Moving can be expensive and difficult, especially when deciding between several moving companies. Negotiating helps you find the best price and secure a better deal. This article will explore practical strategies for negotiating with moving companies, from gathering competitive quotes to leveraging timing and services.
What To Know Before Negotiating with a Mover
Before negotiating with a moving company, you need to plan ahead and do your research. How well you prepare can impact the success of your negotiations.
Understand Your Move’s Specifications
You need to have a clear understanding of the details of your move to get an accurate quote and effective negotiation. Figure out the following:
- The weight and number of items to be moved
- The distance of the move
- Special services required for delicate or valuable items
- Whether it’s a local or long-distance move
Research Moving Companies
Take the time to research moving companies thoroughly to avoid potential scams. Look for reputable, licensed moving companies. Avoid moving brokers, as they act as middlemen and may not provide the level of service or accountability needed for a smooth move.
When vetting potential moving companies, look for:
- A good Better Business Bureau rating
- Positive online customer reviews
- A working phone number and physical location
- A valid USDOT number
- Membership in professional organizations
- Positive reviews from moving experts
Know Your Rights
By law, movers must provide you with a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet, which outlines essential consumer protections. Pay attention to the type of liability coverage they offer. Movers typically offer either full value protection or released value protection, the latter covering your goods for a lower amount per pound.
Verify that the company is licensed and insured, especially for interstate moves where federal regulations apply. Review the contract carefully for details about delivery timelines and dispute resolution procedures in case of loss or damage.
Understand What Affects Moving Costs
Familiarizing yourself with the variables that affect moving costs helps you ask targeted questions and challenge itemized costs during negotiations. These are the main factors that influence costs:
- Volume or weight of the belongings: Most moving estimates are based on the total weight or volume of the items being moved.
- Distance traveled: Long-distance moves usually cost more than local ones.
- Special handling requirements: Items such as pianos, artwork, or antiques may require special packing and handling, which can add to costs.
- Timing of the move: Moving during peak times can be more expensive.
- Additional services: Packing, unpacking, and temporary storage are additional services that typically add to the overall cost.
Plan Ahead
Start reaching out to movers several months before your intended move date. This gives you leverage in negotiations and a better chance of securing your desired moving date. Gather at least three quotes from reputable moving companies. For a fair comparison, these quotes should be for the same services and number of items.
11 Strategies for Negotiating With Moving Companies
Here are several strategies to help you secure better deals with moving companies:
Avoid Peak Moving Season
One of the most effective ways to reduce moving costs is to schedule the move during off-peak times. Summer months and weekends are typically the busiest and most expensive times for moves. If possible, consider moving during the fall or winter and on a weekday.
If a summer or weekend move is unavoidable, ask about early morning or late evening time slots, which may come with discounted rates. Being flexible with timing can often lead to significant savings.
Simply Ask for a Better Deal
It may seem obvious, but many people hesitate to ask for a better price. Moving companies want to secure business, so they may be open to offering discounts or special deals to polite customers who inquire about them. Some companies may also have special rates for seniors, veterans, or first responders.
Use Price Matching
If your preferred moving company is more expensive than another, consider using price matching as a negotiation strategy. Contact the preferred company and explain that a competitor has offered a lower rate for the same services. Ask if they can match or beat that price.
Some companies may be willing to price match when provided with a written estimate from a competitor showing the same services and items. However, an unusually low estimate is a common moving red flag for a potential scam, so check that the company is actually reputable.
Consider Cutting Services
If you have a tight budget, remove non-essential services. For example, instead of paying for packing services, pack your own belongings, leaving only the heavy lifting and transportation to the movers. After cutting services, request updated quotes from the moving companies. This can lead to significant savings and may make room in the budget for other moving-related expenses.
Some non-essential services to consider cutting include:
- Packing and unpacking services
- Dismantling and reassembling furniture
- Temporary storage solutions
- Loading and unloading
Understand the Types of Estimates
Moving companies typically offer two types of estimates: binding and non-binding. A binding estimate is a written agreement that guarantees the price of the move, barring any changes to the services or number of items. This can provide peace of mind for budget-conscious movers.
Non-binding estimates, on the other hand, are more of a general idea of the cost and can fluctuate. The final price may be higher than the initial estimate, often by about 10%. When comparing quotes, pay attention to which type of estimate each company is offering.
Get all estimates in writing and avoid companies that won’t provide a written estimate until after loading belongings. This is a common red flag for potential scams.
Ask About Insurance and Liability
While a moving company may not be able to lower its price, it might be willing to include additional insurance coverage or increase its liability. This can be especially valuable if the company is confident in its ability to transport your belongings safely. Additional coverage can save money in the long run if any items are damaged during the move.
Negotiate Packing Materials
Some moving companies charge extra for packing materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Negotiating the cost of or getting free packing supplies help reduce your moving expenses. You can also choose to source these materials yourself to save even more. It’s also worth asking if the company will buy back any unused packing materials, which can further offset your costs.
Bundle Services
If you need additional services such as storage, auto transport, or cleaning, see if the moving company offers those as well. The company may give you a discount for bundling multiple services. Get quotes for bundled services and compare them with standalone prices from multiple providers. This way, you can determine the most cost-effective solution for your needs.
Leverage Off-Peak Flexibility
If you have the flexibility to choose your moving dates, you have a stronger negotiating position. Many moving companies offer better rates if you can move during their off-peak times, such as mid-week or mid-month. Ask about off-peak discounts and be willing to adjust your schedule to capitalize on these savings.
Knowing When To Walk Away
If negotiations aren’t yielding the desired results, be prepared to walk away. This doesn’t mean giving up on moving services—it means finding another company that’s more willing to meet your needs and budget.
Sometimes, showing that you’re willing to walk away can prompt the moving company to give a better offer to keep your business. This approach can re-open negotiations and lead to a more favorable deal.
