A moving quote is a price for the services of your chosen movers to transport your belongings from your old home to your new one. It’s an important part of the preparation process for a move because it can help you determine how much to budget for the entire cost of the move and make sure you don’t overspend. It’s a good idea to get multiple moving quotes before making your final choice of which company to hire for your move. Shopping around will give you a better sense of the typical prices in your area and help you spot low-ball estimates, which are red flags for moving scams.
There are a number of factors that can influence your moving quote, including the size and weight of your belongings, the distance of the move, whether you need packing or storage services and how much furniture will be going from one place to another. You’ll also want to factor in any extra services that you might need, such as a crating service for high-value items or a special transport vehicle for oversized items like grand pianos and pool tables. If your move will take place during a popular season, it may be more expensive than a move in the off-season.
Once you’ve provided your basic moving information, a team member will contact you to discuss the details of your move. This will likely include a walkthrough of your home, which is required by federal regulations for interstate moves. This allows the mover to see firsthand exactly what you’re bringing with you and any obstacles, such as narrow spaces or stairs, that might raise the estimate.
During the walkthrough, the team member will note everything they’ll need to do their work, including if you have a particularly heavy or large item that needs special attention. They’ll also note how many movers they need and any additional equipment like stair climbers or dollies. They’ll also let you know if they need to charge for any extra services, such as packing or storage.
The movers will then calculate your moving quote and present it to you. This will either be a nonbinding estimate or a binding not-to-exceed estimate. A nonbinding estimate will indicate that the final charges will be based on the actual weight of your shipment and any accessorial services you requested. If you choose a nonbinding estimate, it’s smart to budget about 10% more than what the mover estimates for your final cost.
A binding estimate will set a specific price for your move based on the size and distance of your move. The movers will add on any fees for any additional services you might need, such as full value protection for your belongings or packing supplies. They’ll also factor in the size of your home and any other influencing factors, such as stairs or a narrow driveway.
Getting several moving quotes is an essential part of planning your move and finding the best company for the job. It will help you shop around and compare different companies to find the most competitive prices. You can also use the quotes to help you spot any potential moving scams, which are more common during busy seasons. what is a moving quote