The process of moving can be stressful. Hiring movers to do some of the work for you can help keep that stress to a minimum and allow you to focus on other important tasks but that comes at a cost. If you’re moving on a budget, you’re likely interested in keeping the cost of moving as low as possible. Check out our top 3 factors that increase your moving costs so you can stay in budget!
How Much Stuff Still Needs to be Packed
Movers don’t just take things in and out of moving trucks—they can help you with other aspects of your move, like packing up your items for you. Professional movers are trained in the best ways to pack items to prevent breakage, but the more items that your movers must pack for you, the higher your cost will be. You also may be charged for materials like boxes, packing tape, wrapping papers and bubble wrap.
Solution: To keep costs down, try to pack as much as possible before movers arrive. That way, they can grab your stuff and go!
Access Issues in the Pick Up or Drop Off Location
Do you currently live in a third floor walkup apartment? Are there large walls or other barriers that movers must move around? Is there a long distance between your front door and where the truck can park? If there are access issues at the pick up or drop off location, the extra work required of your movers could increase your moving costs. Costs could also add up if your home requires access to an elevator or if your furniture doesn’t quite fit through your new doors and alternative measures must be taken.
Solution: Before your movers arrive, try to prepare for as many access issues as possible. Request an elevator rental or a parking space as close as possible to your home and measure your furniture and appliances beforehand. Minimizing access issues can also minimize your moving fees.
Moving During Peak Periods
Although you may not have much control over the dates of your move, moving during peak periods such as summertime can cost a premium over other times of the year. However, did you know that the day of the week you choose to move might impact your costs, as well? Moving on a holiday, on weekends and during the first and last days of the month can be costly, and because there are so many other people moving during those times, you may run into snags trying to find a mover who’s even available.
Solution: Although moving on a weekend might be the most convenient for you, you may be able to decrease your moving costs by moving on a weekday instead. In addition, if you can avoid the first and last days of the month, your costs might be lower as well. Planning to move during non-peak days is also much easier to schedule as there will be more available movers.
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