There is little doubt that one of your biggest concerns when planning a house move will be the relocation cost – and rightfully so, since moving is quite an expensive affair. You need to plan your finances wisely – and use every possible way to reduce your moving expenses – in order not to blow your budget.
There are many proven money-saving techniques you can take advantage of to cut down your relocation costs (paring down your belongings, packing by yourself, booking your move well ahead of time, etc.), but one little known trick may be of even greater use to you – getting moving discounts.
There are some special deals – discounts and price reductions – that can be used for certain types of moves – and if one is applicable in your case, you can score a really great deal on your relocation.
Here is everything you need to know about moving deals and discounts, so you can save big on your next move.
Types of moving discounts
Professional moving companies offer a variety of special deals and discounts to boost their reputation and attract more customers:
- Senior discounts – Whether they’re downsizing to a smaller home, moving closer to family, or relocating to a warmer climate, people in their golden years can take advantage of senior moving discounts (See also: Moving after retirement);
- Student discounts – When moving to college in another city or state, young people can avail of student moving discounts (there are special teacher discounts as well);
- Military discounts – Active service members moving to their next duty station get military moving discounts (and veteran discounts are available to those who have served in any US military branch);
- Law enforcement and first responder discounts – Police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians moving to a new location can also benefit from special moving discounts;
- Membership discounts – Many people are able to reduce the cost of their moves by using their membership in a club or organization – there exist AAA discounts, AARP discounts, Union discounts, Costco discounts, etc.;
- Off-season discounts – Most moving companies are willing to offer better deals during the off-peak season (from October to April) when moving services are in lower demand. People who choose to move in a less busy period (such as the winter months, mid-week days, etc.) can save up to 30% from their moving costs with off-season discounts (See also: Why should you move during the off-peak season).
Depending on the specific circumstances in your case, you may also be able to get:
- Referral discounts – If you were referred to a moving company by someone who has used their services (as moving companies always appreciate business through word-of-mouth) or by your real estate agent (as many real estate companies have a recommended moving company they do business with), you may be offered a discount on your move;
- Repeat customer discounts – If you’ve moved before and remained happy with the services of your chosen moving company, be sure to call the same company again – not only will you have a peace of mind that your move is in good hands, but you’ll also likely get a good discount as a repeat customer;
- Cash discounts – Many moving companies offer a discount for cash payments, so if you can pay your moving costs in cash rather than via credit card, you may be able to save some money on your move. However, be aware of moving companies that request that you pay in cash – this may be a red flag of moving fraud.
All these special moving deals will help you get the best possible moving services at the best possible price and will guarantee your smooth, affordable, and successful relocation.
How to get discounts when moving
If you play your cards well when negotiating with movers, you may be able to get a special offer that will help you save hundreds of dollars on your forthcoming relocation.
1. If possible, plan your move for the off-season period, when most moving companies will be willing to lower their rates in order to get more business.
2. Check moving companies’ websites and social media for discounts – Visit the websites and social media pages of different moving companies in your area to see what they have to offer – compare their tariffs and conditions and look for discounts, special offers, printable coupons, etc. Make a list of the movers that offer the most affordable prices and the best deals and check their reputation (read moving reviews, check the companies’ ratings and complaint histories, verify their USDOT numbers, etc.) to make sure they’re licensed and experienced professionals.
See also: How to know if my movers are qualified
3. Get price estimates from several reputable movers – Request visual surveys of your home (as estimates given online or over the phone can never be accurate) and carefully compare the offers (not only the final price, but also the included accessorial services and their rates, valuation coverage, special conditions, etc.). When you have multiple estimates, you’ll be able to use them to negotiate with the mover you like the most (see below).
Must read: How to get an accurate moving estimate
4. Ask the movers you like best for a discount – Even if there’re no special deals at the moment or if you don’t meet the conditions for a discount, it’s a good idea to ask – the movers might be able to come up with a special offer (as they wouldn’t want to lose you as a customer).
5. Negotiate with the movers – Moving company prices are negotiable – if you have good negotiation skills, you’ll be able to get a good deal:
- Ask the movers to match competitors’ prices – if you were given a good price by a company that wouldn’t be your first choice if money wasn’t a factor, you can ask the mover you like the most to match or beat that price – they may be willing to lower their quote in order not to lose you to their rivals;
- Be persistent – If the moving company is not willing to lower its original quote, it’s a good idea to try to negotiate with them again in a couple of days. You may have better luck the second time – the movers may already regret their decision not to give you a discount or you may get to talk to another person who is more open to compromises.
See also: How to negotiate with moving companies
6. Use moving coupons – Different coupons (such as Groupon promo codes and RetailMeNot coupons) can be used to reduce the cost of your move. You may be able to get discounts on moving trucks and/or moving services ranging from 10 to 25%, as well as better deals on self-storage units and moving supplies.
One final piece of advice – Be extra careful when hiring discount movers – sometimes, lower estimates and cheaper moving services may mean dishonest and/or incompetent movers. You may end up losing a lot of money if you fall victim to moving scams or if inexperienced movers damage your items during the relocation. So, be sure to choose a trustworthy professional to work with and confirm that all the costs and discounts, services and timeframes, terms and conditions listed in the moving contract match what you agreed to while negotiating with your movers.
Must-read: Why cheaper isn’t always better
