One of the first steps in preparing for a move is getting quotes from different moving companies. These will give you a general idea of how much your move is going to cost. This is crucial, as it helps you set a budget for your move and makes sure you are not surprised by any hidden fees or unexpected charges come move day.
Some movers will provide an instant ballpark quote online based on the information you supply. However, most reputable movers will require in-person meetings to survey your belongings and properly assess any possible obstacles or difficulties. You will also receive more accurate quotes if you opt for services that are not included in the basic package, such as packing assistance, piano moving, fine art packing, crating, shed disassembly and relocation, pool table moving, and so on.
Another factor that will impact your moving quote is the season of your move. The peak moving season is during the summer, when the weather is nice and the kids are out of school. As a result, movers’ prices are higher during this time. If you want to save money, consider moving during a non-peak season or even a weekend instead of a weekday.
There are also a number of services that can be added to your move, such as storage or additional help from movers on-site. These services will impact your moving quote as well, as they will add to the overall labor costs of the job. In some cases, movers will give you a binding not to exceed price quote if you decide on these services, which means that you can’t be charged more than what is quoted. In other cases, the mover will simply give you a quote based on the services that you’ve requested.
While a mover’s quotes are based on the weight of your items, they can also vary based on other factors as well. For instance, some movers will charge extra for heavy items such as furniture, while others may offer discounts on these items.
Lastly, the amount of stairs that your home has will have an impact on the moving quote as well. This is because movers charge by the hour and each staircase that they have to climb will increase their costs. This is why you should always make sure to clearly mention the number and type of stairs in your home when requesting a moving quote.
Aside from helping you build a budget for your move, getting moving quotes will also expose any scams or shady practices from certain movers. Be wary of movers who ask for large deposits, demand upfront payment, don’t offer in-home estimates, or use generic terms to describe their services. get moving quotes