When you get a moving quote from a mover, it’s a statement of their best estimate of how much your move will cost. It will probably include basic services like packing and transporting your items, as well as labor costs to load the truck and unload them at the destination. It can also include extras like fuel surcharges, toll fees and stair charges for moves with stairs. The type of moving quote you’ll receive will depend on the type of move and your specific needs.
Local moves tend to be based on hourly rates. For long-distance moves, your moving company will typically quote you a price per weight, which is an average of the weight of each box plus additional services and specialized equipment. Getting an in-home moving estimate is the most accurate way to determine how much your move will cost. This is because movers can see first-hand how much you have and any obstacles, such as stairs, that could increase the cost.
A binding moving estimate locks the total cost of your move in at the number quoted, and movers are legally required to provide a binding estimate on every shipment they transport for you. This means that if your belongings weigh more than what was estimated, you will be charged for the extra weight. However, if your belongings weigh less than what was estimated, you will be refunded the difference.
Non-binding estimates are more complicated because the price you pay is based on the actual weight of your belongings, which isn’t usually known until after the movers finish loading and unloading. This gives shady moving companies the opportunity to ratchet up your final bill. They might even do things like filling up their trucks’ gas tanks right before they weigh your goods to increase the weight.
When negotiating a non-binding moving estimate, you should always be prepared to negotiate with the mover to ensure you are not overcharged. For example, you should ask how many movers are included in the original quote, and if adding more movers will save you time and money on your move. You should also ask about the hours they expect to work on your move, as this can affect the total cost.
It’s also a good idea to ask your mover about their cancellation policy, as this will vary by company. Some will require a 24-hour notice, while others may have different policies. Additionally, some companies charge more for certain dates during the week or during popular moving times, such as spring to late summer or national holidays. To avoid these charges, try to move during an off-peak season. local moving quotes