The recent spike in gas prices is driving up the cost of relocating, especially for long-distance or interstate moves. Consequently, consumers have become serious about finding ways to save money on moving services.
But experts warn that using the cheapest mover for your relocation won’t necessarily save you money. In fact, the hidden costs associated with cheap and budget movers can leave you paying more in the end.
“When people need to make a move, they are typically looking for an option that is good, fast, and cheap,” says Roger Vance, CEO of Safe Ship Moving Services. “But what they fail to understand is that you only ever get two of those factors. If it’s good and fast, it won’t be cheap. If it’s good and cheap, it won’t be fast. And if it’s cheap and fast, it won’t be good.”
Safe Ship Moving Services is a moving broker specializing in interstate household goods transportation. Drawing upon his background in business from Liberty University, Vance has built the company into a large-scale logistics intermediary that connects customers with a nationwide network of licensed and insured moving companies. Under his leadership, Safe Ship has focused on providing flexible pricing, streamlined coordination, and a simplified moving experience for consumers, particularly retirees and young professionals. Vance is also an advocate for brokers in the moving industry, emphasizing their ability to improve efficiency and accessibility for customers navigating long-distance moves while generating consistent business for carriers.
“Basically, someone facing a move needs to understand that they’ll get what they pay for,” Vance says. “And if they choose the cheapest option, they’re most likely paying for problems.”
Red Flags to Watch out for When Dealing with Low-Cost Moving Companies
The biggest danger consumers face when choosing a low-cost option is getting low-value service. With moving, that can mean inexperienced movers, long delays, and hidden costs of cheap movers that crop up later. While any of those issues can make for a nightmare move, hidden costs will be especially troubling for those trying to save money.
“You should definitely be looking for transparent binding quotes,” Vance says. “If costs are left vague, it could be a sign that you’ll be hit with a sharp increase in price on moving day.”
A “sight unseen” estimate is one red flag for consumers trying to save money. Some moving companies will base their estimate on the size of your home or apartment without paying attention to the details of what it contains. That can lead to upcharges when the movers show up and announce that your couch is too long or your refrigerator is oversized.
An unbranded company is another red flag to watch out for. Companies that don’t have websites, lack a high volume of solid reviews, or show up in trucks rented from U-Haul may be cheaper, but they may also lack the experience needed to make a move without damaging contents or causing delays.
Well-known companies like Mayflower and United Van Lines have the experience needed to help customers avoid hidden costs. Using a moving broker can also help movers find vetted companies with a track record of excellent service.
“Deep discounts can be another red flag,” Vance warns. “If a company immediately drops their quote when you push back against it, that means they were either price gouging you or you’re not actually getting what you think you’re getting. While there is a bit of wiggle room in prices for discounts, an immediate 20 to 30% reduction in price is a huge red flag.”
The Moving Services That Should Not Be Neglected
Getting a lower price often means accepting stripped-down services. But cutting corners can open the door to hidden costs. For example, paying the moving crew for expert packing and unpacking typically means you’ll be reimbursed for items damaged during the move.
“A full pack is a must-have for those who want to avoid hidden costs,” Vance advises. “When a consumer packs their own boxes, the contents of those boxes are not typically covered under the cargo protection because the movers cannot be sure the boxes were packed correctly.”
Vance also recommends paying for a guaranteed delivery date. This is especially important for long-distance moves, where delays can leave consumers facing costly bills for alternative housing and other expenses.
“Paying extra to ensure your contents are there when you need them is worth it,” Vance says. “If you make it to your destination before your items arrive, you could find yourself dealing with a large bill from an extended hotel stay and a week of eating out.”
Overall, consumers should assume any deal that seems too good to be true probably is. Moving is a complicated process that requires some expertise. Paying for that expertise is the only way to ensure stress-free moving.
“When going with a cheap mover or broker, you can expect them to nickel and dime you on every possible cost,” Vance says. “Stair fees, long carry fees, additional packing, and even increases in space. When a move is priced extremely low, there is no room to cover the cost of incidental issues that pop up over the course of a move, which leaves the consumer with the burden of carrying those additional costs. Paying for quality up front allows you to avoid those costly surprises.”
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