How to negotiate with moving companies?
Moving can be an expensive process. That is why we all want to downsize the relocation costs as much as possible. One of the ways to cut down on moving expenses is to prepare in advance and organize most of the things yourself. On the other hand, negotiating moving costs is the other to save money when moving. Learn how to negotiate with moving companies using our guide and keep your relocations costs within the budget for your move.
Start with the basic moving calculations
One of the first things you should do when preparing for your relocation is to prepare your moving budget. Calculate the overall moving costs without the price of your relocation company service. This way you will have the basic idea about your moving budget. When you know how much money you can spare for moving home, make sure you handle all the necessary paperwork for your move. Find out how much it will cost you to:
- Change your address
- Gather all the necessary paperwork if moving to another country
- Make sure you know the round figure for your traveling expenses
- Change your utilities
- Rent your new residence
After you know how much it will cost you to get all the paperwork in order, consider your moving timeline. If you are moving at the last minute you may not be able to negotiate with moving companies and lower the price for the professional moving service. Although, if you can have a flexible moving date, you will have the possibility to negotiate your relocation expenses with quality residential movers in your area.
Before you start organizing your move, make sure to check your current residence before you contact your landlord. In this situation consider doing small repairs if necessary to make sure you get your security deposit back. That way you will save on renting your new home. On the other hand, if you own your current home, consider finding the possible tenants. They can move in after you move out. However, if you are planning to buy your new home, consider finding potential real estate before you even organize your move.
Decluttering will save you money
If you are planning to negotiate with moving companies and lower down your relocation expenses make sure you declutter your home before you ask moving companies for the official moving estimate. Make sure to get rid of and sell all the items you no longer need. Belongings you haven’t used for a long time shouldn’t be a part of your moving cargo. Because your more will calculate the price of your moving costs based on the size and weight of your moving cargo.
You can save a lot of money on your relocation costs if you make sure your movers transport only essential items to your new home. You should consider selling the items that are in good condition before the moving day. This way you will save money on your moving quote and still be able to cover other move-related costs.
Get the best moving quote
Before you wish to negotiate with moving companies, you should get multiple moving quotes. Make sure to research Better Bussines Bureau to find the most reliable moving companies in your area. That way you will be certain you don’t get scammed while moving to your new home. After you find the trustworthy moving company for your move, consider asking for the estimate in person.
Most quality moving companies will send a representative to your home to do the estimate. This way you will get the most accurate estimate for your move because the estimate will represent the final price of your move. The final moving quote will represent the full amount without any additional charges at the end of the relocation process. When you get the estimates, you can compare the prices and plan how to lower the quote when you negotiate with moving companies.
How to negotiate with moving companies?
The first thing you should check out before you start your negotiations is looking at the mover’s websites. They may announce various deals or discounts they offer. If that is not an option, consider contacting the moving company that gave you the estimate. It is best if you ask your movers to explain the conditions of your relocation in detail.
You should know what the moving estimate you have includes. Usually, the moving estimate will include the basic moving service without packing or without the price for the packing materials. If that is the case, you can negotiate your moving estimate and ask how much will you save if you provide your own packing materials. Or, how much lower the estimate will be if you pack your belongings yourself. Before you consider this final option, make sure you can move and pack big and bulky furniture pieces and appliances in your home.
Be flexible!
If you can’t negotiate with moving companies and lower your relocation costs when packing by yourself, consider asking for the lower rate based on the flexibility of the moving date. Your reliable movers may have the busy moving season and they will be able to lower your costs if you choose the date that is more convenient to your movers.
You can negotiate with moving companies and lower down your moving quote even
if you move long distance. In this situation, you may be flexible about shipping. In most cases, you will want your belongings to be at your new home within a few days upon your arrival. But if you are open to the possibility that your belongings take a little bit longer to arrive, you may be able to save a lot on your shipping expenses. Most moving companies will advise you to use sea freight shipping the air freight shipping because is much more affordable.