Understanding a Moving Cost Quote
The process of moving involves numerous expenses, including the cost of moving trucks, packing supplies, and labor. It’s important to understand how your moving company calculates the price of your move so you can make informed decisions and ensure you get a fair quote. From moving mileage to movers’ hourly rates, there are many factors that impact the cost of your move. Having knowledge of the terminology, jargon and pricing terms can help you negotiate better prices and protect yourself from hidden fees.
A moving cost quote is a document with the moving company’s best guess as to how much your move will cost. Some movers will provide a nonbinding estimate while others will offer a binding estimate. A nonbinding estimate will not require you to pay any more than 110% of the quote during delivery; the rest will be billed to you at a later date. A binding estimate will guarantee the price of your move, but you’ll have to pay a fee if you change your mind or add any extra services.
It’s a good idea to get several moving quotes from different companies before making a decision. You can also use online tools like our long distance moving calculator to get a quick ballpark figure for your move. However, these estimates are only as accurate as the information you provide. The more precise you are with the number of rooms, furniture and boxes to be moved, the more accurate your estimate will be.
Most local movers charge by the hour for their services. They may also impose a four-hour minimum and include other charges like fuel and dumping fees in their quotes. For long-distance moves, movers will usually give you a weight-based estimate. Generally speaking, the more items you have to move, the more expensive your move will be.
In addition to these factors, you should be aware of other costs associated with your move that may not be included in the moving quote. If you’re moving to a new state, movers may charge extra for transporting vehicles. This is because most states have laws requiring you to register and title your vehicle before moving. There is also an additional cost to ship a boat or recreational vehicle, as well as shipping vehicles across international borders.
Other costs you may need to consider include the cost of storage, access fees (like steep driveways or narrow roads) and extra charges for stairs or other obstacles that could complicate your move. Some movers also charge a flat rate for dismantling and reassembling large items, such as cribs or tables.
Before signing a moving quote, it’s a good idea to ask movers for references and check customer reviews on websites like Consumer Affairs. It’s also important to know the difference between binding, nonbinding and binding-not-to-exceed estimates. It’s wise to avoid agreeing to a nonbinding moving quote, as it gives the mover flexibility to change your price at any time. moving cost quote