If you are going to use a moving company, there are several ways to cut-down on your cost and save your precious Money
- Reduce your load
- Move during the off-season
- Ask the moving company or rental agency for a discount.
- Be flexible on the time that the movers pick up your stuff and when they deliver it
- Make sure you’re ready to move
Get rid of stuff you don’t need. Hold a garage sale, leave books with friends, the local library or sell them to a used bookstore. Anything you can’t sell, give to a local charity. Weight equals money. The less weight, the less money. It’s that simple.
Choosing the best time to move can save you money. Off-season is usually anything but June or July and any time other than the first and last of the month. If you have the flexibility, talk to your movers and see if they can give you a deal.
Most long-distance movers charge fees based on a book called Tariff 400, which is published by the American Moving and Storage Association. Tariff 400 instructs moving companies on how much they can charge based on weight and distance. Most companies already discount the suggested price by at least forty percent. So, when you’re asking for a quote, ask how much they are discounting the move from the price listed in Tariff 400, then ask for an even better deal. Companies have to stay competitive and this is the only way they can.
If you’re willing to work within their timeframe, ask them if they will give you a price break in exchange.
Moving companies may charge extra if they have to help pack last minute items. Pack it yourself and have everything ready to go. If you have furniture that needs to be disassembled, ask the moving company when they provide the estimate if this service is included. Sometimes it is and other times it shows up on your bill as an extra fee.
