How to Negotiate with Your Moving Company
Can you 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 three reputable companies. Each estimate should include the same list of items to be moved and any additional services like special packing or other charges.
Then, pick your favorite company and ask them to beat the best price. Simple.
Price matching is a great way to negotiate, but there are many more ways you can negotiate. Getting the best price is a matter of understanding moving companies’ pricing models, timing, and flexibility.
This article 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, read on.
Alright, Let’s get into it!
What You Should Know Beforehand
Before you start thinking about how to negotiate with your moving company, you’ll need to do your research. If you’re prepared, it’ll be easier to get discounts from your preferred movers.
Details of your move
Take the time to consider the details of your move, including the distance, number, and weight of items needing transport and special care. Normally, the average cost of a local move will be lower than an interstate mover.
However, you can negotiate a reasonable price with the moving company if you know exactly what you need.
Services included in the estimate
Looking at moving estimates cross-country or locally online, you may see significant differences between companies. There’s a difference 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, ensure 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.
Make sure the company is licensed and trustworthy
Run a quick background check by:
- Examining their BBB entry
- Check their website
- 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.
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How to Negotiate with the Moving Company
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.
| Company | Quote | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
U-Pack 
|
Check prices |
5 / 5
|
|
PODS 
|
Check prices |
4.8 / 5
|
|
1-800-Pack-Rat 
|
Check prices |
4.45 / 5
|
|
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’d better know who is available when you move and their price ranges.
Ask questions and know what services they include in the estimate.
Compare each company’s prices, 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
Suppose the original estimates you receive are higher than your moving budget or what you expect. In that case, it’s time to use your knowledge of negotiating with your moving company.
To start, examine the extra services you can do without. 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 to avoid unnecessary ones.
You may also score a discount on regular services.
Moving insurance coverage
It’s very common for moving companies to look cheaper because they’re only offering the most basic level of liability coverage in their quote. Many movers will include different levels of valuation coverage in their quotes.
The higher the level of coverage, the higher the overall quote will be. Be sure to compare insurance levels. $.60/lb is the bare minimum. This means if a $1,000 flat screen TV falls and breaks, you’ll get 40lbs x $.60 = $24. Conversely, if your valuation is set at $4/lb, you’ll get 40lbs x $4 = $160. There is a big difference between the two.
Ask for a special offer
One of the easiest ways to negotiate with a moving company is to ask them for a lower price.
Companies offer special offers and discounts 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 weekends. These days are more expensive than the 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 move early or late in the morning.
Mention the competition
When learning how to negotiate with your moving company, mentioning the competition may be the clincher.
Once you’ve researched 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. These price discrepancies 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 talk to a different representative more inclined to offer you a deal.
Other ways to sway the moving company
No matter what you do, some moving companies may remain firm on their estimated price. However, you can do a couple of things to better your chances.
Pack light
The first is to pack light. Before you move, go through all your belongings and remove the items you don’t need.
When the company representative comes to your home to estimate, they’ll see that you don’t have many 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. Contact local moving businesses when you first know that you need to move. Booking well in advance 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.
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