How Can I Reduce My Moving Costs and Which Fees are Negotiable?
Choosing a Date Outside Peak Moving Season; Insurance Rates
To reduce moving costs try choosing a specific date that is not during their peak seasons for moving. Certain days or months will be considerably lower than during their peak season.
Another tip is choosing a smaller storage space if required. The smaller the storage space, the cheaper it will be.
A negotiable fee would also be insurance rates. If you only buy the coverage you are actually going to need this will result in cheaper costs. You do not need to opt in for full coverage on the vehicle.
You can also negotiate elevator fees or fees on heavier items. These tips should help you save money on moving costs.
Plan Early, Use Your Own Materials, and Shop Around; Negotiate Everything
First, you must start planning early – I’m talking about booking movers two months in advance. Rates are always best when you arrive early.
Refrain from paying extra for fancy boxes or packing materials. Hit up local stores for free boxes and use what you already own for padding. Wrapping your plates with towels and blankets saves significant moola.
Get quotes from at least three moving companies and compare costs. I’ve seen thousands of differences between the highest and lowest bids. Shop around!
If your timing is flexible, aim for midweek or mid-month moves. Weekends and end-of-months are premium times that spike rates. Plan accordingly.
As for fees, everything’s negotiable. Discuss all options for packing/unpacking services, insurance plans, and storage fees. Removing anything you can DIY helps. Ask about carrying heavy stuff and long-distance trips, too – those extras add up if you need to be more careful.
Rent a Truck and Hire Movers Separately; Negotiate Labor
Instead of hiring a moving company with the movers and their truck, rent out a U-Haul truck on your own and hire movers separately. Most often, Home Depot and wherever you rent the U-Haul truck will be able to provide you with people willing to work and be hired. You can set the amount based on the hours you need and it will cut the cost of a moving company itself considerably!
If this option does not work, you can also negotiate with the moving company on what you are willing to do on your own and what you need them to do. Most often, movers have a set price thinking you will have them do the packing and loading. See how flexible the company is and have your family and friends do some of the work to offset the cost.
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