As you prepare for your big move, it’s impossible not to notice how much the costs add up. Moving can involve a lot of stress, and the expenses involved can often contribute to that stress. And if you’re looking to hire packers and movers, you may be feeling like there’s no way to get it done without splurging. Fortunately, enlisting the help of a professional packing company or full service moving company doesn’t need to break the bank. With the right strategies, you can easily find a service that offers quality help without being too costly. Interested in hiring an Illinois moving company while working within your budget? Check out our top ways to find affordable packers and movers!

1. Start early

Similar to so many other aspects of moving, starting early gives you an advantage. Starting in advance has a few perks that can be really helpful during your move. First, booking your moving services ahead of time gives you more options in terms of scheduling. You likely will not run into any scheduling issues if you tackle booking in advance, meaning you can get the dates you’re aiming for. One good way to go about finding savings when scheduling is to opt for a weekday over a weekend. Also, if possible, you can also aim to move during the off-season, which is September to May. Sometimes, moving companies even offer discounts for booking early, which can be a real incentive to get your scheduling out of the way ahead of time!

2. Ask for recommendations

To find a moving company you can trust, word-of-mouth is a tried and true method for discovering a great service to rely on. Of course, you want to make sure the service you end up investing in can take the best possible care of your belongings to minimize the odds of anything getting damaged in transit. Not only is this ideal for the sake of convenience, but it also can prevent any unforeseen costs to replace broken items (although many trusted moving companies can insure your items).

If you have any neighbors, friends, or family in your area who have recently moved, ask around and find out which company they used to complete their relocation. This can give you some valuable insight on the service provided and whether they were worth the cost. Alternatively, people may be able to let you know which companies they had a bad experience with so you can know which services to avoid.

3. Go through reviews

Once you’ve found a few different companies, either from word-of-mouth or through some research of your own, you can then look through reviews to find out what the general consensus is about the companies and their quality. Although many services have customer reviews on their website, you may want to look at a neutral source to make sure you’re receiving a completely unbiased view of the company. Reviews are an excellent way of finding out what type of service you can expect from a moving company. Typically, if the vast majority of customers report a positive experience with excellent customer service, it’s safe to say you will likely have a good chance of success with the company in question.

4. Get numerous quotes

After going through reviews, narrow your search down to the most highly rated companies. From there, you can reach out to these packing and/or moving services for quotes. This is where you can explain exactly what you’re looking to accomplish and receive a tailored estimate just for you. This is very important as it gives you something concrete to base your decision on. Additionally, it gives you something to refer to when budgeting.

Many companies offer estimates over the phone or through video. If possible, though, it’s best to get an in-person estimate, as they are typically most accurate. When you receive an in-person estimate, you can more thoroughly express how many things you’ll be moving and any specifics involved with your move. The movers can also see if there are any issues that may arise in your home, such as difficult staircases or narrow entryways.

Be sure to get at least three or four quotes before making your final decision. This will enable you to get the best deal for what you need. However, look out for prices that seem surprisingly inexpensive – this can be a red flag for a potential scam. Get your estimates in writing to make sure you have something to refer to if the company tries to change the price.

5. Check credentials

For your own reference as a double check, verify that the moving company you book has the proper credentials before you sign anything. You’ll want to make sure they are licensed and have insurance. The company should be registered with the United States Department of Transportation, which can be verified through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Additionally, you can check for any prior complaints with the FMCSA or the Better Business Bureau. This is important to check for your own peace of mind.

6. Cut down on items

Finally, one excellent way to cut down on costs with the packers and movers is to cut down on the amount of things they need to pack and move. A good, thorough declutter is an effective way to tackle this task. You can sort your items into four categories: donate, sell, trash, and keep. The more you’re able to get rid of, the better. Plus, if you have belongings that are worth selling, you can sell some things and make some money back, which can go towards various moving costs.

Packing and moving made affordable

With these six tips, you can make the most financially responsible decision while hiring a moving services company in Illinois. If you’re seeking a professional packing company or a full-service moving company in Mokena, look no further than Moving Services Inc. For your local, long distance, and international moving needs, Moving Services Inc. can provide whatever you need with great customer service and affordable prices. Request your move estimate today!