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.
When loading a moving truck, the general rule is to load the heaviest and largest items first to create a stable base at the front of the truck, which helps balance the weight. You can start with large furniture like sofas, beds, mattresses, and tables to form a solid foundation, or begin by placing your heaviest boxes against the truck's walls to create a base layer. After the base is set, continue loading other large items like appliances and square furniture. Lighter and smaller objects, including most of your boxes, should be loaded last. They can be packed into gaps, around, and on top of the heavier items to maximize space. Following this order makes unloading easier and helps prevent damage to your belongings.
The best ways to prepare for movers include decluttering and properly labeling boxes. Decluttering lessens the workload and ensures you are not bringing unwanted items into your new home. Labeling boxes lets movers know which rooms they belong in, reducing confusion when it's time to unpack.
Choosing a reliable moving company is critical because you’re entrusting all of your belongings to the professional movers, so you’ll want to make sure you consider the following:
The experience of the movers and the number of years in the industry
The add-on services provided, like packing and storage
The warranty or insurance coverage to protect your belongings
We also recommend confirming that the movers are properly licensed using Angi’s state licensing tool. You can check for certification from organizations like the American Moving and Storage Association.
No, homeowners insurance does not typically cover moving expenses. Homeowners insurance provides coverage and pay-outs if you experience damage to the home you currently live in. You’ll need to save separately for moving expenses like hiring movers, renting a tow truck, or shipping your belongings.
The Nakaibito, NM homeowners’ guide to professional moving service pianos
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Professional piano movers help ensure the safe, smooth transportation of your instrument. Before you hire, it’s important to check qualifications, review references, and get a contract in writing. Find out the steps for hiring a piano mover here.
