If you’ve been considering moving but are constantly holding yourself back due to the high cost involved, it’s time to readjust your way of thinking. While moving can indeed be a costly endeavor, it’s possible to keep costs to a minimum and stick to a strict budget without compromising on quality.
When you do this, not only will you ease your worries about going over your budget and into debt, but you’ll also finally get the freedom you’ve been craving in starting fresh in a new home or city.
Here is a step-by-step guide for hiring budget movers:
Step 1: Set a moving budget
You won’t be able to allay your financial worries if you don’t know exactly how much you have to spend. It may take some digging through bank statements, but actually looking into your finances will show you how much money you’ll be able to spend on moving.
Step 2: Get personal recommendations/read reviews
Read online reviews and ask friends, family, and coworkers you trust which movers they’ve used in the past. Some may say off the bat, “I used so-and-so, and they’re great but really expensive.” In this case, you know that that company is probably not an option for you. But if someone says, “I used these guys, and they were excellent and fair-priced,” now you have a starting point.
Step 3: Rule out what you don’t need
If you’re on a budget, forget full-service movers. Instead, look only for movers who will perform the actual act of moving, not packing and unpacking. This can reduce your costs right off the bat.
Step 4: Compare movers
Get quotes from a few professional movers so you can get real, inside info as to how much a move like yours should cost. This not only avoids you getting ripped off, but you can also leverage different quotes to get a better deal.
Step 5: Ask the right questions
Asking a mover “How much do you charge per hour?” is a start, but it’s not everything. If you’re looking to move on a budget, your questions need to be more detailed:
- How long does a move like mine typically take?
- How many movers do you use?
- Is the cost of the truck included in the total price?
- What services are included in the estimate?
- Is liability insurance included in the cost?
- Is a deposit required and is there a cancellation fee?
- Can you give me a breakdown of costs?
- What happens if the movers go significantly above the estimate?
Step 6: Review your top choice again
Remember, just because a company has the right prices doesn’t mean it has the right service. Just because you’re moving on a budget doesn’t mean you want unprofessional movers who will end up breaking your valuable belongings.
Finding the Right Balance Between Cheap Price and Good Service
The real trick when you’re trying to figure out how to hire budget movers is finding movers near you who offer both competitive rates and great service. Remember, cheap movers can end up costing you way more if they don’t show up on time, don’t offers a correct estimate, and if they break your things.
So while you certainly have your work cut out for you, keep in mind that if you really want to move, with enough due diligence you’ll be able to magnificently pull off moving on a budget.
