Reaching a decision to move and start your life at an entirely different place you will call home is brave. The entire process can be up to a few months long, and you should accept all the help that you can get. If you don’t want to bother your relatives and friends, moving abroad with reliable movers is an excellent choice. Let us find out how to get the best moving rates.

Save money with these useful tips

The timing is everything

Try not to search for the best moving rates if you do not know when you are going to move. It is best to establish the exact dates or approximate dates of your move. In order to save money while moving, choose the periods when moving services are low on work. For example, the majority of people is moving in summer and spring, then it is wise to choose winter or autumn and get a discount. Also, weekends are usually overbooked, so get some time off your work and move in the middle of the week. You will avoid all the crowds and use the weekend for pleasure instead of moving and save money as well.

Downsize

Choose the items that you will move wisely. Any unnecessary items can be sold, donated or given to someone as a gift. Do not hesitate to lighten your load, it will pay off eventually. Not only will the overall weight be lighter and your expenses lower, but you will also have less to unpack and less clutter in your new home. Furthermore, if you need to move your goods via plane, bear in mind that the cost can rise depending on the weight of your belongings.  Learn more about air freight forwarding companies in Japan and be on top of the game.

Pack your items

You can choose the service to have your items packed by a professional, which is great. However, if you want your moving rates to be lowered, then pack for a move on your own. By using proper packing material and being careful with the fragile items, you should not have any issues whatsoever with the packing. In this way, you will not have to pay for the extra service,  you will save money and get the best moving rates.

Ask for a discount

There is definitely nothing more straightforward and efficient than asking directly for a lower price or a discount. You would be surprised and happy to get lower moving rates simply by asking the question. Do not be shy, because really there is nothing to you can lose.

Recommendations

First things first, the recommendations are extremely useful. If you know somebody who has relocated recently, or even a few months ago, get in touch with them. Ask them about the entire experience with a certain moving company. The moving company should be offering a reasonable price, as well as a pleasant experience and efficiency when solving issues.

The Internet

In case you don`t have a friend or a relative that can assist you with finding the best moving rates, do not worry. Nowadays, everyone has access to the Internet and the advantages should not be taken for granted. Set a few hours aside and search for a dozen moving companies, you will narrow the selection later. See what each moving company is offering and narrow the choice down to the top three. While searching, make sure they have the following:

• A physical address provided. You may want to visit the moving company on the address provided. In this way, you will be protected from fraudulent companies that do not actually exist.
• A license that they provide the service. The last thing you want is unlicensed movers or fraudulent movers to take your belongings and disappear.
• Reasonable price. If the price is too good to be true then it probably is. Avoid getting deceived by accepting a really low price.

Comparing the moving companies will ideally lead you to three to five companies that are promising. In order to choose the one that will fit your needs and your pocket perfectly. Call them, arrange a meeting, pay them a visit. You can consult a Japan logistics company and not regret it. Although it may seem like a lot of work, in reality, getting the best moving rates is not that long and it can pay off both in time and in your stress level.

The best moving rates depend on the estimates

Are you familiar with the terms binding estimate, non-binding, and binding not-to-exceed estimate? Well, buckle up, the difference between these is very important while searching for the best moving rates.

Non-binding estimate

If your moving company offers only this type of estimate, it is best to avoid it. A non-binding estimate means that you will be charged based on the weight of your shipment, so you only get an approximate moving rate. The moving rate can go higher when the moving company finishes the job.

Binding estimate

A binding estimate, on the other hand, means that you are provided a fixed price on the moving rates. In this way, you know in advance where are you at and you can prepare the money for it. There will be no unpleasant surprises or additional costs. This may be the safest and the best option to choose. However, there is a catch if your shipment weighs less than expected, than you still pay the higher price.

Binding not-to-exceed estimate

If the moving company you want to hire offers this option, it is great. This is a mixture of the previous two option. If your shipment weighs more than originally planned, you will not pay anything extra. On the other hand, if your shipment weighs less than originally planned, you will only pay for the cost of shipping the actual weight. This is a great option to choose the best moving rates.