Everything you need to know about moving quotes

There is a reason why so many people decide to hire a moving company. For starters, there are many risks involved with DIY moving. Next, the costs of hiring a company don’t need to be that high, even though they depend on several factors: the distance, the services, and the company you choose, among other factors. But, perhaps the most important thing that will help you avoid the enormous final bill is knowing how moving quotes work. Here’s everything you need to know about moving quotes or estimates. After this article, it’ll be much easier to make the choice that will prove to be good for your finances.

Better learn about moving quotes than to move by yourself

Why is learning about moving quotes important

One of the ways to reduce stress when moving is to hire a reliable moving company. But, this also means that you’ll have to learn about moving estimates and quotes and why they’re important. Moving quotes are important because they give you an idea of how much you’ll have to pay a moving company for their services. On the other side, since most companies give quotes online, or via phone, the goal is to get a written estimate, as it will legally bind the company. That’s why there are different types of moving estimates:

• Non-binding moving estimate– this kind of estimate is a document with a mover’s guess. However, this means that other factors can affect the final price, like the weight of your items, and the overall services the company provides.
• Binding moving estimate – if nothing changes, the company is bound to honor this estimate. This means that as long as the company moves the items on the inventory sheet, the final price will be the same as the estimate. So, if there’s one thing you should know about moving quotes, it’s that you should try and get a binding moving estimate.
• Binding-not-to-exceed moving estimate – this type of estimate is very similar to a binding estimate. The difference is, that with this type of estimate, is your items weigh less than it was initially estimated, you’ll be able to pay less.
  

  When getting moving estimates

During this process, there are some things you should keep in mind.

Never sign blank documents

If a company offers a blank estimate for you to sign then you know this is the company you shouldn’t do business with. And if they present this kind of document for you to sign on the day of your move, then you should request that they reschedule the move and consider different movers. If you sign an incomplete estimate, they could add additional charges to it.

It’s never a good idea to sign a blank or incomplete document

Ask how the company determines its rates

You want to choose a company that determines its rates based on the shipment’s weight. There are other companies charge based on the shipment’s volume, measured in cubic feet. However, this is illegal in many states, as it makes it easier for movers to overcharge. That’s why you should always ask how the company determines its rates.

The right way to get an estimate

The way that some companies give you an estimate is online, or via the phone. However, the best way to get an estimate is if it’s based on an in-home inspection. The reason is that you want a company to be familiar with your possessions. This way, they can’t tell you that they didn’t know you have a piano to move or stairs in your home. They’ll be familiar with your possessions and your specific circumstances. That’s why if you live within 5o miles of the moving company, they have to physically evaluate your belongings unless you waive this right.

Inventory list

A table of measurements or a cube sheet is an inventory list of items that the company moves. You should get a copy for yourself and examine it. See if every item you want to move is on the list, even the smaller items.

Consider your moving date

Moving costs are not the same every day of the year. The reason is that there are there’s a time of the year when demand decreases. And that’s why the costs can be lower during this time of year. So, you should ask if the costs will change in a couple of days. And see how long the quote is considered valid. If you wait before booking the move, you might need to get a new estimate.

Stairs

Ask if there are any additional fees for carrying boxes up and down the stairs. If your old or new home has stairs, there’s a good chance that you’ll be charged this additional fee. 

Extra fee or not?

Packing

Many moving companies offer packing services. However, even if you’ll have to pay a premium, it might be worth it. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay for packing supplies. And, don’t forget to see if the company charges per hour or per item. 

Large items

The important thing to know on moving quotes is that large and heavy items, like pianos and safes, should be the topic of your conversation with the moving company. Many companies charge extra for moving these items.

Be careful

Now that you know what you need to know about moving quotes, you have all the reasons to ask all the right questions. After all, there’s no such thing as a stupid question, if you want to play it safe and play it smart.