Moving can be expensive, but with a little bit of strategy and planning, you can save a lot of money on your relocation costs. From comparing quotes to moving during off-peak times, here’s a guide to help you get better moving prices and make your move more affordable.
Compare Multiple Quotes for the Best Moving Prices
The number one thing you should do when trying to save money on a move is to understand what different companies charge for their moving services. Moving costs vary significantly depending on the moving company, the season, and other factors. Start by gathering at least three quotes from reputable moving companies, and make sure to compare them carefully.
Getting Detailed Estimates
When requesting quotes, ask for detailed estimates. Many companies offer both online and in-person estimates. For the most accurate numbers, an in-person estimate is usually best, especially if your move is very large or complicated. An estimator will visit your home, assess your belongings, and provide a quote based on the weight or volume of items and distance to your new place. Be sure to ask questions about any fees that might be added later so you can make a comparison between all the companies you receive estimates from.
Understanding Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates
A binding estimate means the price is set and won’t increase as long as the details of the move stay the same. This can be helpful if you want a predictable cost.
In contrast, a non-binding estimate is only a rough idea of the total. The final price might increase if the move ends up taking more time or if you have more items than expected. If you choose a non-binding estimate, the final bill could be lower, but it could also be higher.
Book Your Move During Off-Peak Seasons
Another way to get better moving prices during your relocation is to avoid the busiest times of the year for moving companies. Moving during peak season means higher demand, which leads to higher costs.
Best Times to Move
If possible, plan your move for the fall or the winter. Summer is the busiest moving season since most families try to move before the new school year begins. Moving from October to April can usually save you some money since there’s less demand and movers are likely to offer more competitive pricing.
Avoiding Weekend and End-of-Month Moves
If you’re able to move on a weekday, you’ll probably get a better price than moving on a Saturday or a Sunday. Moving companies tend to be busiest on weekends and around the start or end of the month, since these are common times for leases to end. Choosing a mid-week move can reduce costs and give you more flexibility with booking.
Prepping Your Belongings Before the Movers Arrive
You can save a lot of money on your moving prices by prepping your belongings ahead of time. Here are a few ways to cut down on costs by getting ready beforehand.
Decluttering and Downsizing
Moving costs are usually based on the weight or volume of your belongings, so the less you bring, the less you’ll pay. Take some time to carefully go through your items and get rid of anything you don’t need. Not only will this reduce moving costs, but it will also making packing and unpacking easier for you.
Packing Yourself
Many moving companies offer packing services, but doing it yourself can save a lot of money. Gather materials like boxes, tape, and padding. Try to reuse packing materials from a previous move, or ask friends who recently moved if they have any extra supplies. You can also visit big stores like Walmart or Target and ask if they have any cardboard boxes that they’re discarding. Neighborhood apps and groups can be another good place to find free packing materials.
Instead of buying bubble wrap, you can also try wrapping fragile items in towels, blankets, or clothing. This will not only save on packing costs, but will help you use fewer boxes for your clothing items.
Ask About Discounts
You may be surprised to find that some moving companies offer discounts or special promotions, so it never hurts to ask if there are any deals available.
Common discounts include deals for seniors, military personnel, students, and AAA members. Even if you don’t fit into one of these categories, you should still try asking about possible discounts. Some companies offer seasonal discounts or early booking specials, which can provide even more savings if you plan ahead.
Rent a Truck Instead of Hiring a Full-Service Mover
If you’re moving a shorter distance or only have a small amount of things to move, renting a truck and handling the move yourself can be an even cheaper option, thus lowering your moving prices. Many truck rental companies offer trucks in various sizes to fit your needs, and you can still hire movers on an hourly rate to help you load and unload the truck if you’d still prefer some professional help. Be sure to also factor in the cost of gas, insurance, and any equipment like dollies or moving blankets.
Additional Tips to Save Even More on Moving Prices
Here are a few extra ideas to reduce your moving costs even further:
- Donate Items You Don’t Need: Not only can donating help reduce the number of items you’re moving, but you may also get a tax deduction for your donations.
- Use Media Mail for Books: Books are heavy and can add a lot to moving costs. Consider mailing them to your new address using USPS Media Mail, which offers a reduced shipping rate for books.
- Host a Yard Sale: Sell anything you don’t want to bring to your new place. This will reduce moving costs and put a little bit of extra cash in your pocket.
- Check Neighborhood Apps for Free Moving Supplies: People often give away boxes and packing materials after they move. Apps like Nextdoor or Buy Nothing groups are great places to check for free materials
- Use Suitcases and Storage Bins: Instead of buying extra boxes, use any suitcases, laundry baskets, or storage bins that you already own. These items are sturdy and easy to carry.
- Get Cashback on Moving Services: If you use your credit card to pay for your relocation, your credit card company may offer cashback rewards.
Conclusion
Moving to a new home can be expensive, but saving money doesn’t have to be complicated. By comparing quotes, avoiding peak moving season, preparing in advance, and asking about discounts, you can make your move more affordable and less stressful. Remember that a little planning goes a long way toward keeping your moving costs down and ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.
