How to Hire Cheap Moving Companies
The process of finding a good mover can seem daunting. But doing a little research is worth it. By shopping around, you can save money (sometimes more than $1,000) and avoid scams. Here are some steps to help you through the process.
Learn more about how to hire a cheap moving company and save money from the moving experts.
Ask friends, coworkers, and local real estate agents. Look in the phone book for moving companies that have offices near your home. You’re going to want to get an in-person estimate of how much your move will cost. Don’t rely on any estimate that comes from someone who hasn’t looked in every one of your closets. Don’t assume that big-name companies are best. Do not get estimates through websites that offer to “find you a mover.” Find the mover yourself and avoid the numerous scams associated with some of these sites. And don’t use household-goods brokerage services that find a moving company for you―they are not regulated by the laws that movers must follow.
Be flexible on the time that the movers pick up your stuff and when they deliver it. If you're willing to work within their timeframe, ask them if they will give you a price break in exchange.
Ask about moving larger items or specialty items. Snowmobiles, boats and other recreational vehicles will cost extra to move. If you're driving to your destination, look into the cost to rent a trailer and move the items yourself.
This sort of goes hand in hand with moving yourself, with the exception that if circumstances force you to hire a moving company, you could save substantially by packing your own boxes. Many moving companies will offer to professionally pack your boxes for you, but by doing it yourself you could save a serious chunk of change. Find cheap moving supplies by staying away from the major brand stores, and look in low-cost dollar stores. Even if you're able to easily get a hold of free or cheap moving boxes, you'll need to buy other supplies like packing tape and Styrofoam popcorn for fragile items.
