How to Negotiate with Movers and Save Money Moving

Negotiation is a powerful tool, and when done right, it can bring about a win-win result for you and your mover.

Relocating is stressful enough without overpaying. The good news? Moving costs are negotiable if you can be flexible, realistic, and understand the market.

By learning how to negotiate with movers, you can secure high-quality services at a fair price, avoid scams, and ensure a smooth relocation.

And whilst you can usually make savings on many elements of your move through negotiation, do not ever skimp on insurance.

Being underinsured is the most common home-moving mistake that you don’t want to make. Always ensure that you are fully insured should the worst happen.

Some things are worth spending extra money on – insurance is one of those things.

Now read on to learn practical negotiation strategies, the red flags to watch for, and insider tips.

You may also like to read: Home Moving Insurance. Being underinsured is one of the most common home-moving mistakes. In this guide, we explain all you need to know about insuring your move.

Why Negotiation Matters When Hiring Movers

Moving is a major life event and an expensive project. But negotiating with movers can save you hundreds of dollars.

Bear in mind that it has to be fair for both sides; cut too deep and the movers will need to cut corners to match your price.

So value for money should be your yardstick – a fair price for a job well done that saves you time, hardship, and stress.

Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, your final cost depends on:

• The size of your shipment (weight, cubic meters, or time).
• The distance traveled.
• Additional services like packing, crating, or storage.
• Difficulty level: Flights of stairs, long carry, or shuttle trucks, for example
• The time of year (summer is peak season).

You may also like to read: How Movers Can Increase Final Costs. Even if you negotiate a better price for your move, there are still ways that movers can legitimately increase your final bill. Find out what those ways are and how to avoid those additional charges.

Negotiation Strategy

Step 1. Gather Information

Before you can negotiate, you need leverage. That means understanding what a reasonable price for your move is when carried out by a reliable and professional mover.

• Research average moving costs for your home size and distance. A moving cost calculator is a great starting point.
• Compare moving companies online. Look at their websites, licensing, insurance, USDOT number, and BBB accreditation.
• Read reviews on MoveAdvisor, Yelp, and Trustpilot to spot red flags.
• Look for promotions or discounts.
• Ensure you are comparing like for like.

Pro Tip: Don’t just compare total prices; compare what’s included, valuation coverage, packing services, delivery windows, and hidden fees.

You may also like to read: How to Compare Movers. To ensure that you are able to compare your quotes fairly, you need to compare what the movers are offering. In this guide, we show you how to compare moving companies.

Step 2. Collect Multiple Estimates

• Get at least three to four written estimates from reputable movers.
• Always request an in-home or virtual walkthrough (not just phone quotes) to ensure accuracy.

During the walkthrough:

• Show every item you plan to move.
• Mention specialty items (pianos, artwork, or fragile antiques).
• Clarify conditions at both pickup and delivery (stairs, narrow streets, elevator use).
• Give each mover the same information, which will make comparison easier.

Warning: Be cautious of lowball estimates. If one quote is much lower than the others, it could be a moving scam. Rogue movers often lure customers with cheap rates, then tack on hidden charges or disappear with deposits.

You may also like to read: Understanding Moving Quotes. There are various types of quotes that you can be given for your home move. In this guide, we explain what those are and the key differences.

Step 3. Verify the Movers are Legit

Only negotiate with trustworthy movers. To vet companies:

• Check licensing: Verify their USDOT number with the FMCSA database.
• Confirm insurance and affiliations (e.g., AMSA, BBB accreditation).
• Search complaint histories on ProtectYourMove.gov or MovingScam.com.
• Find out if you are dealing with a broker or a moving company
• Read verified reviews: You will see if there is a pattern of low estimates followed by additional charges on moving day.
• Drive by their office or warehouse, if possible, and look for branded trucks and professional staff.

You may also like to read: How to Look Up a DOT or SOS License. The DOT or SOS license can tell you a lot about a mover. In this guide, we explain how to look up a mover’s license and what to look out for.

Step 4: Plan Your Negotiation Strategy

Once you’ve shortlisted reliable movers, decide how you’ll approach the negotiation. Here are some effective tactics:

• Ask for discounts and promotions. Even if none are advertised, movers may create a deal to win your business.
• Be flexible with timing. Midweek, mid-month, or off-season moves (Oct–May) often come cheaper.
• Cut extra services. Pack your own boxes or disassemble furniture to lower costs.
• Leverage competition. Share a lower quote from a competitor and ask your preferred mover to match or beat it.
• Book early. Early reservations can lock in lower rates and guarantee availability.
• Be persistent. If turned down the first time, call back later because another rep may be more flexible.

You may also like to read: Moving in the Off-Peak Season. When you move home can make a significant difference to your moving costs. In this guide, we explain why moving in the off-season is the smart thing to do.

Bonus Ways to Lower Moving Costs

Declutter Before Moving

The fewer items you move, the less you’ll pay. Sell, donate, or recycle unwanted belongings.

Avoid Hidden Fees

Ask about long-carry charges, shuttle fees, flight charges (stairs), and storage costs. Take steps to minimize them by reserving parking spots, booking elevators, and preparing your new home in advance.

Negotiate Additional Services

The cost of services such as packing delicate items, crating, or temporary storage can sometimes be waived or reduced.

Bundle Services

Some companies may offer discounts if you use both moving and storage services together.

You may also like to read: How to Declutter for a Home Move. Decluttering is the one guaranteed way to make your move easier and cheaper. Find out all you need to know about decluttering in this essential guide.

FAQs About Negotiating with Movers

Can I really negotiate moving costs?

Yes. Moving companies expect negotiation, especially when competing for your business.

What’s the cheapest time to move?

Typically, midweek and mid-month in the off-season (October–May).

How much should I budget for movers?

Local moves typically cost between $1,000 and $2,500. Long-distance moves typically range from $3,000 to $ 7,000, depending on the distance and weight.

Should I always choose the cheapest mover?

No. Prioritize trust and reliability. Lowball estimates often lead to hidden fees or scams.

You may also like to read: How to Avoid Moving Scams. In this guide, we explain the most common home moving scams and how to avoid them.

Quick Recap of Negotiation Tips

• Do your homework and gather multiple estimates.
• Verify movers’ legitimacy before negotiating.
• Ask for discounts, stay flexible, and reduce extra services.
• Use competitor quotes as leverage.
• Book early for better rates.
• Be realistic about what moving home costs

Using these strategies, you’ll secure the best price for the best service, making your relocation smoother, safer, and more affordable.

So, can you negotiate with movers? Absolutely. With the right knowledge, flexibility, and timing, you can cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Just be realistic about what is a fair price when negotiating, and beware of those lowball quotes.

Ready to start comparing quotes? Use a moving cost calculator to estimate your relocation expenses and begin negotiating with confidence.

Good luck with your move, and be sure to visit our home moving blog, which is packed with guides to make every aspect of your move easier, cheaper, and safer.