When determining the best budget moving company for your move, you should understand what determines a move’s cost and which add-on services are available. It’s also wise to request quotes from several reputable companies and be prepared for hidden costs during the move. By taking the time to declutter and sell unwanted items, consider alternative relocation options and plan your move strategically, you can create a moving budget that minimizes costs.

The most affordable movers typically offer flat rates that are not subject to change throughout the relocation process. Those that require extra services will add on fees that are based on shipment weight, cubic footage, mileage and other complex factors. It is not uncommon for these additional costs to exceed $1,000, even for a local move. If possible, move during the weekday and off-peak season to avoid paying higher rates.

Those that wish to do their own packing can save money by choosing the self-pack option. However, this is a difficult task for those without the physical ability or time to pack a home’s contents. Full-service packing is often more cost-effective, but is a significant time commitment. Similarly, packing materials can be pricey. The moving supplies calculator at U-Haul gives an estimate of how much packing material you need to purchase based on your move’s dimensions.

For those that are unable to move their belongings themselves, freight shipping may be the right option. A freight carrier will pick up your goods in a container and deliver them to your new location for unloading. This can be a good choice for large furniture and appliances, but is not as affordable as a truck rental.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, renting a truck can be an affordable option for transporting your belongings. Some movers will charge by the hour or offer a daily rate, while others factor mileage into long-distance rental costs. When requesting a truck rental quote, be sure to include any equipment you might need for your move, such as dollies, hand trucks or furniture pads.

In addition to providing a full-scope of moving services, Allied Van Lines offers an online quote system that prices your entire move instantly. This is an advantage over PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT, which are limited to portable storage containers only. Additionally, Allied is the only budget moving company that offers a free, onsite inspection of your belongings before transporting them. For those who want peace of mind during a move, the company provides an optional add-on for a full-value protection plan, although this does raise the overall moving estimate. Lastly, Allied also offers a wide range of add-on services that can help you customize your moving costs to fit your budget.