Moving Quotes Overview
In a hurry and just want to cut to the chase?
Moving can be emotionally stressful, not to mention the amount of exhausting work ahead of you.
Fortunately, hiring a moving company can relieve most of the stress and work ahead.
This will leave you free to be the move coordinator, instead of doing the actual labor of packing and loading the truck. If that sounds good to you, keep reading to save a ton of time, money, and confusion.
First, if you plan on hiring a moving company, there will be plenty to choose from. In the USA there are now over 7,000 registered moving companies listed.
It’s important to understand up front that all moving companies have very different rates. Some combine multiple services under 1 name, where other moving companies will list those services and their pricing individually.
They also charge differently for their “moving services”, which can make things challenging to efficiently compare.
When shopping for your best moving quote, be sure to take notes of what’s included with each company’s service, and their price for that service so you can more accurately discover the best moving quote price.
The Biggest Factors Influencing Your Best Moving Quote Price
Size & Weight
Sq. Feet + Num Rooms
Need Help Packing?
Packing services ...
Moving Distance
Miles between homes
Date of Move
Day we load-up home
Is Storage Needed?
Store any overflow
Accessability
Easily retrieve storage
It’s best to get at least three moving quotes from different companies. Many people will want more than three. Unfortunately, this can be time-consuming and confusing.
This is where USA Movers Today enters the scene and does a substantial amount of ‘moving quotes’ homework for you.
USA Movers Today helps you find companies that are licensed, insured, and reliable.
We’ll help you compare companies that handle local moves, cross-country moves, and even moves across the ocean to the other side of the world.
When you use USA Movers Today, you don’t have to make any phone calls, except to us. You simply provide the details of your move to 1 of our move coordinators, and you will receive quotes from moving companies that fir your requirements. Our moving services ensure that you’re getting the best price possible for the area you live in.
There will be several contributing factors that will affect the cost of your move, and we’ll explain what those are to take the guess work out of getting your best moving quote.
How to Calculate Moving Costs
The first thing that you’ll need to know is the average cost of a move like yours. Our moving calculator can let you know what to expect.
When you provide a detailed overview of your move, the moving calculator can uncover hidden moving costs.
This may include items such as RICS home-buyer reports, conveyance fees, removal fees, and other related relocation costs.
Many people don’t think about the additional moving expenses of renting an apartment. When the bill is due upon completion of the move, they are often caught off-guard by the extra cost of 3 flights of stairs in each direction.
When the move is finished, you will get a breakdown of all the costs including conveyance fees, stamp duty, and unexpected miscellaneous packing supplies.
This gives you an opportunity to discover some of the forgotten tasks you can do yourself to save money on moving costs and avoid this type of financial surprise.
The National average cost of local movers is $1,450 per house move . The average cost of long-distance movers traveling 1,000 miles or more, is around $4,980.
These costs are based on a typical two or three-bedroom home, with the belongings weighing a total of 7,500 pounds or less.
Before you get started collecting your best moving quotes, you should know how moving costs are calculated by most companies.
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You want to try to pick a company that offers a binding quote or what’s called a binding quote not-to-exceed.
These quote types will give you the clearest idea of what your moving company costs will be. And, it means you won’t be hit with any surprises on moving day. Basically, binding quotes protect both parties in advance, and during the move.
What Types of Quotes are Moving Companies Providing?
There are a few different types of local and long distance mover quotes available. The one that you choose depends on what makes you feel the most comfortable.
Both local & long distance moving companies are required to provide you with a written cost estimate. This is the law, even if you’re only moving to the house next door.
Moving quotes come in three different forms. It’s up to you to understand the difference between each of these so you can choose the one that best fits your upcoming move and/or situation.
Binding Moving Quotes
A binding estimate is the same thing as a flat rate. If the moving company gives you a quote of $600 to move all of your belongings, that’s what you’ll pay.
Even if it takes the moving companies an extra hour or two to complete the job, or if the moving company sends five workers instead of four. It doesn’t matter! With a binding moving quote, you can hold them to the original price of $600.
The $600 fee is legally binding as long as nothing else changes. Before getting your best moving quote, you’ll be required to fill out a home inventory sheet.
As long as your household belongings match what is on the inventory sheet, and nothing extra has been added, you’ll only pay the cost quoted to you originally, and not a penny more.
Non-Binding Quote
Binding moving quotes are the best; however, many companies don’t offer this type of quote. Instead, you’ll be provided with a non-binding quote.
When you get a non-binding moving quote, the moving service will give you their best guess regarding the cost of your home move. This won’t be the final cost, however.
It isn’t until afterwards that you’ll find out exactly what you owe for the services provided during the move. The final cost depends on the shipment’s weight, and any additional services you required.
This can include packing of household goods into boxes, dissembling items, and re-assembling them again at the new house.
In the end, you can end up paying a lot more than than you were quoted or expecting. Especially if you added more things for the moving crew to do that weren’t in the original moving quote.
If all things are the same as your original quote, you would at most be required to pay 110 percent of written estimate on the day of the move. Anything higher than a 10 percent increase over the original moving quote would be illegal in most States.
Legally, moving companies are only allowed to charge you 10% – 15% over the original quote. However, be sure to check the laws in your State to make certain you have the correct facts for your situation and moving company.
Each State has its own “additional moving charge” legal limits. Make sure you do your research before signing a contract with any of the moving companies in your area.
For example, do a search for: “[your-state-or-city] moving regulations”. (without the brackets or quotes)
In this example, if we do a search for Chicago moving regulations, we will be taken to a government (.gov) website with your State’s laws and established moving regulations.
Binding-Not-To-Exceed Moving Quote
This type of moving quote is similar to a binding quote, but there’s one major difference. If the weight of your belongings is less than what was listed on the estimate, you’d end up paying less for the move in most States.
You still need to confirm the current laws accuracy for yourself. We cannot / will not give you legal advice when we don’t know where you are located, or relocating to. This site is for information, and education purposes only.
The Difference is in the Moving Details
If you’re primarily concerned with getting the most accurate moving quote, its best to schedule an in-home moving estimate with a live moving and storage services agent.
They are experienced at visually estimating the size and weight of various household goods, and asking the right questions about often overlooked belongings.
If the size of the job continues to change, it will likely negate their moving quote. They will then have the right to change your moving estimate and charge you for the extra time.
For example, if you forgot about the stuff in your attic or an outdoor shed, you will be charged extra.
Most moving companies will just add the additional time that it took to move these items on both ends to your final bill so, don’t be surprised.
If you want to get an accurate estimate, you need to be thoroughly prepared.You can’t be forgetting things. Make a list and check it twice before calling your best moving quote agent to come out.
Also, you want to be sure to let the moving company know which items require special care or packing.
If you’re working with a reputable mover (like the ones USA Movers Today works with), they will have no problem going through the items in your home to give you a fully detailed moving quote.
How House Movers Calculate Their Best Moving Quote
With everything you’ll need to be taking care of before, during, and after the move, the last thing you need is an unexpected surprise when it comes time to pay the moving company’s invoice.
Before you get your best moving quote, you need to also be aware of a few of the different aspects of a house move, that the movers will consider.
When you know how local & long distance moving companies come up with their moving quotes, it can help you avoid scams and pay as little as possible for your move.
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The Total Size (of moving truck) and Weight of your Stuff
The size and weight of your belongings are the main factors in determining the amount of your moving quote.
It’s only logical that the more things you have to move, the higher your moving quote will be. This is only because the more you have, the longer it takes to load and unload your belongings.
In addition to that, lots of large items and appliances will require more movers and usually an additional truck.
In the case of something specialized like a grand piano to be moved. They can require extra movers and specialized moving equipment. It can also be very time-consuming depending on where in your home it’s located.
If you have large abnormal items such as pianos, pool tables, wet bars, or arcade games you need to let the moving company agent know when you call for your best moving quote.
Some moving companies may not even have the manpower and/or moving trucks to handle that many large items in bulk. And remember, they weigh the truck before and after it’s loaded to calculate the total weight of your household goods.
Most moving companies then take the weight (X) the number of miles, (+) the number of movers (X) the number of hours they worked. Storage fees (if needed) will be charged separately in most cases.
When you create your inventory list of belongings for the movers to check-off, you should make sure that all the specialty items are properly labeled as such.
You should also be sure to ask the moving estimate agent if they charge extra for large (oversize) pieces of furniture. If so, ask what their size limitations are.
This will prevent unexpected surprises on your final moving bill.
Distance to Travel
The distance between your old house and new house is an important factor when the moving company calculates your moving estimate.
If you’re shopping for local movers, your quote will obviously be cheaper than a long-distance moving quote.
In any case, the mileage put on the moving trucks, the driver’s time, and the cost of diesel fuel are all part of the final quote. And, an expensive part at that.
At nearly double the cost of gas (for diesel fuel) and at roughly 5 mpg, fuel costs are a huge expense for all moving companies. Even for a short 60 mile move, local moving companies could spend $45 in fuel for 1 moving truck.
The further away you move, the more expensive the estimated cost of just the fuel will be.
Pick-up & Deliver to Location Accessibility
Some long distance moving companies will add an additional charge to your move quote if they cannot easily access either your old house or the new one.
For example, if you are relocating to a narrow road or street and the moving company’s truck is too big to get down it, the moving companies near me will need to bring a smaller truck and then transfer everything over to it.
In this case the extra truck, employee(s), and time for all of them would result in fees to you that you weren’t originally anticipating. Other property accessibility issues can sometimes include:
- Stairs:
If there are plenty of stairs at your old hour or your new one and there is no elevator, the moving company will need to carry your belonging up and down the stairs. This will add to the labor and time that the move takes.
- Narrow hallways and doors:
If the doors or hallways in your old or new home are too narrow for large items to fit through, it can cost you more money.
The moving company may need to disassemble the items or hoist the belongings through the window. These services will add to the quote.
- Walking long distance:
If the moving company needs to walk a long distance to bring your boxes, furniture, and appliances from the front door to the truck or the truck to the front door, the moving company can charge you extra.
The maximum distance that the movers will walk without an extra charge is often included in the quote. If it isn’t, you should ask that the moving company specifies the maximum distance in writing.
This is something that many first-time movers don’t know about, and it should be taken into consideration if you are going to get an accurate quote.
Storage Services: Yes or No?
Extra moving and storage services are the most common reason for your moving quote price to increase significantly. However, moving and storage services really just means “storage services” provided by the moving company you’re using.
And, the biggest reason behind the price increase is the additional cost of renting storage warehouse space by the square foot. This is the space where your household goods will sit while you wait for your home or office to become available.
If your new home isn’t quite ready for you to move in yet, or if you are staying somewhere temporarily while you try to find a permanent place to live, your belongings can be quickly and easily stored in the moving company’s warehouse.
If your home still isn’t ready to move in to by the date you and the moving and storage services company agreed upon, you will need to store your belongings. This will result in you owing a warehouse storage and handling fee.
Also, if you don’t have everything packed and ready to go, the movers will be forced to wait for you to finish. Be aware that you will be charged for their waiting time. To avoid this added expense, you’ll need to have everything ready for your moving and storage services workers as soon as they arrive.
You never know what can/could/might happen, so it is best to ask the moving and storage services company about their storage rates (just in case you unexpectedly need them) before signing their moving contract.
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If you want to save time, added stress, and potential back and joint injuries, you should consider renting a moving storage container for an extra couple hundred dollars.
This allows you to pack the moving container at your own pace, then just call to have your movers pick it up and transport it.
Or, you can spend a little extra money and get a full-service moving company to complete every step of the move even faster.
Professional Packing Services
Using professional packing services to pack your belongings in advance for long distance moving companies, will save your commercial movers time.
Having your stuff packed correctly will greatly reduce the chances of damaging your household goods during the move.
You can hire a commercial movers local packing service. They’ll pack-up everything in your home, and properly label it. Most commercial movers packing services allow you to request a partial packing service if desired.
For example, if you have delicate items such as expensive artwork that needs special protection, you can have your commercial movers pack only these items to ensure they arrive safely on the other end.
To save money, you can act as your own packing services company and pack the rest of the items yourself. No two homes have the same amount to move and novices often under estimate.
So just beware. Packing a home for long distance moving companies to move can be extremely time consuming and hard to predict.
If you do go with a packing services company, you will be charged by the hour or by the item. It depends on the packing services company you choose.
Either way, you’ll have to additionally pay for the packing supplies they use. These can include (but not limited to) bubble wrap, bigger moving boxes, appliance dollies and misc padding blankets. There could be other necessary packing protection supplies used by your commercial movers.
As with any premium packing service, you should get all commercial movers estimates well ahead of your move date. But as previously mentioned, you can save a ton of money on commercial movers and packers if you start very early and pack your own belongings.
If you have mobility issues that make packing for a move impossible and you have nobody to help, packing services by commercial movers are well worth the cost of your moving house quotes.
Time of Year You Move
The time of year and even the day of your move will have a huge impact on all house moving quotes.
As you might expect, summer is the busiest time of the year for house movers, and the prices are often higher at this time.
This is because most people seeking to hire professional movers have children, and school is on summer break.
Other “bad times to move”, are on either the last few days of the month or the first few. Most rent leases start on the 1st of the month, so these will be busy house movers days.
This also holds true with national holidays. These are the most convenient days for most people to move because you get vacation days and time off work, right?
But on the other side, most long distance moving companies will have to pay their employees time and a half, or worse. Moving during a holiday might be convenient, but could raise the prices of all your moving quotes by multiples.
If it’s possible, try to move during off-peak periods. Autumn is the slowest time of the year, and Wednesdays are the slowest days.
You’ll get cheaper moving house quotes if you have a strategy and choose the days and months for your move very carefully. You can call us anytime to discuss a strategy at: (877) 930-2003
Cost To Move Across Country
The cost of a cross-country move can vary greatly based on the weight of household goods being relocated, the number of trucks, professional movers, and the cost of diesel fuel which is much higher than gasoline costs.
But when all things are considered, by far the biggest single factor affecting the cost of long distance movers is the time of year you need them. Ask yourself, “Do I need or want to move at this time”.
And, the second biggest cost to move across country is the total distance in miles. The moving truck equipment is very expensive to buy and operate. So most companies have a rate formula for weight (x) miles to calculate a total cost of equipment for a cross country movers quote.
One last word of caution when shopping for the cost to move across country. In northern states it’s much harder to move in icey and wintry conditions.
Don’t be surprised if the cost to move across country doubles with some long distance moving companies in the winter. Those same long distance moving companies will be nearly half price to travel the same distance across the South during winter.
Of course you can safely ignore this advice if money is no problem, or if you simply have no choice.
What About DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Moving?
Moving everything inside and outside your home by yourself is a lot of work.
First, you of course need to pack your belongings, load it all on a moving truck, then drive with your long distance movers to the new home and unload and unpack everything again.
If you have time constraints or just have a lot of stuff, you won’t likely be able to handle it all yourself. Most people will need to ask friends or family members to help if they can’t afford house movers.
Also, if you don’t own a pickup truck, you’ll need to rent one or ask a friend or family member to borrow theirs. Local moving companies are much cheaper than long distance moving companies, so call if you’re struggling. Smart movers that do their homework will discover the cheapest house movers.
There are still high costs associated with a do-it-yourself move. There will be the cost to borrow or rent a decent truck and the fuel it takes to travel back and forth between your homes.
You’ll also need to rent a super mover dollie for heavy appliances. If you are moving long-distance, you may need to pay for your diy movers lodging and food for everyone helping out.
Before deciding that a DIY move is your best option, you should try to calculate these added costs, work, and stress involved in a DIY move. Only then will you be able to see if you’re really saving as much money as you think you are.
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If your main concern is saving money, renting a truck will reduce your moving costs significantly but will increase moving time.
Moving trucks are relatively inexpensive to rent, and it isn’t hard to find one. There are plenty of places to rent a truck, and the rental process is simple. To rent medium sized trucks or larger you may need a Class B or greater CDL drivers license.
Professional Movers are Smart Movers
You probably want professional movers if you have a lot of items to relocate, or if you just don’t have the time for a DIY cross country move. Hiring professional long distance movers is definitely your best bet, but not the only option.
If hiring long-distance movers, expect them to come to your home to inspect and create a packing-list of the items you need moved.
You will be given an estimate based on your belongings’ weight and the distance in miles between your old house and your new one.
With professional movers the average cost to move a two to three-bedroom home locally, is around $1.60 per mile for just the truck, driver, and diesel fuel (no packing or moving labor included).
Using our smart movers, a four or five-bedroom home will cost about $3.50 per mile with most long distance moving companies.
This price includes basic moving insurance in case something is damaged, broken, or lost during the move. Hiring cross-country movers can make the whole relocating process more efficient and less painful.
A do-it-yourself long-distance move may seem like a good idea before you start, but when you see the professional movers working, you’ll be amazed. In 2 hours their team of professional house movers can do what you and your spouse can do in 2 days.
Once you see how much there is to actually do and coordinate, you won’t be able to deny that hiring professional movers is the best solution for most.
While the house movers are working, you’ll have time to mentally process each step of the move, and what still needs to be done, or has possibly been overlooked.
At USA Movers Today we understand that the peace of mind you get is worth the price of hiring smart movers for most long-distance moves.
When you hire professional movers, the whole process just goes smoothly, and you’ll find you don’t worry near as much. Even with metro movers. Big cities are no problem for our teams.
If you go with USA Movers Today, you won’t need to worry about driving cross-country with your family. When using professional movers, you can take any form of transportation you prefer for your family.
Moving Container Services
Moving container services are an option that you should consider if you’re trying to cut moving costs.
The company would drop off the container so you can fill it up with your belongings.
The moving container service will then pick up your container on the agreed-upon date and time, then drop it off on schedule at the destination location. You should still request a moving quote in writing though.
The problem with most moving container services is that you’re seldom given an exact delivery date, and you could end up arriving at your new home days or weeks before your furniture.
Local Moving Companies
Many people believe that short distance, local and intrastate moves by local moving companies are simple. This really isn’t true. In fact, local moves are far more difficult because they are usually completed within a day due to the short traveling distance. That can be intense for local movers.
While local movers are not as expensive as long distance movers, there are challenges and stresses that are more common with these types of local moves. These factors will affect your moving quote.
Remember, local movers need to load everything you own on to a truck, drive the moving truck to the new house, then move everything in again. Accomplishing all of this in one 10 or 12 hour day of moving, takes a huge amount of energy and effort on the part of your local movers.
For clarity, a local move is any move within the same state, or when your current home and your new home locations are 50 to 75 miles or less apart. This varies between local moving companies, so be sure to ask when getting your moving quote.
Local movers base their quotes on the overall time that the move takes. The company will create a moving quote based on a fixed dollar amount per hour.
The hourly rate they charge will include the number of local movers they need to handle the job, plus packing services if requested, and any extra add-on services the customer wants. Typically, a flat-rate moving quote will usually be higher than the hourly-rate moving quote, so ask about that as well.
Do Your Research
When hiring a moving company for any distance of a move, you need to be able to compare apples-to-apples or you’ll never get to the bottom line of finding the best moving company fit for your family.
Whether you’re looking to hire local moving companies or long distance moving companies you need to prepare a list of questions to ask each of them. Then compare their answers to discover the best fit.
The whole idea behind this article is to shed light on the various things that you may or may not need to consider during your house move. Go back over it to build a list of questions for the house movers to answer that fits you.
Liability and Valuation Coverage
Different states and the long distance moving companies who operate in them, all have different moving insurance coverage options.
When you are considering hiring a moving company, you should ask to have your accidental damage liability choices explained and provided in writing before anything gets packed. Sadly, things do occasionally get broken or damaged when moving. Make sure you’re covered.
The most comprehensive form of protection for your belongings is full value protection. However, it’s also the most expensive. Again, not all insurance policies are the same. Do your research and call.
You should never sign a moving contract until you completely understand all the options. Once you do and have gone over them with the moving company of your choice, you’re probably ready to sign.
Dishonest Practices
When looking into local moving companies, you need to be more concerned about moving scams.
Reputable moving companies will be regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). But buyer beware. Even real companies can rip people off, it’s just more rare.
Look for the fully-regulated trucking companies with their own licensing and certification documentation (they are completely legit). Before you sign a moving company contract, do a little more homework online and lookup their USDOT or Motor Carrier number to confirm their the real deal.
You can ask for those numbers from any moving company you call. They’re public information, and are required to be prominently displayed on the sides of all their trucks.
If they won’t give you their USDOT and Motor Carrier numbers, there’s something wrong. Avoid them.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an excellent place to research intrastate moving companies (local moving companies). It’s a good sign if you can confirm that your company is registered with the BBB.
You should also check out the grade that your movers have received. The BBB grades companies with letter grades from A+ to F. You can also read any complaints that former customers had regarding the moving company you’re considering, if there are any.
You can also find out on the BBB website if your house movers are associated with the American Moving & Storage Association or a well-known van line. This will just confirm your good decision.
Moving Quotes: Final Considerations
Moving quotes are essential for getting a feel for a moving company, and if their fees are the right fit for you. A quote can also help you uncover what to expect and what not to with your moving budget.
The quote you receive will be as accurate and reliable as the moving companies you have chosen to provide you with a moving estimate. No moving company is going to get a bad reputation or reviews by accident or because of a few misunderstandings.
If you’re considering using a moving company with a few bad reviews, don’t be surprised if you have trouble with them too.
When a company gets negative feedback, its usually due to their business practices. With all the problems associated with moving, why add an unreliable and undependable moving and storage services company to your life?
When you receive your moving quote, it is essential that you understand everything in the contract before you sign. Some companies seem to make their moving contracts confusing on purpose.
If you have any questions or there’s a part of the quote that you don’t understand, don’t sign anything until your house movers have explained the parts that make you feel uncomfortable.
At USA Movers Today, we understand that good movers earn the trust of their customers and get more business by being honest, providing great service, and being authentic.
Unless moving companies disclose upfront what they will and won’t do for their clients, we won’t work with them. For us, the most important moving factor is customer satisfaction.
We also only partner with movers who are willing to offer the best-discounted rates and real pricing specials. We also work with smart movers that offer reduced rates regardless of how far you are moving and how many items you need to move.
No matter who you choose to hire for your upcoming move, it’s best to choose smart movers that aren’t afraid of hard work and that want to do an honest job of relocating your life to a new home.
When you have finally obtained a fair quote from a reliable moving company with a good reputation, you’ll be confident of your choice and that you didn’t waste your money.
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Different long distance moving companies handle the packing material costs differently. Some companies require you to have the moving supplies on hand when they arrive at your home. Others include the cost of packing materials in the total cost of the move.
Some will give you a discount if you purchase a moving kit or packing supplies directly from them. You can expect to pay an additional $100 to $200 extra for the packers to bring the packing materials they need.
Moving FAQ
(Smart Movers Frequently Asked Questions)
When I move, how much insurance should I purchase?
It’s essential to purchase insurance when you move to ensure that your belongings are protected beyond the bubble-wrap. Having to pay to replace your refrigerator, a big screen TV, lost computer or laptop, or maybe a damaged treadmill, would severely increase moving costs.
Many moving companies will have their own moving insurance policies that you can buy at a reasonable price. But, before you purchase extra insurance, you should check your homeowner’s insurance policy for a moving clause that covers moving damages.
When trying to figure out how much insurance you need, start by calculating the total cost of the items that will be moved. You should make sure that you have at least enough insurance to cover this amount.
How Long Will My Moving Quote Be Guaranteed?
This would depend on the company you are working with. Generally, moving quotes are good for 7 to 10 days. If you schedule your move within this time frame, your quote will be guaranteed.
Some companies add an expiration date on the moving quote. As long as you schedule your move before the expiration date, your quote will be guaranteed.
It is best to ask all companies you get a quote from how long their quote will be valid. This will give you an idea of how much time you have to choose a moving company.
What Happens During An In-Person Moving Estimate?
During the in-home moving estimate, you should bring the estimate professional to see every area of your home. If they are going to be able to give you an accurate quote, they will need to see everything that you own and are planning to move to your new home.
Be sure to take them to see the basement, attic, garage, and any outdoor storage areas. The estimate professional will use your home inventory list to create the moving estimate. They will also try to calculate the total weight of your household belongings based on what they have included in the inventory list.
What Can Be Done If the Final Cost of the Move Is Much Higher Than the Estimate?
The answer to this question depends on the type of moving estimate that you received. If you received a non-binding estimate, you would have to check the state and federal laws to see if the final cost is within the parameters of what they are allowed to charge you.
This number is typically a percentage-based calculation of the original quote. If the extra charges fall within the set parameters for your state, there isn’t much you can do.
If you received a binding estimate, then it depends on the individual house movers you chose.
Moving companies try to set quote prices within the parameters of how much extra they are allowed to charge so their bases are as covered as possible.
The state laws where your house movers are located will regulate this percentage. If you aren’t happy with the final price of the move, you can always hire a lawyer to begin the process of arbitration.
After Receiving My Quote, Can I Make Changes To My Move Details?
Yes, you can. Moving companies understand that people change their minds about what they’re going to move and what they are going to toss out or donate during the process of moving.
If you have already gotten your in-home estimate, your house movers should append your quote to include the additional services or items you want to add or take off your quote and then provide you with a new estimate.
You should be given a new written estimate in place of the old one. But, make sure that your house movers have the updated estimate when they arrive on moving day.
Comparing time-stamps should be sufficient.
What Is Associated With An In-Home Estimate?
During an in-home quote, the moving companies send a rep to view the belongings in your home. They will get the size and weight of the items to be included in the house movers inventory list.
They will also talk to you about the date you are hoping to move, any available packing services, their shipping prices, and any other important details regarding your move.
Your moving rep will also be glad to answer any additional questions that may arise due to questions they ask you during their in-home estimate review.
Before the rep leaves your home, they’ll give you a written moving quote. Review the estimate in detail before they leave.
If anything was left out, you should let the rep know and make sure everything important to you has been included in writing within the moving quote or contract.
What Should I Look For In a Moving Contract?
The two main factors are the rates and the costs. The moving costs are determined by the weight of your items when you’re moving a long way or have a cross country move.
If moving locally, the costs are calculated by the number of movers you need plus the time it takes to complete the move.
Your contract should list all the company’s moving rates, their cheapest charges, and any other extra moving services you may have requested, such as packing fees and moving insurance.
All of this information should be included in your moving contract. It’s up to you to speak up if it isn’t.
When Should I Call a Moving Company?
Moving to a new home is a lot of work, and you should start the process a little earlier than you think you should. It’s harder and takes longer than nearly every homeowner thinks it will be.
Reputable house movers get booked up quickly, so you should start shopping for moving companies at least six to eight weeks before you plan to move.
This is an optimal time-frame whether you are moving next door, to another town, or to another part of the country. Just give yourself as much time as possible for your move.
What Methods Of Payment Do Movers Accept?
Reputable moving companies will accept cash, checks, and credit cards. If your house movers ask you for cash only, it is a red flag. We would probably avoid hiring them.
When it’s time to pay your house movers, make sure that the deposit you paid them before the move has been subtracted from the final moving invoice.
What Happens If Something Is Damaged Or Missing?
This question depends on the insurance policy that you’ve chosen. Released Value Protection provides very little protection coverage, while Full Value Protection will ensure that your moving company pays to repair or replace any damaged items.
The house movers will also have to cover the cost of any missing items. The terms and coverage of your insurance policy will be outlined in your moving contract.
Reputable moving companies will be willing to make things right without any dispute. However, you should be aware that you’ll be responsible for any damage to items you packed yourself. They won’t cover damages in shipping if you failed to pack the moving boxes properly.
How and When Do I Pay the Moving Company?
The answer to this question depends on the moving company you’re working with. When you sign a moving contract with your house movers, they will let you know what forms of payment are acceptable, if they require a deposit upfront, and when the final bill is due.
The upfront deposit should be no more than 50 percent of the cost of the moving quote.
What Is a Moving Estimate, and How Many Should I Collect?
A moving estimate is what the company expects your move to cost based on the items you need to move, and the time frame you request to complete the move.
It’s best to get at least four to five moving quotes before choosing the home movers that are the right fit for you.
How Much Will My Move Cost?
The price of your move depends heavily on the amount of items, their weight, and overall space needed to pack the items you plan to move.
It also depends heavily on the mileage between your current home and your new home. Finally, any additional services you requested from your house movers will affect the costs.
You can get a moving estimate over the phone or online. But, for a more accurate moving quote, you can request an in-home estimator. You can also use a moving calculator to get an idea of approximately what your moving quote would be.
Will I Need a Deposit To Hold My Moving Date?
The answer to this question depends on the moving company you choose. Today, most moving companies require you to pay a deposit in order to reserve their workers and moving trucks.
If the cost of your move is low, say between $500 and $750, a deposit may not be necessary. Again, this is entirely up to the moving company you chose.
Final Thoughts
Getting a moving quote before hiring any house movers is just a very good idea. Period.
This reduces the chance of any financial surprises. You’ll know well in advance what your moving costs will be, and if their charges fit within your overall moving budget.
If their moving quote doesn’t fit your budget, you may have to go the DIY route.
But before deciding for sure, it’s best to speak with multiple moving reps so you can get the best information and pricing available.
