How to Cut Down Your Moving Expenses When Hiring Movers

A lot of people think that hiring a moving company is very expensive, but we are here to tell you that if done right, you can really cut down your moving expenses and still make your moving experience a memorable one!!

My friend, Jake, hired a moving company few months ago to help him move his home. All he did with his kids on the moving day was take pictures and play basketball while the movers did all the work. The secret? Jake hired full service movers who did all the work for him, including packing, unpacking, loading, unloading and driving. The only problem was that it cost Jake an arm and a leg!!!

Could Jake have saved some cash off his moving expenses???

As a moving expert, I think if he had done some research and avoid certain things, Jake could have paid much less for his full service moving. While moving is relatively expensive, you can actually cut back on costs and fees when you hire movers by doing some of the easy work yourself and not paying extra for every little thing. Even if you decide to rent a truck for your move, you can still save some money while moving. Remember, every little bit counts!!!

Before you decide to hire a moving company, rent a moving truck or opt for a DIY move, make sure you check this list below on what are somethings that can save you some money on your moving expenses.

1. Book Your Move Early: make up your mind about hiring a moving company or not and book the mover you want as early as possible. Movers often charge less when you book early,

compared to a last minute booking. Last minute booking means the movers have to find a way to fix your move within their schedule and they may bill you more.

Expert tip: start researching moving companies once you know you’re moving. Obtain free moving quotes from up to 6 licensed professional moving companies and compare their prices. Read reviews about the moving companies before hiring the best option.  

2. Try to avoid moving during busy season: Off-season moves tend to be less expensive. Summer months are usually considered busy season for moving companies, because majority people plan their moves during these months, for obvious reasons. A thoughtful decision on the best period to move can help you cut back on moving costs and fees. Negotiate with your movers and see if you can get an off-season period deal.

Expert tip: January-March & September-December are generally slower months. The cheapest moving date is during the second half of the month anywhere between 15 – 25 and Tuesday is the least preferred moving date. You can negotiate a significant discount with your mover by agreeing to move on a Tuesday during the second half of the month.

3. Don’t move what you don’t need: don’t be tempted to move things you don’t need with believe that you might need them later. Give things to your neighbors or donate to the local community, schools, hospital, prison etc. or you may hold a garage sale. Remember, the more weight your items have, the more you have to pay for when you move.

Expert tip: You can take the items you no longer need to a Goodwill store or drop them at the Donation Boxes put up in the nearest shopping centers. But first, make an itemized lists of all the stuff with their original value. Give the items to a donation center and ask for a receipt. You can file this away to use for a tax deduction on your income tax as a result of your generous donation. 

4. Additional costs and fees: Even tho movers can do everything for you, they usually charge extra for various services they offer, like packing, unpacking, assembling and disassembling furniture.  Ask about any possible additional fees or charges that may be incurred during your move. See if you can cut back or avoid all of them. Don’t be swept off your feet by unexpected additional costs and fees.

Expert tip: Try to pack and disassemble your furniture yourself. This saves time and money and also you can be extra careful to make sure you pack them safely. ask the moving company you hire for a binding estimate. You wouldn’t have to bother about extra cost and fees. The estimate you get before moving is binding, it does not change.

5. Be flexible on pickup and delivery: you may agree to work with your mover’s schedule. So your belongings can be picked and delivered at their time. But ask for a deal in exchange for such flexibility and you may easily cut back on costs by doing that.

Expert tip: moving companies are always happy if you can cut a deal on delivery time. If can be flexible on your delivery date by a day or two, negotiate with your mover and cut a very good deal on that.

6. Moving Pianos: if you intend to move a piano, find out the extra cost from your mover. Also, consider a third party such as a specialty mover. Compare the quotes you get from your mover and the third party and opt for the cheapest.

Expert tip: ask your moving company or the specialty mover about their insurance policy for moving your piano. Sometimes you may need to buy additional insurance. Always play safe! 

7. Appliances related charges: some appliances may require special effort to unplug, pack, load, unload, unpack and set up. Find out from your mover if any of your appliances may require such effort and if they charge for such.

Expert tip: If the movers decide to charge, see if any of your friends or colleagues could help you pack such appliances, or ask your local community outfitter for suggestions.

8. Inquire about moving larger items: snowmobiles, boats, kayaks and any other recreational larger items may cost more to move. If you intend to drive yourself to your new property, consider hiring a trailer to move such large items.

9. Get set for the move: don’t delay your move with unnecessary things. You can save costs by packing up your things yourself. As soon as the movers arrive, you should be set for the move. Movers often charge for unnecessary delays.     

Expert tips: if your friends and family are helping with the packing, make sure your pets are out of the way and your kids too. Label all boxes all sides and indicate what room you want them to end up. Schedule your utilities disconnection to a day after moving and do not forget to schedule for connection in your new home.  

10. Move into your new property immediately: avoid storage in transit, they often involve additional costs and fees after you’ve paid for the move in full. Before you move, make sure your new property is set, and you can move in immediately on delivery.  

Expert tip: if you must use self storage, rent the smallest possible space and pack it full using uniform box sizes.