When it comes to moving one of the first things to pop into mind is usually “whats this going to cost?” Like anything else there is a wide range of offerings and options on how to go about moving costs. When going about choosing a full service professional mover to assist with your move most assume it is going to be expensive. The truth is, it much more affordable than most think. The most important aspect in getting a price for a move is deciding what you really need the most help with and work back from there on costs and what you can do on your own. Especially with local moving, when staying in Melbourne or local in brevard its usually simple enough to take trips in your vehicle to move small knick nacks and personal items and provides a lot more options that a cross country move where everything has to be boxed, labeled and accounted for to all fit on the moving truck to move in one trip up. This article is going to outline not only how to plan for an efficient move but also insider tips on how you can work with local companies to help get the best price possible for your move.
The number one way to plan a cost effective move is to start planning 30-60 days before the anticipated moving day. This allows you plenty of time to plan and really see what you can do yourself vs what you may need professional help with. We recommend making focusing on what you can do to reduce the total moving cost vs what company in town has the lowest hourly rate.
Unfortunately when it comes to moving services there is still a portion of companies who prey on these price shoppers with the bait and switch. They lure you in with a “cheap” price and then change it on move day. Many times this is when the client moving has little options and ends up reluctantly paying the bill just to get it over with. More reputable companies will get a signed estimate from the client that is a formal contract on services for the move. You can also check out “The Complete Guide to Getting a Local Moving Estimate” on our blog page for more info on this.
We will show you how to prepare for your move in a way that allows you to choose a reputable professional company to keep your move day easy and stress free with no surprises. Not only is this a guide to save money but the Florida fall and winter also make for perfect moving weather, which also is a great perk!
Ask about flexible dates and current availability
The busiest days for moving companies are typically Friday and Saturdays. Many folks are trying to squeeze it in over the weekend to avoid taking a day off from work and then having the extra day or to If you have flexibility in your move date ask about if there is any better rate or incentives they can offer for a lower demand move day. In the moving industry companies notoriously have an unbalanced schedule and will be willing to provide an incentive to schedule on a day that helps their staff scheduling like a Monday or Tuesday early in the week. During these fall and winter months demand is not as high as summer and this is one area that creates flexibility and room for incentives.
Compare the complete estimate, not just the hourly rate
When it comes to comparing moving estimates its critical to ensure you’re making an apples to apples comparison. Companies can offer a wide range of services that can create differences in a moving estimate. One company may be slightly more because they included fragile item packing for your big screen TV and pictures where another left that out. Professional companies pay attention to all details when you are getting an estimate and account for each out. We even have an article about our top services and a full cost analysis on them you can read there here.
Make sure you’re still looking companies up to verify insurance as well as a big one, asking specifically about workers compensation insurance. There are many companies that slap a flashy wrap on their truck to appear as a legitimate company while still lacking the proper insurance. Especially in the state of Florida, Workers compensation is not required below a certain number of employees as well as some smaller companies that incorrectly classify their staff and 1099 independent contractors as a loophole to not carrying coverage while still operating in the company inform and company truck.
Be sure all of these smaller details are checked and that the companies you are looking at are real professional companies. All professional companies manage the same costs and when a competitor has a significantly different rate the first thought should be where are they cutting costs to offer such a cheap rate vs their competitors. Many of the times what was a cost savings comes back on something that protects
Prepare before the crew arrives
This one may seem obvious but it plays a major part in how smoothly moves go. Havings things done as simple as having all boxes taped and labeled, having surfaces cleared off as well as beds for the crew to be able to get right to work when they arrive. The more organized things are when the crew arrives the more efficiently the move is going to be.
A large part of this in knowing exactly what the moving company will and will not be handling before they arrive. If you need the movers to take apart bed and provide some fragile time packing that is certainly not a problem but ensuring this was communicated ahead of time so the crew has the proper materials for what you need. At Tropic Moving we always do a 48 hour final confirmation call with our clients to ensure we get an final updated on inventory changes or what our client was or was not able to get completed so our crew has the most accurate update on the move to be prepared for it on the move day.
Ask about booking offers
At Tropic Moving we currently have multiple offers in effect. We are offering a senior special rate of $349 for a two man crew minimum (2 hours moving and local travel) as well as the same pricing for “labor only” help of loading and unloading Uhauls, Pods or any other rental truck or portable storage container.
We also offer a same-day booking discount of $50 off your move when you book your move on the day you first call. It’s an easy way to save whether you’re planning ahead or need same-day or next-day movers for a last-minute move. Learn more about our last-minute moving services in Melbourne, FL.
In addition to all of those we also have a special as a VIP partner of Brevard County Foster and Adoptive Families Association we offer $100 off a three man moving crew to any foster and adoptive families.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Cost-Effective Fall Move
Is it cheaper to move in the fall or winter in Brevard County, Florida?
A fall or winter move does not automatically come with a lower rate. When requesting a moving estimate, ask about current booking offers and whether flexibility with your moving date could help you save on your move. The goal is to find the best overall value for your move, and ways to save, not assume you have a lower fall/winter moving rate.
Does the lowest hourly rate mean the lowest moving cost?
Not necessarily. Compare the estimated hours, crew size, minimum charges, travel fees, and included services, not just the hourly rate. Ask whether furniture protection, packing materials, or special handling will cost extra so you can compare estimates for the same scope of work. Also ask about when they start and stop the clock. Also ask if there are any ways to guarantee the estimate to ensure you have peace of mind the price wont exceed a certain amount. A cheaper crew with an inexperienced crew may still cost more if it takes longer and can increase the chances of damaged household goods.
What can I do before moving day to help keep costs down?
Finish any packing you plan to handle yourself, label boxes clearly, and keep walkways accessible. Have any items you are donating or disposing of already gone before the crew arrives for your move. Share an accurate inventory and any access challenges with your mover in advance, this will keep them prepared so their are no move day speed bumps to navigate.
How can planning around closing dates help me avoid extra moving costs?
Coordinate your required move-out date and expected access to your next home with your real estate agent and moving company. When the timeline allows, moving directly between homes can avoid temporary storage and additional loading and unloading. Do not assume a scheduled closing means you can unload that morning either. Most realtors and home owners follow strict guidelines about not moving in until everything is finalized for the real estate transaction. Not having clear answers can create scheduling conflicts that may result in short term storage or a hold on the truck that that could quickly add on costs to your move if not planned for ahead of time. Confirm access arrangements and discuss a backup plan in case the closing is delayed with your realtor as well as your moving company.
What is the most cost-effective option when my closing dates do not line up?
The right option depends on how long the gap will last and how certain your move-in date is. Ask your mover whether an overnight truck hold or temporary storage is available and appropriate or if it will need to be offloaded into storage. Compare the complete cost of storage, including pickup, holding or storage charges, handling, and final delivery, rather than choosing based only on the advertised storage price or hourly rate. Different companies have different capacity and capabilities for these things that can directly impact costs. A large company may have a large enough fleet to accommodate a 2-3 day hold on the truck that would avoid unloading and create a significant price difference on quotes. All things to consider before choosing a company.
Should I ask about moving discounts before booking?
Yes. Ask Tropic Moving about available booking offers when requesting your estimate. Confirm any deposit requirements, booking deadlines, and eligibility conditions so you know what qualifies. Choose an offer that fits your actual moving plans, and make sure the discount is reflected in your written estimate. If may be as simple as providing the option to have the company choose the date for an incentive that you can mention to them.