Why do moving companies charge so much?

Either the rates have gone up a lot since then or you're getting. Having moving companies pack your things can increase your costs, especially if you pay them an hourly rate. The more you can pack on your own, the more you'll save. Most professional moving companies charge based on the weight of the shipment.

The more items you have, the more you'll have to pay for their transfer. Most moving companies will use estimates in cubic feet to determine how much they'll charge you for the move. You may consider downsizing your staff before you move to reduce costs and save on moving expenses. Donate, discard, or sell items that you no longer use or plan to keep while packing your belongings.

As you can imagine, full-service moves are significantly more expensive than standard moves. Moving companies usually offer free storage for 30 days in their service packages or offer it as an incentive to close an offer. Professional moving companies work with experienced and cleverly trained carriers who have experience, knowledge and resources. For example, the peak moving season falls between May and September, when moving companies charge higher prices depending on of demand.

If you're convinced to hire moving companies, but you're still wary of the cost, don't worry: there are several strategies to control moving expenses. If included along with standard moving services, moving companies will disassemble all of the requested furniture before loading it into the truck and then assemble it at the destination. It's unlikely that you'll have the equipment needed to move items to and from a vehicle or just around your house, as buying and maintaining these items can be expensive once purchased. Any reputable moving company offers insurance and liability coverage, giving you peace of mind while moving your items. If you can move, for example, on the 10th of a month instead of the first, do it: you could get a lower quote or simply better service because the crew isn't exhausted from back-to-back work at the end of the month.

In addition, depending on the scope of the service package, carriers will even take care of large and special items, such as pianos or hot tubs. Moving involves a lot of expenses, so it's essential to keep an estimated budget when looking for moving companies to help you keep track of the costs and make the necessary adjustments. With an in-home or virtual survey, moving companies can accurately determine what's included in your moving expenses and provide you with a breakdown that fits your needs. This allows them to move everything safely, keep everyone in their household out of harm's way, and protect their belongings. To help make this process more transparent, we've described the typical billing process that most moving companies use.

Comparing quotes also helps you make sure you're getting all the services you need: a quote may include certain rates that others don't explicitly mention, so you can ask each moving company to clarify your doubts to make sure there won't be any surprises later on.

Irene Mccravy
Irene Mccravy

Certified pop cultureaholic. Hardcore coffee maven. Certified beer enthusiast. Infuriatingly humble travel guru. Amateur food maven. Devoted social media practitioner.