How to Negotiate with Your Moving Company

Is it possible to negotiate the quote with your moving company?

Absolutely!

The best method for negotiating with your moving company is to get multiple moving estimates from at least 3 reputable companies. Each estimate should include the same list of items to be moved as well as any additional services like special packing or other charges.

Then just pick your favorite company and ask them to beat the best price. Simple.

Price matching is a great way to negotiate but there are a lot more ways you can negotiate. Getting the best price is a matter of understanding moving company’s pricing models, timing, and flexibility.

In this article, we will show you how to get the best price from your moving company and lower your overall moving costs.

If saving money on your upcoming move sounds appealing to you, read on.

Alright, Let’s get into it!

Before you start thinking about how to negotiate with your moving company, you’ll need to do your research. It’ll be easier to get discounts from your preferred movers if you’re prepared.

Details of Your Move

Take the time to consider the details of your move, including distance, number and weight of items needing transport, and items needing special care. Normally, the average cost of a local move will be lower than the cost of an interstate move.

However, you can negotiate a reasonable price with the moving company if you know exactly what you need.

Services Included in the Estimate

If you look at moving estimates cross country or locally online, you may see large differences between companies. This is because some companies include different services in their estimates. Some also don’t include all of their additional charges.

If you want a proper moving estimate, make sure each company includes all the same services. Our moving cost calculator compares and breaks down the rates and services of the best moving companies in the country.

Who You’re Working With

You may also notice a difference depending on who you’re working with. There are brokers and actual movers within the industry, and we recommend working directly with the movers.

As you search for movers in your community, do your research.

Online, make sure the company is licensed and trustworthy.

Run a quick background check by:

• Examining their BBB entry
• Check their website
• See if they’re a member of AMSA
• Check their USDOT#
• Look at recent customer reviews
• Check reviews by moving experts
• Visit their physical location to see their office and branded moving fleet.

Unfortunately, moving scams are all too common. Make sure you feel comfortable with the company you choose to work with. See our list of the most reputable moving companies.

Once you’ve found reputable businesses in your area, it’s time to learn how to negotiate with your moving company options.

The process starts with collecting moving estimates from each one and ends when you receive a reasonable offer.

Contact Companies for Estimates

Start by contacting each moving company and asking for an estimate.

Be sure to get written estimates from at least three companies. You’ll have a better idea of who is available when you move and their price ranges.

Make sure you ask questions and know exactly what services they’re including in the estimate.

Compare the prices each company gives you, but don’t settle for one based purely on price. If one company offers you a price that’s too good to be true, be wary. They could be hiding additional fees and services from you, or, even worse, they could be a scam.

Consider Necessary Moving Services

If the original estimates you receive are higher than your moving budget or what you expect, it’s time to put your knowledge of how to negotiate with your moving company to use.

To start, examine the extra services you can do without. Perhaps you can buy bubble wrap and other moving supplies yourself. Consider enlisting the help of friends and family members to pack each of your belongings and disassemble furniture.

If you decide not to use additional services, you can ask the moving companies for new estimates. You can also ask the company representative what additional fees they have and how you can avoid unnecessary ones.

If you ask, you may also score a discount on regular services.

Ask for a Special Offer

One of the easiest ways to negotiate with a moving company is to simply ask them for a lower price.

Companies have special offers and discounts that they offer at different times, and they can give you one if you’re upfront about it. There’s no need to be shy.

Even if you don’t qualify for certain promotions, they may make an exception if you ask. Besides, a discount for you may mean a new customer for them.

Be Flexible with Scheduling

There is one underrated way to get the best deal on your move. Avoid peak moving season.

Busy relocating days are over the summer and weekend. This means that these days are more expensive than off-season: the winter and during the week.

If you’re flexible with your schedule, your moving company can offer you a better price for a different day. There may even be price differences if you opt to move early in the morning or late in the day.

Mention the Competition

Mentioning the competition may be the clincher when learning how to negotiate with your moving company.

Once you’ve done all your research and received different estimates, you probably already know which company is your first choice. However, they may not be offering the lowest price. You can negotiate with the company by telling them the lowest estimate you’ve received.

Then, ask them if they can match or beat that price. If it means winning you over as a customer, they may oblige. If they don’t, they’ll likely explain why their prices are higher than the competition. This could be anything from specialty services, experienced workers, or faster delivery times.

Try Again if Needed

If you’re moving price negotiation tactics don’t work the first time, don’t worry. Give them a day or two, and then be persistent. Talk to them again.

The representative you spoke with before may have softened at that time. You also may end up talking to a different representative that’s more inclined to offer you a deal.

No matter what you do, some moving companies may remain firm on their estimated price. However, there are a couple of things you can do to better your chances.

Pack Lightly

The first is to pack light. Before you move, go through all your belongings and get rid of the items you don’t need.

When the company representative comes to your home to do the estimate, they’ll see that you don’t have a mountain of belongings to move. It’ll be easy work for them, so they’ll be more willing to work with you for a reasonable price.

Plan Ahead

The other tip is to plan ahead. Contact local moving businesses when you first know that you need to move. This gives them more time to prepare, and you’ll have first dibs on a good day and time.

If you contact them last-minute, they’ll likely demand a higher price and not budge from it.

If you know how to negotiate with your moving company, your estimate isn’t set in stone. These companies want your business, and you can sway them if you do it right.

This includes shopping around, determining which services you need, asking specifically for offers, and being persistent.

What experiences have you had with negotiating with a moving company? Tell us your story in the comments section.