Planning your move starts with choosing the date. If you’re not forced to move in a hurry, you have the freedom to choose the best time for you to relocate. This decision will depend on several factors. First, you need to understand the main goal in your moving process. If your goal is to move safely, but on a budget, you need to figure out the cheapest time to relocate in CA. We’re here to help. Here’s how to choose the most affordable moving date and still have the smoothest move ever.
The cheapest time to relocate in CA is when there’s less demand
When looking for the most affordable time to move, it’s always good to do this when fewer people relocate. That period is surely wintertime. Even though California’s winters are not as rough as in some other parts of the country, they are the least popular in the moving business. As more people move in spring and summer, winters tend to be more affordable since demand is relatively low. Some of the main reasons why moving companies drop their prices are:
· Fewer families choose to move in the wintertime because it’s the holiday season and moving with kids in winter get more complicated and riskier;
· House-hunting tends to be not as successful as in warmer months. However, it’s not impossible to find a great home; just be sure to start house-hunting on time;
· Moving in winter would mean kids would be interrupted in the middle of the school year, which is why families with kids tend to move after the school year is over. With all the factors combined, moving companies have less work during winter and try to compete by offering more affordable moving fees.
How to save more on your move?
Looking for the cheapest time to relocate in CA is not the only way to save on your move. Some tips and tricks can help you minimize your moving budget while enjoying a safe and smooth relocation.
Find the cheapest day to move
Moving companies have more available dates during winter, which gives you more flexibility in choosing the best date for your move. In addition to the more affordable moving season, specific days can bring you even better prices. Moving on weekends is always more expensive, which is why you should opt for a day between Monday and Thursday.
Negotiate the price
As there’s less moving traffic in winter, more companies will be available on the selected date. This will allow you to choose more than one moving company and compare their pricing. This comparison will give you the chance to negotiate the prices. Knowing you’ve got more than one offer, moving companies might drop the prices a bit to win you over as a client.
Choose packing supplies wisely
If you’re moving a large household, packing supplies can be pretty expensive. That’s why you need to be more resourceful to make this as affordable as possible. There are several options for cheaper packing supplies:
Use
· Packing supplies you saved from your previous move;
· Start gathering packing supplies early so you have enough time to browse better deals and sales;
· Use supplies from friends or family who have recently moved;
· Revise your household items and see if some of the pieces can be used as packing supplies. Suitcases, drawers, tote bags, etc., can serve as excellent containers, whereas old blankets or sheets can be used as protection.
Making winter relocations safer
If you decide to move in winter, watch the weather forecast to prepare for the big day. Even though California’s winters a pretty mild, you may be moving to California from a significantly colder place. Make sure your move is extra safe if it happens to be scheduled on a cold winter day.
Protect temperature-sensitive items
Things in your home, such as electronics, need extra protection when moving in winter. Even though wintertime is the cheapest time to relocate in CA, don’t let it cost you more for being careless. Wrap delicate items with more layers to protect them from the weather. If you’re unsure how to do it or don’t have the right supplies, it’s better to trust a pro to get all your items ready in the safest way possible. By hiring reliable packing services, you will significantly lower the chances of something going wrong.
Clear the entrance
If there’s snow or ice in front of your home, make sure the entrance is cleared out before the movers arrive. Also, as everyone will come in and out of your home multiple times and bring moisture in, it’s best to cover the floors. This will protect them from damage but also minimize slippery accidents.
Keep winter clothes/accessories handy
It can get pretty cold when moving house, so make sure some extra sweaters, gloves, or scarves are available for everyone involved in the process.
Take care of your kids and pets
The experts from Simple Moving Los Angeles suggest that you find someone to watch kids and pets until all the boxes and furniture are taken out. It’s safer for them and easier for movers to do their job if there are no children or animals to watch out for. Ask some of your friends or family to take care of them.
Serve some warm drinks
Everyone will feel much better if some warm drinks or snacks are around. Prepare some coffee, tea, or hot cocoa and serve them to the movers or friends helping you out.
Final thoughts
It’s okay to look for the cheapest time to relocate in CA. This can significantly reduce your moving expenses and help you recover financially much faster. However, make sure not to skimp on every aspect of the move. Moving companies or packing supplies that seem too good to be true are often a risky choice since they can lead to much higher costs.
Comments