What is the Cheapest Day to Hire Movers in Tacoma?
Summary: The cheapest days to move in Tacoma are Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday. Generally, fewer people are moving in the middle of the week due to work or other responsibilities. Moving on days when moving companies are less active is the best way to save on your move.
If you’re planning a move and trying to save money timing is everything. In this blog, we’ll share with you the:
- The best time of the week to move
- The best time of the year
- Red flags to watch out for when choosing a moving company
Are Movers Cheaper on Weekdays or Weekends?
Movers are cheaper on weekdays generally. The most affordable days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. But really, the cheapest days to move will be when moving companies are the least busy. In Tacoma, that is usually in the middle of the week, but depending on the time of the year, that could change.
During summer break and the move-in and move-out weeks at schools like the University of Puget Sound, Pacific Lutheran University in nearby Parkland, and the University of Washington Tacoma, demand can rise every day of the week, which means midweek dates may fill up and cost more than usual.
| School | Fall move-in | Winter break | Spring move-out |
| University of Puget Sound | Late August | Late Decebmer | Early May |
| Pacific Lutheran University | Early September | Halls close Dec. 18 | Late May |
| UW Tacoma | Late September | Late December | Late December |
Weekends fill up fast because most people don’t want to take time off work, and many choose Friday so they can move with the crew and still have the whole weekend to unpack and settle in. When a moving company’s calendar is packed, there is less room for flexible pricing.
What is the Cheapest Time of the Year to Hire Movers in Tacoma?
Winter and Spring are the cheapest times of the year to move in Tacoma. While in most places the cheapest times to move are in the Fall and Winter, because Tacoma tends to have manageable Winters, the moving season, which usually ends in the fall, lasts a bit longer than it does in other places in the US.
The biggest concern for movers in Tacoma is the rainy season, making moves in Winter and Spring much more affordable but also much more risky. Tacoma sees 7.7 inches of rain in its most rainy season while its most snowy season only sees 2.8-5.5 inches of snow.
Rain provides a lot of danger to your move as it puts your property at risk of sustaining water damage. Movers can also slip when carrying items to and from moving trucks, or if there is heavy rain, your moving plans could end up being moved back a day or two until its safe for your movers to work on your job or transport your belongings. For these reasons, the cheapest times to move are usually Spring and Winter in Tacoma.
What are the Best Ways to Save Money on a Move in Tacoma?
Moving at times when moving companies arent busy, having fewer items that need to be moved and packing some if not all of your belongings yourself are among the best ways to save money on a move in Tacoma.
Pick a slower day and season: As we covered above, midweek moves in the fall or winter usually give you the best shot at lower rates and more open dates. If you can, steer clear of summer weekends and college move-in and move-out weeks.
Lighten your load before moving day: In Washington, local moves of 55 miles or less are priced by the number of workers, the time it takes to load, move, and unload, and the mover’s hourly rate. Moves of 56 miles or more are priced by weight and distance. Either way, fewer items usually means a lower bill. Sell, donate, or toss anything you don’t want to bring to your new home.
Get a written estimate, and be thorough: Washington movers are required to give you a free written estimate before your move. A binding estimate guarantees your price based on the items and services listed. With a nonbinding estimate, your final cost can go up, but by no more than 25% above the estimate. To avoid surprises, show your mover every item you plan to move, including things in the attic, basement, garage, shed, closets, and under beds.
Pack some boxes yourself: Full packing service saves you time and effort, but doing some of the packing on your own can cut down on labor hours. Many families pack everyday items like books, clothes, and décor, then leave fragile or bulky pieces to the pros.
Choose a licensed mover: Washington’s Utilities and Transportation Commission recommends choosing a mover with a valid commission permit. A licensed mover has to follow state rules on estimates and pricing, which protects you from surprise charges. Lincoln Moving & Storage holds WUTC License #2278 and has been helping Washington families move since 1914.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Movers in Tacoma?
The cost of your move depends on how much you’re moving, how far it’s going, and the services you need. With Lincoln Moving & Storage, local moves typically range from $900 to $3,500, and long distance moves typically range from $2,500 to $12,000. Commercial moves are priced case by case, based on the size of your space, your equipment, and your schedule.
Choosing a midweek date in the slower season, like we covered above, is one of the easiest ways to land on the lower end of these ranges. For a full breakdown of what goes into your price, check out our guide on how much movers cost in Tacoma.
Every move is different, so the best way to know your exact cost is with a free, no obligation estimate. Call Lincoln Moving & Storage at (888) 685-5048 or request your free estimate today.
What are Red Flags to Watch Out for When Hiring Movers?
Most moving companies are honest, but scams do happen, especially during the busy summer season. Here are a few warning signs to keep an eye out for.
A price that seems too good to be true. Some websites that look like moving companies are actually brokers. They lure you in with a low price, then sell your job to a real mover, who often gives you a much higher quote once they see what you need moved.
A quote without seeing your things. A real mover needs to see your belongings before giving you a price, either in person or through a video walkthrough. In fact, Washington movers must inspect your goods or have you fill out a detailed inventory before your move. If a company gives you an exact price over the phone without asking many questions, be careful.
No written estimate. Washington law requires movers to give you a free written estimate before your move. If a company won’t put its price in writing, walk away.
No license number. Movers need a license to do local moves in Washington. A trustworthy mover will list its license number on its website and share it if you ask. You can check any mover’s license on the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission website. Hiring an unlicensed mover is risky, because if something is broken or goes missing, you may have no way to get it fixed or paid for.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide on what are red flags when hiring movers, with tips from Tony Bouie, General Manager of our Tacoma location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book movers in Tacoma?
We recommend hiring a moving company at least two months before your move date, or really, as early as you can. Booking early matters even more if you’re moving in summer or around college move-in and move-out weeks, when crews fill up fast. The sooner you book, the better your chances of landing a cheaper midweek date.
What is the difference between a binding and nonbinding estimate?
According to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, a binding estimate is a written agreement that guarantees your price based on the items and services listed. A nonbinding estimate is the mover’s best guess after looking at your things, so your final bill can be higher, but no more than 25% above the estimate. Either way, the more complete the information you give your mover, the more accurate your estimate will be.
What happens if my final bill is higher than my estimate?
Under Washington rules, if your charges come in higher than your nonbinding estimate, the mover must unload and release your belongings once you pay 110% of the estimate. If you still owe a balance after that, the mover has to give you 30 days to pay. This rule protects you from having your things held until you pay a surprise bill.
