Anyone who has ever financed a single move likely knows how easily the prices can add up. So much goes into moving. Weeks or even months of planning, getting all of your stuff packed up and ready to go, get in touch with moving companies, and more can build a lot of stress.
With all of these things on your mind, you might want to make things a little more affordable by looking up cheap moving companies. Saving money on moving is possible, and you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get your stuff to your new home.
Aren’t Affordable Moving Companies Too Good to Be True?
Nope, not at all. In fact, there are many companies that offer affordable moving services whether the customer is looking at local moving or even long-distance moving.
Of course, you don’t want to get a false sense of security and do business with just anyone. You should always do your due diligence on every moving company you think about hiring. Follow some of these tips to make sure you are checking out a legitimate company:
1. Ensure that the company meets all legal regulations
To make sure any potential moving company is working within the letter of the law, ensure that they have met all of the licensing requirements for your state, and inquire about their insurance policies.
2. Inquire about getting an estimate in person
Legitimate movers will come to your home and get a feel for how the job would need to play out. Visits for home estimates also give you a chance to explain your situation in detail so that they can give you the best price on your unique moving situation.
3. Trust your instincts
Remember the old saying “If something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.”? This quote applies to move costs, as well. If someone quotes you something that seems way too unrealistic, or there seem to be too many perks for cheap moving companies, then it might be wise to get a second opinion and avoid possible scams.
How Can I Save Money When Moving?
To start things off, you should always get more than one quote. Having more than one quote from professional movers will help you find the most affordable moving companies.
A smart thing to do before diving into the rest of the planning is to come up with a moving budget. Figure out your finances for a month or two after your move, and then set aside a moving budget to finance your move. If the goal is to save money on your move, then knowing your budget and sticking to it will help you achieve just that.
You will find that there are some other ways to cut costs on the moving process, as well. Think about some of the following when you are finalizing your moving plans.
Get Rid of Stuff You Don’t Want or Use Anymore
Got some stuff taking up space in your attic or spare bedroom that you simply don’t use anymore? Whether it’s that old tube television or bags of clothes you meant to give to Goodwill, the chances are high that you probably have several things sitting around the house that you don’t use and may not even want anymore.
Take a look at some of your possessions and consider downsizing. After all, you’re paying for the moving company’s time, and loading up a lot of things will take much less time than loading up a whole bunch of stuff. Also, if you have some belongings that you could sell, you might even make a little extra money out of your downsizing venture.
Cut Down on the Extra Costs
Cheap moving companies usually won’t offer many extras, but you’ll find many full-service long distance moving companies that provide several extra services. Some of these services can really add up the total on the moving cost.
To really cut down on or completely eliminate these extra costs, you’ll have to handle a lot of the tasks in your move yourself. Here are some of the costs that can make your bill jump, so have a plan in place to tackle these tasks yourself or enlist the help of friends:
Pack all of your belongings yourself
While it could be a huge help to have the moving company handle the home packing for you, you could save yourself a good bit of money by doing it yourself, or with the help of friends and family.
Get some moving boxes and supplies beforehand
While some moving companies charge a little extra for you to use their own moving supplies and boxes, you can save some money by getting your own moving boxes and other packing material.
Boxes can easily become by for free, simply by giving retailers near you a call and asking that they save some empty boxes for your upcoming move. Many businesses are glad to help someone in need and get rid of empty boxes at the same time.
If you’re really strapped, use a moving truck
If you are really strapped for cash, then renting a moving truck could be a great option for you. You will have to handle the loading and unloading yourself, but whether you are moving local or long distance, you’ll end up paying for the rental and for the gas, but you will not have any labor costs or additional fees.
For the sake of your personal safety, always have some extra help when moving heavy objects like furniture or heavy appliances into the moving truck.
Never underestimate the power of negotiation
Sometimes, it never hurts to simply ask the moving company if they can come down on their price a little. Most companies are understanding and they genuinely want your business.
Also, if you shopped around for quotes for your move, you can always mention that Company A offered to do it for a lower price. With any luck, Company B or C may match the lower price or beat it just to gain your business.
Know your projected moving date and book ahead
Moving companies get slammed in the late spring and early summertime, so one good way to save some extra money on your move is to book ahead of the other movers. You can also avoid last-minute fees this way. Many moving companies will be more than happy to come down on the price if you can work with them on a specified moving day ahead of time.
While it can be tempting to spend a little extra scratch and take advantage of some of the companies that offer perks like full-service moving and storage. While these perks are some of the best things the moving industry has to offer, making the move less stressful, it’s something you’ll have to make a few concessions on when looking to move on a budget.
Luckily, with enough help and a good deal of planning, it is really quite easy to move without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t let moving stress you out. It doesn’t have to be hard, especially when you have some tips that can help you move without hurting your wallet too much. Whether you’re moving locally or planning an interstate move, you may have some questions. Here are some answers to frequent questions about affordable moving:
How much money should I save up before my move?
Ideally, you should try to have enough money to cover all of your expenses for about three to six months. This way, you’d have enough money to cover unforeseen issues, like car troubles or doctors’ visits.
Of course, not everyone planning a move can afford that, so having any spare bit of cash stored away in your savings account in case of emergencies is a smart idea.
What is the cheapest way to move?
While depending largely on the amount of stuff you have and what all you’re planning on taking with you, the cheapest way to move by far is to simply rent a moving vehicle, pack up everything, and transport it yourself. The rental price for the truck will vary based on the size of the truck you need and the mileage you put on it.
Is there anything I should pack separately?
Yes, have all of your essentials with you in one bag, upfront. These could be things like your phone, wallet, medications, and critical papers (e.g., car title, insurance, etc.). This way, you have your important stuff right there with you, and you won’t have to worry about going through a lot of things to find them.
Moving Affordably is Possible
When looking for cheap prices for moving companies, you eventually have to make a few concessions. While the many great extras included with long distance movers can be a blessing for those not wanting to handle all the labor of their move, it takes a good deal of extra money for those services.
For moving on a budget, simply putting in the elbow grease to your move and handling most of the process yourself can save you a good bit of money, and you’ll get your exercise in, too.
