Moving is a time when your expenses can seem like they’re out of control. Who doesn’t like to save money moving? We pulled together a short list of ideas that can leave your pocketbook with more money and bring you peace of mind so you can enjoy your new home without breaking the bank.
Move on a slower day
If you’re moving at the end of the month, expect to pay more for it. It doesn’t matter if you’re moving on June 30th or November 1st, the end of the month is typically the busiest for moving companies and the term “surge pricing”, popularized by Uber, is very real in the moving industry. It all comes down to supply and demand, and if you’re calling when there’s one last truck remaining, be prepared to pay more. Mid-month moves are also fairly popular, so try to stay away from moves on the 15th of the month. Even shifting to the 13th or 14th, when a mover has more trucks available, opens you up to ask for discounts or extras, such as free packing boxes. If you can, schedule the move midweek, since weekends are popular. Check with your moving company: Weekday moving rates can be substantially lower if their employees have to be paid overtime for weekend moves.
Book in advance
Good moving companies are far and few in between. Those who have great reputations tend to be booked for months in advance. You don’t want to be the guy or gal calling in two days before your move and get stuck without options, or a sky-high price. Even if your exact move date isn’t finalized, try to get penciled in a month in advance—especially if you need to move at a popular time. That will give you a little more power to negotiate.
Beware of moving company bargains
This may sound completely contrary saving money, however, as the saying goes, if it’s too good to be true…it probably is.
Some companies may advertise low rates that seem much cheaper than the industry average. Hiring one of these companies may actually end up costing you a lot more in the form of hidden fees, damages, and stretched out hours, not to mention the additional stress. One of the most common scams is a when moving company will provide a low estimate initially and hike up the price once belongings are loaded on the truck. Make sure you vet your company, looking for information like online reviews, BBB ratings, making sure they have a physical address and licensing information.
Budget the DIY move
Renting a truck and moving yourself is always a great way to save money. However, most people overlook additional costs such as packing materials, additional labor, insurance, and of course, time requirements.
Best practice is to add up the costs and tack on another 25% for unexpected surprises to get the true cost of your DIY move.
Get rid of stuff before moving
If you don’t envision yourself using an item in the future, get rid of it before your move. There’s no sense in taking up square footage or weight in the truck with items that you don’t really want anyway.
Protect your valuables
Nothing adds more to your costs than dealing with damaged items. Just one item like a television or a piece of furniture can easily double your moving costs if damaged. Investing time and specialized packing materials on common things that can get damaged during your move to goes a long way.
This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgement of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by RBC Ventures Inc. or its affiliates.
