount of space needed:

• Leave drawers packed - There is often no need to remove all your possessions from drawers; instead, leave items in place, wrap the drawers with plastic cling wrap, and slide them back into the furniture. The cling wrap will help keep items from falling out of the drawers should they be turned upside down or bounced around during the move.

• Use linens as padding - Bubble wrap is great for padding items, but you may be able to use your existing linens as capable substitutes. Padding objects with towels, blankets, and sheets will prevent the need to pack these bulky, space-consuming items in separate boxes.

• Reduce purchases of consumable items - Buying in bulk may be great if you don't have a move in the near future; however, it isn't wise to stock up on consumable items just prior to a move. As the date for your move approaches, cut down on the amount of food and paper items you buy and try to buy only what you need at the time.

Time

The last dimension of move pricing is time; this refers to both the amount of time it takes to complete a move as well as the time of month or year a move is made. Here is how to use the time dimension to your advantage:

• Color-code boxes - When movers are unloading your possessions, each hour it takes for them to complete the job costs you more in labor expenses. One way to hasten the move is to clearly mark boxes and items to designate where they should go in the new home. You can do this easily by purchasing packing tape in an assortment of colors and color-coding rooms or areas of the new house; this will immediately tell movers where a carton or piece of furniture needs to go when it leaves the truck.

• Move during off-peak periods - The summer months and days around the first of the month are typically the busiest times for movers. If you choose to move during those windows of time, then you should also expect to pay more due to the higher demand. One way to cut down on moving expenses is to schedule your move during the fall or winter and to also aim for the middle of a month, if possible.

To know more about moving costs, contact local moving companies. You can find more info here about moving services in your area.