The Most Important Way to Save Money

Whether you�re trying to get a deal on your car insurance, find a hotel room or even a new phone, there�s one vital thing you need to know to make sure you�re not paying a penny more than you need to.

It informs how you negotiate, and empowers you to take strong positions with confidence. It requires a bit of research and admin, but the knowledge it gives you will alter how approach any significant financial decision.

Always get competing quotes for whatever you need before you make any purchase. Do some research, find at least three companies that offer the service you need and see how much it will cost you.

Once you know how much they each charge, you can use this information to negotiate confidently with your favourite business � the knowledge of the best possible price for what you need and that businesses would always rather have your custom than lose it to a rival will turn into a bargain magnet.

Let�s say you�re trying to find a deal for some of the cheap storage London conceals. Work out what you need exactly (the area you need to be keeping your possessions in, for example, how long for and how secure you need them to be. Will a locked door be sufficient or are you storing something with greater needs?), and do some work to create a shortlist of suitable businesses.

Don�t just rely on Google�s results. Consult sites like Trustpilot, Tripadvisor or Which? (depending on the nature of the service you�re looking for. In this case Which? will be a helpful guide) and online reviews to make sure you know you�re looking at high quality businesses that you can entrust your possessions to.

Once you have a shortlist, start calling round. Don�t commit to anyone yet. Just explain your needs, let them know you�re doing some research prior to renting a storage facility. If you can, get the name and direct number of who you�re speaking to so you can call back and use the connection you�ve already established.

When you have your list of best prices, consider your favourite out of the different businesses you spoke to. Perhaps one is in a slightly more convenient location or offers more secure storage. If it doesn�t offer the best price, when you call back, let them know that a competitor has beaten their quote.

You�ll be surprised at the results this technique can get.