5 Tips for Hiring Movers When Your Budget is Tight
5 Tips for Hiring Movers When Your Budget is Tight
As you get ready to move, maybe you’re considering going completely DIY because you just can’t afford to pay a moving company. But unless you’ve gotten actual quotes, don’t make assumptions that you can’t afford to hire the best La Habra moving company for your upcoming move. In fact, you might be surprised at how hiring movers can save you time and even money.
Think about it: when it comes to packing and moving everything in your house, you’re talking a serious time commitment. If you have to take time off work to get it done, you’re losing money right there. Plus, professional movers are less likely to break things during the moving process, resulting in even more savings for your family.
So how do you go about hiring movers in La Habra for your upcoming move without breaking the bank? Here are five tips:
1.Be prepared to negotiate
The number one mistake that people make when hiring movers – or, really, any service-based company – is that they don’t want to negotiate. Often times, there’s room for some negotiation in that original quote. But you have to be willing to put yourself out there to negotiate. If the original quote isn’t to your liking or within your budget, ask if you can get a lower price and what you might need to do to get there.
2.Only pay for what you need
The easiest way to shave dollars off of that moving bill is to pay for only the services you need. If you have time to pack most of your home, do it. And then be up front with the mover who comes to give you a quote about exactly what you do and do not need during the moving process. With most local moving companies, it’s not all or nothing. You could pay for the moving company, for instance, to just pack your kitchen, which is the most problematic room for most people. Then, pay them for the actual heavy lifting.
The key, again, is to understand your own needs, and to be up front with the movers about those needs. When you take time to clarify exactly what you need, and are sure not to pay for services you don’t need, you’ll save money right off the bat.
3.Look at custom crating services
Maybe you’ve got the time to pack most of your home, and you’re comfortable doing so. But there may be some items in your home that you just don’t have the expertise to safely pack. Artwork, antiques, and expensive electronics are a few common items that fall into this category. Ask the moving company about custom crating for just these pieces.
Yes, you’ll wind up paying for these services. But the movers will likely save you money by ensuring that your most valuable items stay in perfect condition throughout the move. Plus, movers will often offer better insurance for valuable items that they’ve packed, since they trust their own skills in packing.
4.Move at an unusual tim
As with many service industries, moving has certain peak times. Some movers may be busier near the very end and beginning of the month, as more people in rental properties are moving out of their homes at this time. Other movers may have a particularly busy day of the week for moves. If your schedule is flexible, you may be able to negotiate some savings by moving on a less-busy day or at a less-busy time of month. There’s no guarantee that this will work, but it’s worth a shot.
5.Just ask
If the original written quote from the moving company comes in and it’s above your budget, ask for more ways to save. You might be surprised at the answers you’ll get when you’re just up front about your needs. Most of the time, La Habra movers want your business, even if that means offering discounts and working with you to get a price that suits your budget.
When it comes to hiring a moving company, you do get what you pay for. Cut-rate companies often use lower-quality materials, less-trained movers, and cut other corners. But you can often work with a highly-qualified moving company for less than you’d think. You just have to start with these five tips in mind.