How to Reduce Moving Costs For Real
June 3, 2024
Whether you’re moving cross country or just across town, the costs associated with a move can really add up fast if you’re not careful. According to recent studies, the average American will move 11 times in their lifetime. With professional movers charging $2,000 – $5,000 even for local moves, expenses can become significant over time. However, with some strategic planning and smart choices, it is absolutely possible to save money on your next moving. In this guide, we’ll cover some proven tactics for reduce moving costs that can take hundreds or even thousands off the total bill.
One easy way to reduce moving costs is to take on certain tasks yourself rather than hiring help for every step. For example, you can save a lot by packing your own boxes ahead of time. Movers will charge premium rates for this labor-intensive job.
Packing early also helps prevent last-minute rush packing issues. Consider packing non-essentials yourself and hiring load-only services which are generally cheaper. You can also try three-day-long-distance self-moving options like U-Box pods that do the driving for you.
Getting accurate, up-front binding estimates from several moving companies is key. Most will provide free at-home estimates, but make sure every quote is for the same inclusions and you understand any additional fees.
Reputable sites like WowMover.com that connect users to top-rated local and long-distance moving companies nationwide can help streamline comparison shopping. Finding the right balance of cost, communications, flexibility and customer satisfaction will save you a lot of trouble down the line.
An obvious way to cut costs is moving less stuff! Before your relocation date, go through every room of your home and yard sale or donate anything you no longer need or use. Limiting what gets packed and transported also reduces cleaning, packing supply and weight fees.
For expensive bulky items like furniture, consider selling them rather than moving if the resale value helps to reduce moving costs. And opt for light, collapsible boxes if possible over solid crates which are more expensive per container.
Certain moving tasks don’t necessarily require hiring full-service help. For example, empty smaller personal or office storage units yourself easily with a rental truck rather than movers’ labor. Clean and disconnect major appliances before the move so they aren’t charged at an hourly services rate.
If you’re renting your new home, pack non-essentials in portable tubs before final cleaning at your old place to avoid storage fees. And consult online guides to disassemble some large furniture yourself to avoid complex-item premium rates. Every little bit you DIY cuts costs significantly over time.
The time of year and days of the week you move can directly impact your bottom line. Moving in January may seem miserable, but it’s often less busy and cheaper versus peak seasons of May through September. Thursday through Sunday moves tend to carry premium weekend rates as well.
Consider scheduling for a new place that will be ready 2-3 days before your actual move date to use short-term storage on-site free of charge. And avoid holidays or major moving seasons whenever possible,This could help reduce moving costs and not be affected by high demand. Strategic planning up front goes a long way.
Most movers offer regular discounts between 10-30% for military, student, teacher, first responder and senior citizen moves. Ask up front about any advertised promotions too before signing estimates.
You can also save booking an early-bird long-distance moving reservation more than 4-6 months out or paying the entire estimated charges by certified check or wire rather than on arrival. Combining savings opportunities maximizes cost reductions.
DIY container storage solutions like PODS, U-Pack, and 1-800-Pack-Rat pods are a budget-friendly alternative to full-service movers. The drop-off container approach avoids paying hourly truck and labor rates if you load it yourself over a few days.
Pods are then delivered by the company straight to the new address at your scheduled time so you’re not rushing the packing process. Look for initial special offers and know average pod rental pricing to budget appropriately up front.
Renting your vehicle yourself from U-Haul, Budget, or other rent-by-the-day services to haul belongings can save over full-mover costs if you have help loading and unloading. Be sure to reserve well ahead, especially for peak timing. Consider used “rent-me” trucks for multiday rental discounts.
Always buy the damage protection on rentals but maintain the vehicle carefully to avoid unnecessary fees at return. Fueling up with gas receipts helps resolve disputes too. Moving yourself is very doable for cost-conscious folks.
Around moving time, consider staying with friends, family or renting a long-term AirBnB near your new location short-term. Motels also offer weekly rates that split duration cheaper than daily pricing.
This avoids rush packing and moving multiple times. Storage units nearby reduces truck driving fees too. Research furnished sublets or temporary corporate housing also as potentially cheaper options to save on unpacking costs for 30+ days. Out-of-the-box thinking pays off.
A good moving company wants returning customers and will work with you creatively. Be fully transparent on your budget limitations but not demanding. Let movers know you appreciate any help lowering expenses through package deals, waiving peak fees or reducing inclusions.
Honest, friendly communication is key to getting counteroffers and price matching other estimates. It’s okay to ask “what’s the best you can do for my situation?” Presenting feasible solutions to reduce costs together seals the deal amicably.
In summary, moving savings require planning, research and engagement on your part. But reducing moving expenses anywhere from 15-50% is absolutely possible with the right strategies.
Are you going to look for a removalist to relocate your office or move to a new apartment? Relocation is usually a difficult endeavor because it entails the worry of not knowing how things will end out. In today’s world, nothing is impossible, and you can move with ease if you have a professional and reputable removalist on your side.
However, with so many options on the market, you must exercise caution when selecting a removalist. This is because you will entrust all of your household belongings and furnishings to the removalist.
We’ve put up a few pointers to assist you pick the best removalist so you don’t have to worry about the safety of your stuff.
Follow these guidelines to find the best removalist for your job:
Aside from looking at the certification, double-check the number of years they’ve worked in the moving industry. A higher number of years equals more experience.
You should conduct extensive research before choosing a moving company. Begin with word of mouth. Check with family and friends to see if they can provide any references. The next step is to conduct some internet research. Make a list of a few removalists’ names and then look at their websites and moving reviews. Take a look at what others have to say about their experiences with movers. Check out their social media pages to see what people are saying about them.
Ask the removalist for the details of the vehicle in which your goods will be loaded and the equipment with which they will pack for transferring your belongings before you finalize the removalist. A good company will have high-quality packaging materials, well-trained employees, and its own moving truck. If you discover that your goods will be crammed into a small truck, politely decline. Don’t be hesitant to spend a few extra money to have a better moving experience.
Before you book anything, make sure the removalists provide insurance for your items. Insurance options for your things will be available from a reputable company. Some of your possessions are priceless, and while transferring them, there is a risk of cracks or other damage. You will have peace of mind knowing that your valuables are covered with insurance from the movers, even if an accident occurs.
Also Read: Why It Is Important to Make Sure Your Moving Company Is Insured?
Always get many price quotes and compare them. Don’t go for the cheapest option because it may result in more charges down the road. Always choose with the removalist that offers a fair price and guarantees that there are no hidden fees. Stick to your budget, but don’t be afraid to spend a few more bucks for a better relocation service.
These are a few pointers to consider while choosing a removalist. The more prepared you are, the less stressful your move will be. Once you’ve decided on a removalist, get down with them and discuss the next steps. So, what exactly are you waiting for? Get in touch with a reputable removalist right away! Call us at (866) 377-4741
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Driving a moving truck is convenient, but if they are packed or driven incorrectly, it can be dangerous. These pointers will show you how to load and drive a moving truck with ease.
When renting a moving truck, there’s a lot to consider. What size truck will you require? What documents are required to secure the rental? How do you pack the truck efficiently and safely? These frequently asked questions are at the heart of what our customers want to know when they use our moving trucks.
Fortunately, we realize how to load a moving truck like a pro, and we additionally realize how to get you from A to B effortlessly. The following are some useful moving truck tips to consider before, during, and after the move. We’ll initially examine the planning stage, then, at that point get into packing lastly, how to drive a moving truck.
However much you’d presumably prefer to avoid directly over this progression, you need to have something like a bit of moving truck information prior to hopping solidly into the driver’s seat.
Wowmover can just lease moving trucks to authorized drivers over 21 years old. The driver of the truck should bring a current driver’s permit, a legitimate insurance card, or a payment deposit.
This knowledge will assist with ensuring you have the appropriate moving truck rental size. Uncertain of which size to go with? Recollect that it’s smarter to say you will store more and not wind up utilizing that space than to say you need a little truck and wind up requiring more space – or perilously over-burdening your rental.
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Using time effectively is key in this cycle. Moving trucks are relegated to explicit time allotments, so find out your area’s store hours and plan out how long you will require. You don’t need late charges in the event that you end up returning later than you ought to. Arranging and effective moving are indispensable to remaining on time.
Guaranteeing a smooth and consistent moving truck rental cycle includes more than basically driving and giving the truck in. Ensure you have the accompanying on your radar:
Also Read: Moving Checklist 2021: Necessities for Smooth Moving
For an effective move, you need to be systematic with how you load the moving truck. Contingent upon the number of items, this is certainly not a troublesome interaction, however, can take a little arranging. Fight the temptation to send every one of your assistants into the house and have them randomly throw in boxes to the truck.
Have certain individuals moving boxes and furniture to the outside of the truck. Have someone else that stays with the moving truck and is accountable for getting sorted out it. They will sort things by their weight and sensitivity. Give this individual the accompanying rules.
Also Read: How to Properly Secure your Furniture while Moving
Some moving truck rentals might furnish covers and carts to help with your pressing, so check with the organization when you make your rental reservation.
Driving a moving truck may be a new encounter that you’ve just at any point driven little cars. There are some basic advances you can take to make driving consistent and peaceful. Before you turn on the start, think about the accompanying guidelines.
It’s not difficult to underestimate clearance signs – regardless of whether we’re maneuvering into a parking structure, driving under spans, or snatching burgers from an inexpensive fast-food drive-through, we as a rule don’t need to mull over the height of our vehicle. Up to this point, that is.
Moving trucks can at times be excessively high for these low-clearance entries, so you’ll need to take into consideration the perfect measure of overhead clearance. Prior to working the rental, figure out how tall the vehicle is and remember that prior to driving under anything with a clearance limitation.
Your moving truck rental isn’t actually going to deal with like the family car thinking about that it tends to be up to multiple times heavier. Wary velocities, wide turns, and slow stops are your key to security.
In the event that you reach a fast stop, recollect that the things in the back are going at the speed you’re going – so give yourself a lot of time to try not to harm your things.
Driving moving trucks is somewhat unique in relation to driving your vehicle, Trucks have a programmed transmission, so you don’t need to stress over learning standards, however, make an effort not to suddenly slow down. On the off chance that you reach a fast stop, recall that the things in the back are going at the speed you’re going – so give yourself a lot of time to try not to harm your things.
In contrast to your ordinary vehicle, you have no back see reflect within the cabin. To know what’s behind you or close by you as you drive, you should check your vulnerable sides routinely and consistently track the vehicles around you.
You will likewise have to give shut down consideration to street signs –if you need to converge into another path, steer onto an off-ramp or move out of a quicker moving path, you should know what’s in your vulnerable sides.
Prior to turning the key, you’ll need to check your mirrors to ensure they are appropriately adjusted.
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Either you’re relocating your studio-sized life across town or moving to a new house, a trailer rental is a less expensive alternative to a full-sized moving truck—as long as you’re prepared to haul it.
A trailer rental service or tow dolly may also be viable solutions if you need to transfer your automobile and auto shipping is out of your budget.
U-Haul has the largest assortment of enclosed trailers and car carriers of any national company we’ve looked at. However, if you’re already renting one of their moving trucks, Budget and Penske are excellent choices for car carrier rentals.
You may rent U-Haul’s trailers individually, so you don’t have to rent a moving vehicle to get a cargo trailer or a tow dolly. This set U-Haul apart from its rivals, which need you to hire both moving trailers and auto trailers/tow dollies.
In addition to car carriers and tow dollies, U-Haul is the only firm on our list that offers moving trailers (the others don’t). In fact, U-Haul outperforms the competition with its thirteen trailer selections.
However, be wary of hidden fees—U-Haul has a reputation for adding extra charges to your final bill.
Cargo trailers are less than rental trucks, but they provide the same level of weather protection. If you’re relocating bedroom furniture, fragile things, or that costly West Elm desk you always use a coaster with, you’ll need one of these.
It all boils down to this: if you want to be safe, cargo trailers are the way to go. You won’t have to worry about highway debris getting into your possessions, and you won’t have to worry about a sudden torrential rainfall destroying your velvet sofa.
| 6’ x 12’ | 5’ x 10’ | 5’ x 8’ | 4’ x 8’ | |
| Weight limit | 2,480 lbs. | 1,550 lbs. | 1,800 lbs. | 1,650 lbs. |
| Long-distance vs. local | Long-distance | Long-distance | Long-distance | Long-distance |
| Price per day | $29.95 | $29.95 | $14.95 | $14.95 |
| Best for | Larger loads of furniture | 1–2 bedrooms | Single room, twin bed, couches, chairs | Single room, dorm room |
Outdoor or larger items, such as landscaping equipment or your brand-new gas barbecue, are great for utility trailers.
We wouldn’t put your Restoration Hardware sectional in one of them, but if you’re carrying patio furniture, a lawnmower, or other items that can handle an open highway trip, we say go for it.
EZ Ramps are available on several utility trailer sizes, allowing you to slide large items onto the bed rather than lifting them. Although these open trailers are not lockable, they do come with tie-down rings to keep your belongings secure.
You can rent a car or motorcycle trailer to tow your vehicle if you don’t want to spend money on auto shipment. Your car rides on top of the trailer, preventing wear and tear on your tires while on the road.
As a result, if you’re moving lengthy distances, we recommend investing in a car trailer (i.e. 300 miles or more).
U-Haul Car Hauler Car trailers from U-Haul can tow vehicles weighing up to 5,290 pounds. To put this in context, a Ford F-150, a heavy-duty pickup truck, weighs between 6,000 and 7,000 pounds. Before you rent an auto trailer, double-check your car’s specs to verify if it’s towable.
Although a tow dolly is less expensive than a car or motorcycle trailer, it provides less protection. It simply supports the front wheels, rather than elevating the vehicle totally off the ground. Even though your car’s back tires drag on the road, it still saves you money on gas.
A tow dolly may be all you need if you have a smaller automobile and a limited budget. However, this approach is appropriate for local moves; long-distance moves will put too much wear and strain on your back wheels.
So How much exactly it will cost?
Renting a trailer from U-Haul is less expensive than renting a trailer from any of the other companies we looked at. Because you can reserve a U-Haul trailer without paying the entire price of a truck rental, this is the case.
The following factors influence U-basic Haul’s rates:
U-base Haul’s rates, to be honest, appear to be too good to be true. Here’s the catch: U-Haul has a habit of jacking up your bill with last-minute surcharges like gas and mileage fees, as well as damage protection policies.
Penske, unlike U-Haul, has a solid reputation for customer service and transparency, and it delivers on the features and perks it advertises. When it comes to Penske, you basically get what you see, which is something that only a few moving firms can boast.
Penske, for example, ensures that your selected truck size and pickup location are available. Other businesses may provide this service, but only at a premium.
Our only quibble? Penske rents automobile trailers but does not lend out other sorts of trailers. Furthermore, you are not permitted to pull its trailers with anything other than a Penske rental vehicle.
The three-point tie-down mechanism on Penske’s car trailers keeps your vehicle secure and prevents it from shifting. They also have a ramp to make loading everything from your mother’s expensive Mercedes to the beat-up Toyota you bought in college a little easier.
Penske specializes in the transportation of automobiles
Penske’s car trailers are best for automobiles with all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, and their weight restriction is lower than U- Haul’s. Consider whether Penske is the best choice for your vehicle type before making a reservation.
Weight limit
4,050 lbs.
Front-wheel drive
Yes
Four-wheel drive
Yes
All-wheel drive
Yes
Best for
All-wheel or rear-wheel-drive cars
Long-distance vs. local
Long-distance
Penske’s vehicle dollies, like its car trailers, can only be pulled behind a Penske truck. However, unlike its vehicle trailers, its vehicle dollies have a higher weight restriction than U- Haul.
One reason to use Penske over U-Haul is if you know your automobile is heavier than typical.
Weight limit
4,300 lbs.
Front-wheel drive
Yes
Four-wheel drive
No
All-wheel drive
No
Best for
Front-wheel drive cars
Long-distance vs. local
Local
Penske does not have a predetermined rental rate. The price of its automobile trailers and tow dollies is determined upon availability. The more car carriers and tow dollies it has on hand, the less it costs to rent them. They’ll be more pricey if there are fewer of them.
It was difficult to determine the exact cost of Penske trailers because the corporation is secretive about its costs
For example, we received a quotation of $275 for a car trailer from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Portland, Oregon. However, depending on how many trailers the Portland Penske has on hand, the cost of moving from Portland to Salt Lake City may be quadruple that.
Seasonality has an impact on rates as well. The figures we received were for the winter, but fees might easily rise if we phoned again in May or June.
If you’re wondering what Budget is great for, its name should tell you all you need to know.
Budget is great for those on a tight budget. While you can only rent a car trailer or car dolly as part of an existing truck reservation, the company provides reasonable rates and a variety of promotions to help you save money.
And if you’re relocating locally, the charges are considerably lower.
Budget’s car trailers lift your vehicle off the ground and secure it to the back of your rental truck.
Budget, like Penske, does not allow you to attach a trailer to your personal vehicle. But there’s a catch: you can only tow a Budget car trailer with a Budget truck that’s 26 feet long.
While the weight capacity of this trailer is equivalent to that of the other two firms, Budget nevertheless has the lowest weight capacity of the three.
Budget trailer rental features
Weight limit
4,055 lbs.
Maximum width of the car
6’ 7”
Vehicle compatibility
Four-wheel and all-wheel-drive cars
Long-distance vs. local
Long-distance
In terms of design and functioning, Budget’s tow dollies are identical to those of U-Haul and Penske. A tow dolly, regardless of which business you choose, helps limit excess mileage on your vehicle (just not as much as a car trailer).
Budget’s tow dollies, on the other hand, are only available for one-way movements. Budget, on the other hand, has a distinct edge in terms of pricing, especially if you qualify for one of its discounts.
Weight limit
3,300-3,600 lbs.
Maximum width of the car
6’ 4”
Vehicle compatibility
All-wheel, four-wheel, and rear-wheel-drive cars
Long-distance vs. local
Local
Budget, like Penske, does not offer flat prices for car trailers and tow dollies. However, unlike Penske, Budget bases the price of each trailer rental and tow dolly on the number of days your move takes and the number of miles you travel—this means you won’t be charged exorbitantly based only on your location.
Because trailer rental isn’t included in Budget’s online quote generator, you’ll have to phone a Budget agent to find out how much they’ll add to your bill.
If your moving dates and price are both flexible, we recommend U-Haul for trailer rental. (Just keep an eye out for any additional charges!)
Penske and Budget are also excellent choices for auto transportation, particularly because they are generally less expensive than U-Haul and, in some cases, offer higher weight restrictions. Penske provides more generous weight limits, while Budget has more affordable rates.
However, in the end, price and availability are the deciding factors. While U-Haul has stores in all 50 states and provides a wide range of services, it cannot guarantee reservations and does not waive late fees
Do you have any plans to relocate soon? If that’s the case, you’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed as you consider all the things you’ll need to bring. However, your professional movers cannot or should not move everything you desire to take to your new house. To put it another way, you’ll have to transport some of your possessions on your own. Here are the most common items that your moving company won’t be able to transfer, as well as some considerations and warnings, as well as how we may assist you.
Even if your moving company promises they can transport your belongings in their van, it’s still a good idea to keep your essential documents and photos on hand. This is due to the fact that these are items that are difficult to replace.
Moving companies have a list of hazardous objects that they cannot transport for safety reasons. When chemicals react with other substances, such as when paint thinner and weed killer are mixed on a moving truck, the consequence can be disastrous.
Lighter fluid, gasoline, propane cylinders, matches, paints, paint thinners, pyrotechnics, oxygen bottles, home cleaners, pesticides, fertilizers, weed killers, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, and even nail polish remover are among the dangerous objects that cannot be transferred. Make sure you have a thorough list from your moving company.
Although most canned food is usually packed for you by professional movers, you should still think about if this is a good option. Perishable foods, of course, cannot be transported in a moving van. Rather than transporting perishables and meals in glass jars with you, it is recommended that you dispose of them.
You want to free up space in your vehicle for more vital stuff, and you don’t want to worry about leaks, cracks, or mold causing accidents before moving to a new house. Spices and dried fruits, on the other hand, can be transported in boxes and/or cans. Ask your moving agent if you have any questions regarding whether foods may or cannot be moved.
Plants are another item that should not be transported in a moving truck. In reality, several states have laws governing which houseplants are allowed to travel state lines and which are not. In some states, pests and mites aren’t a concern, but they’re deemed exceedingly dangerous in others.
Furthermore, most moving companies avoid transporting plants since soil-borne pests might readily flow into the moving vehicle. Even if your moving van agrees to transport your plants, they may not survive the journey, especially if you’re moving a long distance. Plants require sunlight and water to grow. Why not give your plants away to your neighbors and friends if you don’t have a place in your van for them?
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There are a few options accessible when it comes to storage solutions. On-site storage units are available in addition to standard self-storage units. They’re useful for a variety of things, including downsizing, decluttering, remodeling, and moving.
On-site storage lockers can be a terrific alternative to a moving truck if you’re moving. These metal boxes are huge and waterproof. Because they have ground-level access, they are simple to load. This means you won’t need to utilize ramps or elevators to get in and out of the apartment.
Another fantastic advantage of having an on-site storage unit is that you can have it delivered whenever it is convenient for you and load it at your leisure. This is ideal for someone who does not need to move quickly. These devices allow you to move at your own pace without feeling rushed. They do not require any travel, unlike standard storage containers, where you must go to and from them. They can be shipped to any location where they are required.
Also Read: The Best Moving Companies That Provides Trailer Rental
The average height and width of on-site moving storage spaces are 8 feet. They are available in two lengths: 12 feet and 16 feet. 12-foot containers can hold 500-1000 square feet of belongings, and 16-foot units can hold up to 1200 square feet. It’s crucial to make sure you have enough room in your home to accommodate these storage units. Inquire with the on-site storage companies about the amount of space needed to transport the container(s) on and off your property.
You are responsible for loading on-site storage containers because they are simply dropped up outside your home. You’ll want to double-check that your belongings are securely stored within the unit. This will prevent your belongings from being damaged while in transit.
Also Read: Two Men And A Truck Moving Rates, and Cost for 2021
It’s possible that your apartment isn’t climate-controlled. If the on-site storage unit is not climate-controlled, you may not want to carry some items there. If your unit will be parked on the street or in your driveway for an extended period of time, avoid keeping items that are vulnerable to severe temperatures. Furthermore, not all units are watertight. Make certain that the unit you select has no openings that could allow water to enter.
It’s also worth noting that not all communities welcome containers. If you break a community’s rules, you may be charged a permit fee. Fees can range from tens of dollars to thousands of dollars. Although street parking is often forbidden entirely, containers can be placed on lawns and in driveways. Containers left on your lawn, on the other hand, will destroy the grass and ruin your landscaping if left there for an extended period of time.
Make sure to choose a high-quality container from trustworthy moving companies when choosing on-site storage containers.
Instead of roll-up doors, look for containers with barn doors that swing open. This will allow you to pack your container with a little more room. Inquire about insurance alternatives and security locks from whichever firm you choose.
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