{"id":1969,"date":"2017-03-07T14:02:38","date_gmt":"2017-03-07T14:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/moving.tips\/?p=1969"},"modified":"2022-04-19T09:40:59","modified_gmt":"2022-04-19T09:40:59","slug":"negotiate-with-moving-companies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moving.tips\/costs-saving-tips\/negotiate-with-moving-companies\/","title":{"rendered":"How to negotiate with moving companies?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stating that the process of moving house is expensive often sounds like a gross understatement – according to statistical data, the average cost of an interstate move is approximately $4,300, while the average price for a local move is around $2,300. Of course, those are nothing but roughly estimated values that are only meant to give you a hint of what to expect price-wise from your mover. \/How much does it cost to hire movers?<\/em><\/a>\/<\/p>\n

In reality, how much you will pay for your upcoming move will depend on a number of essential factors such as moving company, move distance, shipment weight, and extra moving services. Oh, and let\u2019s not forget about another notable factor that many people tend to disregard completely \u2013 your price negotiation skills<\/u><\/em>.<\/p>\n

The most important thing to remember when moving from one home to another is that moving company prices are not set in stone. Oftentimes, you will find out that moving services are negotiable, and the better negotiating skills you have, the better chances you have at scoring a good deal with your mover.<\/p>\n

So, how to negotiate with moving companies? How can you end up with an affordable and budget-friendly moving quote that will help you save hundreds of dollars, if not more?<\/p>\n

Read on to learn proven tips for negotiating with a moving company price and how the power of smart negotiation can lead to good ways to save on professional movers.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t get scammed<\/h2>\n

First and foremost, keep in mind that you must only consider dealing with reputable moving companies that will not try to scam you in any way. Here\u2019s a fair warning you must keep in mind throughout the entire process of negotiating moving costs: don\u2019t hire a mover based on low pricing alone.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

To have a low bidding moving company is great, but to have a moving bid that is way lower than the rest could mean that something is not right. That\u2019s right, uncharacteristically low estimates could be a sign of a possible moving scam: the so-called low-ball estimate is where a dishonest moving company tries to bait new customers by promising rates that have nothing to do with what they will ask in the end.<\/p>\n

Avoid strong headaches by doing your homework (a thorough background check on all movers) the way you are supposed to. Make sure you have checked and verified all long distance moving companies under consideration \u2013 they must be licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)<\/em><\/a> and accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Must-read info<\/strong>: How to avoid moving scams<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Compare moving company estimates<\/h2>\n

You know that hiring a top-rated moving company will help you negate a lot of the inevitable stress that comes with moving house, but it\u2019s the cost of their services that might be stopping you from making that right decision. Yes, moving house can be a rather pricey affair but the good news is that moving rates will vary from mover to mover even when your pre-move parameters remain the same. Which basically means that before you can take a seat at the negotiation table, you need to know what you have been offered first.<\/p>\n

To negotiate the best price for a moving service, start by getting and comparing at least<\/u><\/em> 3 estimates from licensed and accredited professional moving companies. Request in-house surveys from moving experts to guarantee that the written estimates you receive will be as close to the final bill as possible. Keep in mind that when you have multiple estimates from various movers, you do have more bargaining power.<\/p>\n

While you\u2019re getting the moving estimates, address the following pointers to eliminate potential last-minute moving company fees and charges:<\/p>\n