Between hiring movers, buying packing supplies, and paying for transportation, the costs add up before you even realize it. But you can actually have more control over those expenses than you might think.
With a little planning and a few smart decisions, you can bring those shifting charges down without sacrificing quality or convenience.
So, we’ll give you 10 practical ways to reduce your household moving costs. If you’re moving soon—especially around Edmonton—these tips can help you stay on budget and avoid paying for things you don’t really need.
1. Start Planning Early—It’ll Save You Money in the Long Run
If you’re still unsure of your move date, now’s the time to finalize it.
The earlier you plan, the better rates you’ll get.
Movers charge more for last-minute bookings because it’s harder to schedule, arrange staff, and allocate trucks on short notice.
By locking in your date early, you have more time to compare quotes and avoid surge pricing.
Planning also gives you time to gather packing materials for free or at a lower cost, rather than panic-buying everything from the moving company.
2. Declutter Before You Start Packing
One of the biggest reasons people end up paying more for shifting services is simply moving things they don’t need. Go through every room in your home and ask yourself: Do I actually need this in my new place?
Old clothes, outdated electronics, and unused furniture—these all add weight and volume to your move. The more items you have, the larger the truck required and the longer it’ll take movers to pack and load them.
Here’s what to do:
- Sell valuable but unused items online.
- Donate to local charities or shelters.
- Dispose of broken or unnecessary things responsibly.
This simple step can slash your household shifting charges significantly.
3. Get Multiple Quotes—Don’t Settle on the First One
Never assume the first price you get is the best deal. Reach out to at least three reputable moving companies and ask for a detailed quote. Make sure the quote includes everything—packing, loading, unloading, transportation, taxes, and insurance.
Some movers may seem cheaper upfront but surprise you later with hidden costs like long-carry charges, stairs fees, or additional packaging.
If you’re in Edmonton or nearby, ask local movers in Edmonton for a transparent, all-inclusive quote that fits your budget and needs.
4. Choose the Right Time to Move
The date you choose to move isn’t just about convenience—it can seriously affect your household shifting charges. Movers price their services based on demand, and peak periods can push your moving cost up by 20% to 30% or more, especially if you’re booking close to the date.
Here’s what you need to know:
- End-of-the-month rush: Most leases and rental contracts end around the 28th to 31st. That means everyone’s trying to move at the same time. If you try to book movers during this window, you’re competing with dozens (if not hundreds) of other households, and the price reflects that.
- Weekends are in high demand: Saturdays and Sundays are the most requested days to move because people don’t want to take time off work. However, if you’re available on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you’ll often find more open schedules, better rates, and crews that aren’t rushing to get to another job right after yours.
- Summer moves cost more: Between May and August, families with kids typically schedule their moves to avoid disrupting the school year. It’s also when college students move in and out. If you can move in the fall or early spring, you’ll likely avoid peak season pricing altogether.
If you have flexibility, aim for a mid-week, mid-month move. Not only are rates lower, but movers are also more likely to give you extra attention and time since their schedule is less hectic.
5. Do Some of the Packing Yourself
Full-service packing might sound convenient, but it adds to your total moving cost. You don’t have to do everything yourself, but packing non-fragile items—like clothes, books, linens, and decor—can reduce your expenses.
Also, collect boxes from grocery stores or retail shops. Use towels, bedsheets, or newspapers as cushioning materials instead of bubble wrap.
Let the pros handle delicate items like TVs, mirrors, or glassware if needed, but take charge of what you can manage.
6. Consider Shared Load Services for Small Moves
If you’re moving a studio apartment, a couple of rooms, or just sending a few key pieces of furniture to another city, booking an entire truck doesn’t make sense—and can be more than double the cost you actually need to pay.
That’s where shared or partial load services come in. Here’s how it works:
Your items are loaded onto a truck that’s already scheduled to transport goods for other customers heading in the same direction. You share the cost of fuel, driver time, and space with those customers. It’s like carpooling for your belongings.
What to expect:
- Lower rates: Since you’re only paying for the space you use (measured in cubic feet or number of items), the base price is far more affordable.
- Longer delivery time: These shipments aren’t direct—your items might be delivered a few days later than a full-load move. But if you’re flexible, it’s well worth the savings.
- Clear labeling is a must: Make sure your boxes are well-labeled and sealed. Reputable movers will separate each customer’s belongings, but having your items c-“““““learly marked reduces the risk of mix-ups.
This is an ideal option if you’re a student, a minimalist, or just sending items to a second property. And not all moving companies offer this, so make sure to ask upfront if it’s an option, and what kind of delivery schedule comes with it.
7. Ask for Discounts and Look for Promotions
This might sound obvious, but many people forget to ask. Moving companies often offer discounts for:
- First-time customers
- Off-season bookings
- Senior citizens or students
- Referrals or repeat clients
Check if your mover is running any limited-time promotions or loyalty deals. At Asr Moving, for instance, we occasionally offer package deals for full-service moves or discounts on long-distance relocations.
8. Skip Extra Services That You Can Do Yourself
Before adding on extra services like disassembly, appliance disconnection, or cleaning, think about what you can manage yourself. You might be surprised how much you can handle with basic tools and a bit of planning.
If you or someone in your household can take apart the bed frames or uninstall the TV mount, you’ll shave off a chunk of labor charges. Similarly, cleaning the house yourself before handing over the keys saves you from paying a cleaning crew.
9. Stay Organized with an Inventory Checklist
A checklist doesn’t just keep you sane—it keeps your shifting costs down. Having an inventory allows you to track what’s going, prevent overpacking, and ensure nothing gets lost (which would mean replacing it later).
It also helps your moving company give you a more accurate quote since they’ll know exactly how many boxes or furniture pieces they’re dealing with.
10. Choose a Reliable Local Mover Over a Big-Name Franchise
National franchises may have the brand name, but local movers often deliver the same quality at lower prices.
They know the area, have better availability, and won’t charge unnecessary “zone” or “distance” fees just because of your location.
Ask around, check reviews, and verify if the mover offers insurance, transparent pricing, and flexible services.
If you’re in Edmonton or nearby areas, Asr Moving is known for affordable and professional household moves. We focus on giving every customer a stress-free experience without inflating costs.
Final Thoughts: Smart Moves Lead to Big Savings
At the end of the day, reducing your household shifting charges comes down to planning ahead and making informed choices. It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about cutting the unnecessary.
If you’re getting ready to move in or around Edmonton, let a trusted local mover like Asr Moving help you keep costs down without the stress.
We offer reliable service, flexible options, and transparent pricing—no hidden fees, just honest work.
Get in touch with Asr Moving today for a free quote and see how affordable a smooth, professional move can really be.
