Getting moving quotes is one of the first steps in planning your move. Whether you’re looking for local or long-distance relocation services, it’s important to compare different companies’ prices and service offerings to find the best fit for your move. Some moving companies offer online estimates, whereas others provide an official home inspection and inventory before finalizing your quote. It’s also important to know what type of estimate each company offers – binding or non-binding.
Some of the largest moving companies, including Two Men and a Truck and United Van Lines, allow customers to receive an instant online estimate on their website. These estimates are based on the information you enter, such as your move date, the size of your household, how far you’re traveling and any other specific details that may affect your quote. You can also select extra services, like packing and unpacking or TV mounting, which will add to the cost of your move.
When you request an official moving quote, movers will come to your house to inspect your belongings in person and take a complete inventory. This will give them a more accurate sense of how many items you have and how much your shipment will weigh, which will help them determine the overall price of your move. They can then also assess any additional services you might need or special circumstances, such as steep stairs, that would affect the overall moving price.
If you choose a moving company that offers binding estimates, also known as guaranteed not-to-exceed estimates, they will guarantee a price for your move that won’t go over the estimated weight of your shipment. This is the most customer-friendly option since you won’t have to pay anything more if your shipment ends up being lighter than expected.
Other factors that can influence your moving quote include:
The season of your move: Generally speaking, moving companies will charge more during peak seasons, such as summer. This is due to the increased demand for moving services and favorable weather conditions.
Size of your household: The larger your household, the more items you’ll have to transport. The total number of items and boxes you’ll need to pack will add up quickly and significantly increase your moving cost.
Add-on services: Most moving companies offer a variety of add-on services, such as packing and unpacking, storage and debris removal, which can all impact the total cost of your move. Be sure to carefully consider these options before choosing them as they may be more expensive than you might expect.
Insurance: The level of insurance protection you select will also impact your moving quote. All interstate movers are required to offer a minimum of Full-Value Protection, but you can elect for less expensive coverage options as well.
Moving is an exciting time in your life, but it’s also a complicated process. Hiring professional movers can ensure that everything goes smoothly, but it’s also important to explore DIY relocation services to keep your costs low. moving quotes near me