Moving Companies and How they Determine Their Cost (…and Decreasing It)

Published on: 23 July 2019 Last Updated on: 29 October 2024

You can either reduce or increase your stress on the moving day, depending on the service you pick.

Here’s what we mean. If a person has all the funds in the world, they can afford to get every aspect of their move taken care of. This certainly will reduce the stress they will face.

If a person is on a tight budget, they will likely face more stress. Because they will have to handle a lot of things that they could easily have outsourced.

Since most folks do not have all the money in the world, it is important for them to understand how moving companies arrive at their fees.

Having this information may be helpful in helping them plan their move a lot better to both reduce the cost to them as well as the stress they will face.

Major Cost Determinants

So, what are the factors that determine how much a person will pay when moving? There are a lot of different factors that can influence the cost, as we can see here, but we will only focus on the main ones.

Distance

This is one cost that most people can understand. A long-distance move will most certainly cost way more than a local move.

Therefore, the further your destination is from your point of origin, the more you can expect to pay, and this is regardless of whatever method you choose for the move.

Many moving companies determine the distance costs by considering different variables. It is important that you find out the exact distance and communicate the same to the moving company.

Credible and reputable companies like H2H Movers are not going to haggle about the prices if the variations in distances are marginal in nature.

Stuff To Move!

What you are moving to will also affect your cost.

First, consider the quantity, size, and weight of the different items you need to move.

This will determine the size of the vehicle required and how much you will pay.

Consideration will also be given to the cost of the items to be moved. There are some items that will have to be handled by specialists. Some of these include expensive artworks and antiques. Bringing in expert handlers will certainly cost you more money.

Present Location and Destination

Where you are taking off from and where you are headed will also affect your cost. While your present location may not be as impactful on your cost as the destination, both play a part.

If, for example, your present location is not easily accessible, the company will consider this. The same applies to your destination.

Simple things like the absence of a functioning lift in a high-rise building will attract some additional charges as movers will be forced to use the stairs.

There’s also the issue of the operational centers of the company you choose to work with. If a company has operational centers in both your take-off city and your destination, chances are that your cost will be lower.

The reason is simple. A company that operates from both bases can easily get another moving job for the van that took your stuff there.

On the other hand, a company that does not operate from your destination will have to return to base empty, an expense that will likely be added to you.

Moving Option

The choice you make about how you intend to move will be the major determinant of what you will pay, as this will influence all other costs. You can check out a list of moving options here: https://www.thespruce.com/best-way-to-move-your-stuff-2436686.

A full-service move will cost you more in monetary terms than a self-move.

Services Offered

Within the option to use a moving company, you have individual services that can add to your cost. Some of the services that moving companies will offer include:

Extended insurance.

Packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking.

Disassembly and reassembly of furniture.

Storage space.

Cleaning services.

These are just a few examples of services that can be offered. How many of these will you pay?

Timing

Many folks are not aware of this. When you schedule your move, it can also affect your cost.

Moving companies have periods regarded as peak periods and those regarded as off-peak periods. Scheduling a move during a peak period automatically means a higher cost to you.

Weekends, holidays, and summer are regarded as peak periods, while weekdays, fall, and winter are off-peak periods.

By understanding some of these factors, you can then think of how to work around them to get and enjoy lower rates. Let’s now briefly look at how you can lower your moving costs.

How to Lower Your Costs

We understand that moving could be costly, so here is how you can save a few bucks.

Moving

Determine Your Budget

Getting this sorted out right from the start can be helpful. Determine how much you are willing to spend so you can ensure that all your expenses fall within this budget.

Compare Moving Methods

Look at the different moving options and decide which will fit into your budget. You can find some examples above. You can also calculate moving costs online on sites like 9Kilo Moving.

They will help you compare quotes from different companies. This will make it easier for you to choose an appropriate moving method.

Schedule Your Move for Off-peak Periods

Remember what we said above about peak and off-peak periods. Schedule your move for an off-peak period.

Start Packing Early

Get all your stuff sorted out very early. This ensures that your movers do not have to spend unnecessary time.

Time is money (This is, of course, if you have chosen to work with movers). If you are handling it yourself, things will be easier and less stressful for you.

Look for Free Packing Boxes

Getting free packing boxes and other materials will mean you won’t have to buy or rent them. This, of course, is another avenue through which some savings can be made.

Pack Only What You Really Need

Saving money on moving can be a challenge when you are just shifting to a brand-new city for your new job. This is why you need all the advice you can get to make the move a little better.

Moving too Quickly ? (..For a Job)

Sometimes, you must relocate too fast. Especially when it comes to landing a new job.

Moving quickly for a job can feel stressful, but if you prepare yourself correctly and follow the right steps, moving in haste doesn’t have to be a crazy, chaotic mess.

Here’s how to handle a rapid move for job purposes without losing your mind.

1. Make a To-Do List and Stick with It

First things first—prioritize!

Create a checklist of everything you need to do, from finding a new place to live to scheduling the move.

Try to break down the tasks by days and tackle the most important ones first. Since time is of the essence, focus on the essentials: securing housing, transferring your job documents, and notifying your current landlord or utility companies.

You’ll also want to gather any important documents related to your job, like offer letters, employment contracts, and references, so they’re easily accessible during the move.

If you are moving countries, then password & work visa are the two important items you should always clutch.

2. Downsize and Declutter

One of the easiest ways to ensure a fast and efficient move is by hiring professionals.

If you’re in a time crunch, your best bet is to hire a full-service moving company to handle all aspects of your move.

They will have the experience, equipment, and manpower to pack, load, transport, and unload your belongings quickly and safely.

Albeit it will be a little too costly, think of it as a one-time investment which can secure you from the haphazard of moving.

If your budget allows for it, hiring professional movers who are experienced in fast relocations can be a game changer.

They’ll pack up, load up, and unload everything far more quickly than you ever could, leaving you with more time to take care of the million other things that need your attention.

Many moving companies even offer quick emergency services specifically for those needing an instant relocation.

Keep in mind that if you do decide to hire pros, you’ll want to book them as soon as possible so they don’t get booked out on your target move date.

3. Let the Right People and Places Know

Don’t forget to update your address and let important people and organizations know about your big move.

This includes your bank, insurance provider, and any subscriptions you may have.

You should also reach out to friends and family members—simply to give them a clue or to see if they can possibly assist with the move. Just because you’re moving in a hurry does not mean you need to go do it alone. If assistance is offered, take it!

Final Thoughts

Relocating can be overwhelming, but it’s not impossible. With some preparation and the right tools at your disposal, you can make sure your fast move goes smoothly.

Be sure to give yourself enough time to get everything done, downsize if necessary, and consider hiring professional movers to help ease some of the stress of moving.

However, you do it, just try to stay organized — and keep calm while doing so. Losing your head won’t bring any successful outcome!

Lastly, moving to a new place could always be an exciting experience, so embrace it without worrying about where any of your belongings are packed!

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Deepanwita Dey

Deepanwita is a seasoned practitioner of ‘jumping the ship’. She started out her journey with literature and now holds a double graduation degree, one of which is in psychology. As a result, she is now using this skill to help confused job seekers to pick a direction. Given her academic background, her writing is laden with analytical analogies and deep research. As one of Content Rally’s most regular contributors, readers can find a sense of confidence in her writing.

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10 Things to Do Before You Move Out of State

Relocating to a new state can be a lot of things—crazy, exciting, and stressful, to name a few. The good news is that with a little intentionality, you can mold your move into a positive, enjoyable life transition. Here are ten tips to consider before you pack your bags. 1. Make a bucket list: Life is busy. Chances are, there are places to see, food to eat, and things to do in your current state that you never got around to seeing, eating, or doing. Make a bucket list of a few of the things you think you’d regret if you moved away without experiencing. And then, make plans to make it happen. 2. Plan to say goodbye: Moving is stressful, and it can be easy to get up in the frenzy of your to-do list. But, to have a healthy sense of closure and positive feelings when you look back on a period in your life, it’s essential to make an effort to wrap things up well. And, relationships are the most crucial piece of the wrap-up puzzle. In addition to great friends, you’ve developed relationships with all kinds of others—e.g., your neighbors, your children’s teachers, and your yoga instructor. Make a list of these folks, and plan to say goodbye. A handwritten note might suit your style, or perhaps you’d prefer to throw a colossal bbq and invite everyone. Whatever feels right to you is the best way to say goodbye and honor the people who have played a part in your experience. 3. Make a list of wrap-up logistics: The best way to get your head around a million moving logistics is to make a good old-fashioned list. There are a million moving checklists online to get you started. Then, you can open a notebook or your laptop and make your custom list. We recommend a master task list with deadlines to keep you on track toward your big move. 4. Make moving arrangements: When are you leaving? Where are you going? How will you get your stuff there? These seem like obvious questions, but we recommend sitting down and thinking through every detail. Once you have your plan on paper (or screen), the actual moving will feel much less daunting. 5. Clutter clear: Moving states is not just a geographical location change; it’s a significant life transition. And, an excellent opportunity to assess the stuff you have and decide what you want to keep and what to leave behind. A good question to ask yourself when you look at an item in your house is, “Do I want to carry this into the future? Or, do I want to leave it in the past.” If your answer is yes to the former, pack it up. If it’s yes to the latter, donate it before you go. 6. Plan to make some changes: In addition to this time being an excellent opportunity to clutter clear your physical space, it’s also a time to make any necessary changes to your lifestyle. Think about any bad habits you want to “leave behind” and new ones that you want to have with you when you arrive at your new home. Relocating to a new state is a rare fresh start. It can give you an opportunity to reinvent yourself, and if you want to make the change even more seriously, you could even change your name. If you're relocating to California, there are services that allow you to legally change your name with no problems. However, you should do research on the laws of your state before undergoing this kind of process. 7. Learn about your soon-to-be new home: It can be fun to start learning about your new city early, so you can hit the ground running when you arrive. Think about what’s most important to your lifestyle and virtually explore the offerings near your new home. Whether you’re typing the words “Brisbane best butcher” or “hot yoga in Denver” into the search bar, you’ll be on your way to finding cool new spots to frequent in your new digs. 8. Make a new bucket list: Earlier, we mentioned that many of us get busy and forget to partake in all the unique experiences offered by a particular city or state. Avoid that by starting your bucket list early! Every time you get a restaurant suggestion or learn about a historical landmark that’s a must-visit, write it down! Then, you can refer back and never feel short of cool things to do. 9. Experience the honeymoon: Much like with new relationships, many of us experience a “honeymoon” period when we move to a new place. The possibilities are endless, and the future is bright. New experiences are making new chemicals flow, and you feel good. Plan to take advantage of this good energy and explore your surroundings. You’ll be setting a beautiful foundation for your time in your new city. 10. Remember to enjoy the ride: Above all, enjoy! Moving out of state marks an exciting time in your life—take full advantage of it. Read Also: The Five Most Important Things To Know Before Moving Make Your Vacation Less Stressful With The Following Tricks The Ultimate Moving Checklist – Things You Need To Do When Moving

Moving Companies and How they Determine Their Cost (…and Decreasing It)