How to Choose Budget-Friendly Movers
To choose budget-friendly movers, compare quotes from multiple companies while considering included services and reputation, and plan your move during off-peak times for potential discounts. Downsizing, handling tasks yourself, and exploring DIY options like truck rentals or moving containers can also reduce costs.
1. Compare Quotes for Best Deals
Budgeting for a family move can be tough, especially when you want to get the best possible deal and have a seamless transition. Start by getting at least three quotes from different movers. Be sure to ask for the same type of quote from each company (we'll explain types of quotes in a moment) so that you can make a direct and fair comparison.
As you go over these estimates, think about what each one includes. Some movers might offer packing services that are included in the cost and save money over the long term.
If you can, plan your move during the less busy months of the year, which run from October to April. The moving industry is not very active during this time, so many companies offer discounts to customers who book their services during these months. By moving when the movers are not as busy, you can save money.
"Don't simply accept the lowest bid—consider experience and dependability," says Jane Doe. If you take a little time and do a little work to compare costs, you can find movers who will fit your family's needs and your budget.
2. Choose Cost-Effective Services
To contain the costs of moving, especially for a young family, it is crucial to determine just how much of the process you can reasonably handle yourself. One effective way to do this is to decline the expensive, optional services that come with most moving packages.
Take into account the counsel of Michael DeGoey, who is the general manager of Clark Moving & Storage. He said that a moving service for a typical house could run between $10,000 and $14,000, as reported by The New York Times. If you pack your own boxes and lighten your load, you might be able to get that made-to-order price down to the low $5,000s.
Here are several pragmatic and affordable ways to help you deal with your transition:
- Downsize: Before you even start packing, evaluate your possessions. Get rid of items that are no longer necessary. This not only decreases the volume of items to move but can also provide extra cash by selling unwanted items. A smaller load may require a smaller truck, which means lower fuel costs and fewer trips as highlighted by City Moving.
- Efficient Packing: Utilize efficient packing methods to save time and energy. Following a well-structured packing calendar can streamline the process. The Moving Blog suggests creating a specific to-do list to manage packing and moving tasks systematically.
- Choose the Right Time: Planning your move during off-peak months such as October to April can result in lower service rates. City Moving advises that fewer people move during these months, offering you more choice in scheduling and potential for better deals on services.
It's up to you to make the move manageable and keep it within budget. You can do this in two principal ways: one, focus on what you can do and do that well, and two, be very selective about what you pay for and what you ask others to do. This book will help you devise a plan and will also help you figure out who can execute the plan and where they can do it, indoors and outdoors, to achieve a successful outcome.
3. Save with Discounts and Off-Peak Timing
Moving tends to be an overwhelming and expensive experience. However, if you plan meticulously and capitalize on places where you can save, you can mitigate both the stress and the financial outlay.
Relocating during the less busy season—between October and April—provides several advantages that can save you both time and money. The first is simply that the weather during this stretch is usually better. The second is that during this offseason, the demand for moving companies drops significantly. As a result, you should find it much easier to book a move during this period.
A good approach is to contact moving companies directly and ask about discounts or promotions that may not be advertised. Some movers may offer you reduced rates just for asking. When you contact a moving company, be sure to mention any offers from their competitors. This is especially worthwhile since many moving companies claim to be able to "price match."
Investigating memberships and associations could yield some savings. For instance, when members of the AAA or AARP move, they often receive additional discounts on services connected to the move. If you belong to one of these large organizations, be sure to ask about a moving-related service discount.
When you concentrate on these factors, you can obtain a top-notch service for a reasonable price. And you must always think about the price, even if you're not in a position to be overly concerned about it. Plan for both the on- and off-seasons. Consider the time of year you're moving and how that could potentially affect not just the weather but also the pricing of your move. "By being proactive in your approach to the moving industry, you can save a lot of money," moving expert Ethan Greenfield writes in "Moving Costs and Saving Tips."
4. Find Budget-Friendly Moving Alternatives
Considering cheap moving options can alleviate some of the financial pressure associated with shifting your domicile, particularly if you're part of a family that is experiencing growth. Two very straightforward alternatives—truck rental and use of a moving container—stand out as excellent ways to control your costs and your moving process. Moving Industry stalwarts U-Haul and Budget Truck Rental both offer competitive rates. They are both good choices for a DIY move.
If you're okay with doing the driving and want to have a little more control over your schedule, renting a truck can be a smart way to save on your move. Move.org says that for long-distance moves, Penske tends to be the cheapest option, while Budget Truck Rental is favorable for local moves.
Another economical alternative is using moving containers. Services like those offered by Zippy Shell allow you to pack your possessions into a container at your own leisurely pace. These services then take over when it's time to move and transport the container to your new home. This is sort of a halfway point between moving yourself and using a traditional moving company, but it's less costly than either of those options.
Think about the requirements of your family and the dimensions of your relocation. Work out which parts of the move you can handle without assistance and which parts will be difficult for you to manage and will therefore require you to seek professional help. When you budget for the move, pay particular attention to the parts of the project for which you will need to hire outside personnel. And when you choose between options that will help you get through the move, think about which ones make the most sense under your circumstances and will keep your move be a cost-effective one.
It's crucial to balance affordability with the services you need. Experts at Forbes note that you can be a wise spender only when you understand certain factors that affect the cost of moving, such as when during the year you're moving, how far you're going, and what kind of services you'll require. They also suggest that you look for anywhere from 10% to 20% in potential discounts, especially if you are a member of AAA or a veteran or are active-duty military.
5. Evaluate and Choose Movers Wisely
For a budget-friendly relocation, it's essential to do your homework on moving companies. The best customer feedback and the most flexible pricing keep these movers at the top of my list. To avoid any surprises when it's nearly time to go, steer clear of movers that give nonbinding estimates.
Contemplate the move’s distance and whether it’s local, long-distance, or international. This step alone will significantly narrow down the list of suitable movers. For long-distance moves, North American Van Lines and Mayflower Transit are two well-regarded companies with competitive pricing. Mayflower’s PCA is top-notch, and North American Van Lines has pretty much the same kind of service. If you need to do this move by yourself, U-Haul is the best truck-rental option. You might also consider U-Pack, which offers a container-service system where you pay only for the space you actually use.
It is crucial to ascertain a mover's reputation by looking at their customer reviews. These can help determine whether the mover can meet your particular service needs. Binding estimates are the way to go to avoid any unexpected charges on moving day. And if you can swing it, moving in the off-season or on a weekday may save you a considerable sum.
When it comes to moving, many people think of it as just another household project with a standard procedure to follow. In reality, it's a lot more like a construction project. Not only do you have to partially or fully dismantle your life, but you also have to put it back together again in a new location. And sometimes, you have to do that on a timeline. And all of that costs time and money. As with anything else that costs time and money, it's worth looking at some simple strategies to save both.
If you're not comfortable driving a rental truck, you can use moving containers or even enlist the help of someone through TaskRabbit to get you moved. But if you want the comprehensive service that, say, International Van Lines offers—without the hefty price tag—then you need to balance these options and find one that suits you. Because, at the end of the day, moving doesn't have to be an exercise in either efficiency or economy.
FAQ
How can I find the best deals on moving services?
To begin, get in touch with at least three different moving companies and request quotes from them. The quotes should be of the same type—binding or non-binding—to yield an accurate comparison. It’s important to ensure that any services you consider essential (like packing or additional insurance) are included in the moving services you compare. You should also read customer reviews for the companies you’re considering and ensure that the companies are licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (a good indication of reliability). For the potential of maximum savings, try to time your move between the months of October and April, which are generally considered the moving industry’s off-peak months.
What cost-effective services can help reduce moving expenses?
Figure out how much of the moving process you can realistically take on yourself. If you want to save money, you should opt out of add-on services like packing, storage, and the packing and unloading of the moving truck. To save even more, downsize to the essential items that you need for everyday living, use efficient packing methods, and request a moving time that is not busy.
Are there ways to save with discounts and off-peak timing?
If you move between October and April, you're doing it in the off-peak season, which can mean lower prices because demand is lower. Ask moving companies about any discounts or promotions that they aren't advertising. Use the offers of other companies as leverage when you're price matching. If you're a member of the AAA, AARP, or a Groupon subscriber, you might be able to get an extra discount because you're part of a group.
What budget-friendly moving alternatives are available?
If you want to save money on your move, consider renting a truck or using a moving container. U-Haul and Budget Truck Rental are two good options if you want to go the do-it-yourself route. They both offer competitive rates. If you prefer to pack and load your belongings at a more leisurely pace, you might consider moving containers, an option offered by companies like Zippy Shell. Whatever your choice, assess your family’s needs and the move’s requirements to identify which tasks you can handle on your own.
What factors should be evaluated in choosing movers wisely?
When selecting a moving company, it is prudent to conduct thorough research and pay special attention to customer feedback and price flexibility. Always choose a company that is able to provide a binding estimate. This will save you from unexpected overages down the line. It is also important to pay attention to the type of move you are making—local versus long-distance. If you are moving long-distance, North American Van Lines and Mayzlin Relocation are two top-notch companies to consider. For local moves or if you're looking for a DIY option, U-Haul and U-Pack are good choices. You can also save money by moving during the off-peak season. Finally, decluttering and obtaining multiple quotes are two simple and effective ways to save even more.