Every moving company claims to be affordable. Even if their prices are higher in comparison to other companies, they will assure you that is completely justified by the quality of service you get in return. At the end of the day, the term “affordable” is very relative. With a limited budget, you probably assume you have to make lots of sacrifices and take risks. However, you don’t have to do either of those things if you know how to find reputable yet affordable movers in Los Angeles. Yes, they do exist.
Affordable Los Angeles movers are just a few steps away
To increase your chances of finding affordable movers in Los Angeles whom you can trust, start your search on time. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to find them and book them. Here’s what you have to do:
- Gather recommendations
- Make a list of top five LA companies and compare their services
- Check the legal status of each top moving company Los Angeles
- Get price estimates and compare them
- Negotiate with the most affordable movers in Los Angeles
- Choose the cheapest date
Other customers can help you find affordable movers in Los Angeles
Ask around. Start from your closest people. Your friends, neighbors, colleagues and family members might know a good company or two. Ask about their overall impression, not only the moving rates. Remember that low-quality service can be as expensive as a moving scam. Then, move on to the world wide web. The internet is by far the largest source of information, including that on affordable Los Angeles movers. Find genuine reviews posted by real customers. Since reviews can be bought and sold online, or written by the movers themselves or their competitors, you need to read as many as you can find to get a clearer picture.
Select the most affordable movers in Los Angeles who seem reliable
Make a list of about five moving companies you think you can trust. Next, visit their websites, even social media accounts. If they do not have a website, that’s your first red flag. Also, websites that contain very little information can be considered shady. The basic information a site should contain is their contact information, including an email address, a phone number, as well as a physical address. Furthermore, read about the moving services they provide or ask them personally. If they have an informative website, offer everything you need, and you can customize your move to fit your budget, you are one step closer to finding your ideal company.
Check if the movers operate legally
As tempting as they are, reasonable prices and good service are not the only factors you should take into consideration. Before making the final choice, you should check whether your short-listed companies are legitimate. No matter how affordable a moving company is, they are not a good choice unless they are licensed and insured.
Long-distance movers must hold a license issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). A USDOT number proves that an interstate company is licensed and insured. On the other hand, an MC number identifies expert local movers in Los Angeles who only operate within the state. These numbers should be available on the movers’ website. You can find the licensing information of all reliable companies on the Department’s website. No USDOT/MC number? This is a major warning sign.
Compare a few moving estimates
Even though you are trying to hire cheap movers, do not go for the lowest estimate. If you think a quote is too good to be true, you have the right to be suspicious. Hidden fees are not rare in the moving industry – don’t let them sneak up on you. Always ask the company to clarify the estimated price, especially if it is too low. Pay special attention to the additional fees – for example, if you need special services such as packing or unpacking. Most importantly, never tell them your budget in the beginning, even if they ask, because they may offer a higher estimate once they hear that you can afford it.
Go for a binding estimate
Many LA movers offer free estimates you can get over the phone or on their website. However, this type of estimate is not the most precise one. It would be better to get a binding estimate. All your fees should be listed here. This is supposed to be your guaranteed price, hence the only one you can be sure about. Demand an in-home estimate, if possible. Have a company representative inspect the access to your home and all the items you are planning to move before offering a price.
The estimate you get should be in writing, signed by both you and the LA mover you are hiring. A legitimate company would never ask you to work without a contract or sign a blank one. Also, respectable Los Angeles movers do not ask for cash or large up-front payments.
Try to negotiate a better price
Negotiating is one of the oldest cost-reduction techniques. It does not always work, but it is definitely worth trying. You can bluff and say that you have already received a better offer from another company. Also, ask if you have one of these options to lower your price:
- ongoing promotion
- early booking
- student discount
- first-time customer discount
- returning customer discount
- discount coupon
Pick the right moving day
You should bear in mind that the price will probably depend on your moving date as well. Moving in the winter will cost you less than moving in the summer because summer months are busier for movers. Furthermore, weekend fees are higher compared to work days. So, try to be flexible and plan the right time for relocation in order to save some cash.