Get matched with top movers in Arnold, CA

Generally, you should avoid using your car as a storage space if you’re using a shipping company.Your items could get lost or damaged during transport, and most shipping companies won’t cover the cost of damage. Contact the shipping company and ask about their policy ahead of time. Some companies may not allow you to leave anything but necessary paperwork in the car. 

There are several effective ways to save money when hiring a moving company, primarily by handling some tasks yourself and being strategic with scheduling. Consider these methods:

• Pack Your Own Belongings: You can significantly reduce costs by packing and protecting your items yourself. This includes wrapping delicate items, organizing them into boxes, and taping the boxes closed. You can use towels, clothes, and suitcases to pack belongings and protect breakables.

• Provide Your Own Materials: Source free packing materials from friends and family, or reuse boxes and bubble wrap from a previous move.

• Schedule Strategically: Book your move well in advance. Rates are often lower if you schedule your move on a weekday during the off-season, which typically runs from October through April.

• Compare Quotes: Get moving quotes from at least three professional movers in your area. This allows you to compare services and choose the best value.

• Ask for Discounts: Inquire if the moving company offers any special coupons or deals.

• Purchase Moving Insurance: Protect your investment by purchasing moving insurance, especially for expensive or antique belongings.

• Divide the Labor: While you can save money by packing, it's wise to leave the more dangerous and physically demanding work—like loading, unloading, and moving heavy furniture—to the professionals.

You can’t start preparing for movers too soon. Some steps, like scheduling the movers and arranging for pet care, need to happen months ahead to fit into busy schedules, especially if you’re moving during on-season.

Several weeks ahead of the moving date, start packing lesser-used rooms and supplies. As the moving day gets closer, move your packing toward more and more essential rooms until only a few necessities are left on the day ahead of the move.

Moving day for a four-bedroom house can take seven to 10 hours, with an additional four to six full work days to pack everything up. This will depend on how many movers are present, the square footage of your house, how much stuff you have, and any heavy or difficult-to-move items, like a piano or armoire.