Summer is the peak moving season. Between May and October, demand for moving services surges as families, students, and professionals relocate during the warm-weather months when school is out.
But what if your move is small? You’re not relocating to an entire household. Maybe you’re sending 10 boxes and a few furniture items across the country or moving the contents of a one-bedroom apartment to a new city. Most traditional moving companies aren’t designed for that kind of move, but MiniMoves® is.
Here’s what you need to know about summer moving costs and why small move customers need a tailored solution.
What Drives the Cost of a Move?
Whether you’re moving a few items or an entire home, these are the basic factors that affect your moving price:
- Distance
Longer distances mean higher operating costs including more fuel and more time on the road for the drivers. That’s why the price for interstate or cross-country moves is impacted by the number of miles between the loading and delivery addresses.
- Weight
Most moving companies quote moving costs on shipment weight because there is a direct link between the number of pounds that are loaded and unloaded, and the labor cost and time to get that work done. But here’s the catch: many van lines have minimum weight requirements (typically 2,100 lbs., sometimes 4,000 or 5,000 lbs. during peak summer periods). If you have a small move, that minimum weight can double or triple the price of your move. At MiniMoves© we do not apply a minimum weight. Your charges are calculated based on the items you ship, not on an artificial weight.
- Add-On Services Like Packing, Specialty Crating, or Additional Valuation Coverage
Do you need help packing? Are you shipping fragile, high-value items? Custom crating, specialty boxes and packing service all factor into your final cost. Having the movers provide partial packing service for just fragile items is a great way to save money. You can safely pack towels, linens, clothes, shoes, and a lot of other things in your household. Self-packing, even some boxes, helps to trim the cost. You can reduce stress by having the movers pack just the dishes, mirrors, or pictures, and your TV. Check your renters or homeowner’s insurance policy to see if your goods are covered while moving. If not, good movers offer door-to-door coverage but at an additional charge.
- Summer Season Demand
The end of the month is when most people move. Some movers apply seasonal demand pricing and increase their rates during peak days of the month. MiniMoves© does not have seasonal pricing or peak demand rates, but we do sell out on some dates at various locations around the country, so plan ahead, book early and get the dates you need and the mover you want, not just the mover who is available.
Ready to Move Smart This Summer?
Contact MiniMoves® today at 866-437-3093 for a free, no obligation binding price quote for your state-to-state move and discover how easy and affordable small moves can be, even during the peak season. We have full-service moving solutions where we do all of the heavy lifting, pad and protect your furniture, and help take the stress out of getting to wherever life takes you!
