Moving can be expensive. The costs for packing materials, hiring movers, and renting a truck or storage unit increase quickly. However, there are ways to save money on your next move. Asking friends and family for help, borrowing moving boxes and supplies, and decluttering your home are all well-known ways to save money on your next move. But what if you want to don’t have time to do most of the move yourself? Backloading is a simple process that can save money and take the hard work off your shoulders.
Backloading is a technique where a moving company will fill unused space in a truck already en route to your destination. Backloading is a great solution for people who want to hire movers but also save a little bit of money.
Backloading isn’t a suitable option for every move. Since this approach relies on using trucks that are already mostly booked, you’ll need to be flexible with your pick-up and drop-off dates. Plus, since backloading relies on filling empty space, you might be unable to move large volumes of goods using this technique.
Backloading is a great option for moving smaller loads, one-off items of furniture, or loads that aren’t immediately time-sensitive.
Here are some tips on how to save money by backloading your next move.
Planning is crucial when it comes to backloading. You need to give the moving company enough notice so they can fit your belongings into an existing load. Contact a moving company well before your move date and let them know you're interested in backloading. This will give them time to coordinate with other moves and find a truck headed in your direction.
Don’t be surprised if this takes some time. You may need to contact several moving companies to find a route that works for you.
Flexibility is key when it comes to backloading. If you can be flexible with your moving dates, you'll have a better chance of finding a moving company that can accommodate your needs. If possible, avoid moving during peak periods such as holidays and weekends, when prices are generally higher.
Most moving companies can offer a pick-up or drop-off within a few weeks of your enquiry. If you’re moving house, you may want to prioritise moving the items you need most yourself and sending the belongings you can live without via backloading.
Backloading relies on space available, meaning the more items you have to move, the harder it can be to find a truck of a suitable size. Backloading can be great for quickly moving one or two items or a smaller load.
For larger moves, you may have to wait on a backload to return to its original destination with an empty truck. You can do a few things to improve your chances of finding a suitable backload quickly. Declutter before your move and get rid of any items you no longer need. Consider selling or donating items that are still in good condition, and dispose of unused items.
Read our guides on donating goods in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Labelling your boxes is important for backloading, as your belongings could be placed in a truck with another person's stuff. Labelling your boxes will help the movers identify which boxes are yours and where they should be placed in the truck. This also helps to save time and reduces the risk of items being misplaced or lost during the move.
Keep an itinerary of how many boxes and individual items your movers are taking. During a regular move, there’s much less risk that any belongings will be left behind. But your furniture and boxes may be stored alongside other belongings during backloading. Go through your itinerary and tick off each item before your movers leave.
Backloading can sometimes result in delays, as the moving company is coordinating with multiple moves at once. Be prepared for delays and be patient. Keep in touch with the moving company to stay updated on the progress of your move.
Following these tips can save money on your next move using backloading. Remember to plan, be flexible, declutter, use smaller boxes and packing materials, pack your belongings, label your boxes, and be prepared for delays. With a little effort and planning, you can save money on your move and make the process a little less stressful.
Keep your moving costs down with Wise Move by making the most of available space on existing routes. Book your next backload move today.
Wise Move is New Zealand’s leading moving service, helping thousands of customers with home moves, furniture removals, car and motorcycle transport, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services in just a few simple steps. Our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for our customers.
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