Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, getting quotes on movers is an essential step to keeping your move within budget. A good quote can save you from overpaying for a service and help you avoid hidden charges that could come up on moving day.
There are a variety of factors that go into deciding a mover’s quote for a job, and each company may have its own way of calculating them. In general, though, the heavier your items are, the more they’ll cost to transport. Additionally, the number of boxes you’ll need to pack and the size of your furniture will also affect the price. You’ll also need to consider any extra services you might require such as packing, storage or unpacking.
Most reputable companies will be honest and upfront about their prices. However, you should be wary of a moving company that seems to have very low rates. This could be a sign that they are trying to lure you in with a low quote and then overcharge you on the day of your move. If you’re not careful, you could end up paying hundreds, if not thousands of dollars more than expected.
When you get your quotes, make sure to get the full inventory of everything that is going to be moved. This is often called a cube sheet or a table of measurements and can be an excellent tool for comparing pricing between different moving companies. Make sure you check this carefully and confirm that it includes all the furniture, appliances and other items you want to move.
Lastly, make sure you get an in-home estimate with a member of the moving company. This is usually considered the most accurate method since the agent can see what’s being moved with their own eyes. This is a great time to ask questions and address any concerns you might have.
There are three main types of moving quotes – binding, non-binding and binding not to exceed. A non-binding estimate is just that – an estimation of the final cost. They can vary wildly depending on the actual weight of your items, the mover’s published tariff and other factors. Under federal law, you’re not required to pay more than 110% of the non-binding estimate at delivery.
A binding estimate is a fixed cost based on the estimated weight of your belongings. If you agree to this, the mover cannot ratchet up the price on the day of the move, but they can’t charge less either. Binding estimates are most common for long distance moves or interstate moves. quotes on movers
