4 Ways to Save Money and Still Hire a Moving Contractor

Can you hire a professional moving contractor on a tight budget? Do you think you don't have extra money to spend on a moving service — or at least is that what you think right now? Even though you will have to pay a contractor, take a look at what you need to know about moving on a budget, saving money, and hiring a professional.

1. Choose a Realistic Budget

You can’t easily save money if you don't know how much you can reasonably spend. Instead of taking a lowest-price approach to moving estimates, choose a fits-into-your-budget strategy. This means you don't need to select the least expensive moving company in your area. Focus on quality for your money. A price that seems too good to be true usually is. Significantly lower-than-average quotes for your local area may point to quality issues.

When you choose a moving budget, consider how much you can afford to pay a contractor after you subtract other costs. These other costs vary by household and could include packing materials, the cost of storage, a hotel for an overnight stay during the move, food expenses during the move, the cost of boarding a pet, or money to hire a move-day babysitter for your children. 

2. Downsize Before You Get an Estimate

How much do you need to move? If you won't take everything in your old home to the new one, don't ask the movers to include it in the estimate. Three types of moving estimates (binding, non-binding, and binding not-to-exceed) exist, and each one depends on the weight of your to-move haul. 

Whether you prefer a fixed cost (binding estimate), a price that could change depending on the move-day weight of your belongings (non-binding estimate), or a quote that provides you with a max price (binding not-to-exceed), the less you have to move, the less you'll pay. If you have concerns about estimate-price sticker shock, downsize and declutter before the movers provide a quote.

3. Know What to Downsize

You don't need to give away, sell, donate, or throw out items and furniture you use just to save money on a move. It doesn't make financial sense to declutter belongings that you will need to buy again (after you're in your new home) just to reduce the costs you'll pay to a mover.

What should you downsize or declutter? If you want to significantly decrease the total move weight of your household haul, start with heavier selections. Furniture takes up the most space in a moving truck and typically weighs more than other items. 

Again, don't get rid of pieces you still use and will use in your new home. But you can eliminate furniture that has excessive wear and damage. You can also remove duplicate pieces or furniture that won't physically fit into your next home. You may also want to downsize items that won't fit with a new decor plan.

Along with furniture, consider downsizing other categories of heavier to-move picks. These could include hardback books, sports equipment, gardening equipment, some types of tools (such as a table saw), and outdated larger appliances or electronics. 

4. Save Money in Other Ways

You have plenty of ways to save money on a move — and they won't include crossing a contractor off of your must-have list. A professional contractor may save you money on the cost of lost wages, truck rentals, or gas to drive a rental truck. A full-service company can also help you to choose economical packing supplies.

Are you ready to learn more about estimates and moving services? Do you want professional help with your next move? Get in touch with Helping Hands Movers for more information.