Have you been wondering how to choose a moving company or what the differences are between major moving companies versus small business ones? If you’re unsure about what criteria to consider when selecting a moving company, you’re not alone.
When choosing a moving company, it’s important to consider not only the cost, but also other factors such as services offered and customer reviews. In this article, we will introduce key points to consider when selecting a moving company, things to be mindful of, and tips to reduce costs. Feel free to use this article as a reference.
At Village House, we offer affordable and wonderful rental properties all across Japan. If you’re looking for a new place to move, be sure to check out our website!
Consideration 1: Costs and services
When selecting a moving company, many people tend to choose the one with lower fees. Since moving involves various expenses, such as the contract fee for a new home and purchasing new home appliances, it’s natural to want to keep costs as low as possible.
To save on moving expenses, it’s crucial to get quotes from multiple companies, compare prices, and understand the market price. However, prioritizing low cost alone may lead to poor service quality, which could make your move more stressful.
When requesting a quote, don’t just focus on the cost, but also the details of the services provided, such as what tasks are included, whether moving boxes and air conditioner installation are covered, and whether they offer disposal of unwanted items.
Consideration 2: Moving date and time
When selecting a moving company, the date and time of your move are key factors to take into consideration.
● There is a possibility that you will not be able to move on your preferred moving date
● The cost will vary depending on the time of day you choose
From mid-March to early April, the demand for moving services peaks nationwide due to school admissions, job relocations, and career changes. Therefore, if you apply at the last minute, you may not be able to book your preferred date. If you plan to move during the peak season, it is important to schedule your move and make arrangements well in advance.
Moreover, the cost also varies depending on the time of the move. Generally, moving in the morning is more expensive, while moving plans in the afternoon or without a specified time are cheaper. Many people prefer moving in the morning so they can have more time to settle in, or due to work commitments.
If you want to save on moving costs, consider choosing an afternoon slot, or a plan without the option to choose your timeslot. While working out your schedule may be more difficult, it can significantly reduce moving costs.
Consideration 3: Reviews and ratings
To assess the quality of a moving company, look out for the speed of response to your communications and the content of their quote. If you contact them by email, make sure the recipient’s name is correct and that the responses are clear and appropriate.
For phone inquiries, note whether they call at an appropriate time and answer your questions accurately. A company that provides polite and professional customer service is more likely to handle your move with care and reliability.
Furthermore, it’s also important to research reviews and ratings online, and seek advice from friends or acquaintances who have experience with moving. Service quality can vary between moving companies, especially in terms of how carefully they handle belongings and how professionally they interact with customers.
If you choose a company based solely on the low cost, you may run into problems such as damaged furniture or careless handling of your belongings. To avoid potential problems, always check the company’s reputation and customer feedback in advance.
Differences in services between major and local moving companies
Major moving companies (e.g., Nippon Express, Sakai Moving Service, and Hato no Mark Moving Center) and local moving companies each have their own unique characteristics as well as advantages and disadvantages:
Major moving companies
Advantages
- Available nationwide, able to accommodate long-distance moves
- Extensive experience and proven track record
- Wide range of optional services, allowing you to select a plan that suits your needs
- Easier to secure a reservation due to more staff and vehicles
Disadvantage
- Higher costs due to comprehensive service offerings
Local moving companies
Advantages
- One staff member handles everything from the quote to completion, reducing miscommunication
- Relatively reasonable costs due to reduced advertising expenses
- Able to adapt flexibly even in unexpected situations
- Many staff are familiar with the local geography
Disadvantages
- May not be able to accommodate long-distance moves
- Harder to find reviews, making it difficult to assess service quality and reliability
- Compensation may be limited in the case of damaged or lost items
- May have limited ability to handle sudden issues or urgent inquiries
In-home estimate for a move
When choosing a moving company, some people may not want to get an in-home estimate because they do not like people entering their homes. However, it’s best to get one to avoid unexpected issues on the day of the move.
During the home visit, clearly communicate details about the items to be moved, any unwanted belongings, and the services you need. Since each company may offer its own unique services, it is a good idea to confirm in advance whether they have the options you want.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to schedule all visits on the same day. Salespeople know that customers will compare multiple companies, so they might try to pressure you into making an immediate decision by saying, “If you sign a contract now, we will give you a special discount.”
If you’re offered a price lower than the initial estimated quote, you might feel tempted to sign the contract on the spot. However, to make a rational comparison, it’s best to say, “Please give me a day to decide.” Unless it’s peak moving season, moving trucks rarely get fully booked in just one day. Take your time to carefully evaluate your options and choose the right moving company without feeling rushed.
Additionally, assessing the responsiveness and professionalism of the salesperson during a home visit estimate is another important factor. If there is a price difference between an online quote and a home visit estimate, seek clarification on the breakdown of costs and how discounts are applied so that you can make an informed decision. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to ask questions right away, and make sure that you receive a clear and satisfactory explanation.
Important points to consider when choosing a moving company
Moving companies offer a variety of optional services, including:
- Cardboard box collection
- Air conditioner installation
- Home appliance setup
- Disposal of unwanted bulky items
- Packing and unpacking, etc.
While these services are convenient, they can significantly increase the overall cost. When choosing a moving company, it’s essential to prioritize which services you truly need.
Incidentally, some companies set their base prices low but add multiple optional services, which can inflate the final cost. Therefore, even if you feel that the price is “cheap” when you get the initial estimate, you should be cautious as additional charges may arise later.
Three tips to reduce your moving quote
① Carefully select optional services
While services like packing and unpacking, temporary storage, and disposal of unwanted items can be convenient, they usually come with additional fees. By selecting only the essential services and eliminating unnecessary ones, you can effectively lower your overall moving costs.
② Avoid peak moving seasons
Demand for moving services tends to be particularly high in late March, April, September, and December, leading to increased prices.
Additionally, the beginning and end of the month, weekends, public holidays, and morning timeslots are often busier, so avoiding these peak times can help lower moving costs. Furthermore, you may be able to save money by scheduling your move on the day specified by the moving company, or by choosing a plan without the option to choose your timeslot.
③ Be flexible with your moving date and time
To keep moving costs down, it’s best to be flexible with your preferred moving date and time, and to book a moving company as early as possible. In some cases, some companies offer discounts if you request a move on a weekday rather than on weekends or holidays.
Additionally, some companies offer early-bird discounts for early reservations. If the estimated cost is high, try negotiating with the company or taking advantage of promotional discounts to further reduce your moving costs.
At Village House, we offer up to 30,000 yen cashback for customers who sign a lease with us （※）. If you’re looking to save on moving costs, feel free to contact us!
※ Some properties are not eligible for this offer.
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- How Much Does Moving Out Usually Cost? 7 Tips to Reduce Move-Out Fees!
- Moving by Yourself: Is It a Good Idea?
- Stress-Free Moving: Essential Tips for Packing Like a Pro!
- The Quintessential Moving Day Guide
Hello, I’m Machiko Doi, a freelance writer who writes about housing and living in Japan.
I live in an 80-year-old house that I inherited from my grandparents along with my two shelter cats and daughter.
We live a relaxed life while repairing the house.
I like to cook vegetables from the garden and fresh fish caught by my father, and enjoy them with cold beer on a hot day or hot sake on a cold day.