What Goes Into a Moving Cost Estimate?
However, if you have suddenly found yourself in a situation where you need to move your entire family, you may be coming to the realization that it would be best to hire movers this time.
When shopping around for moving companies, one of your biggest determining factors will be the estimate they present. But what goes into an estimate? Read below to get an idea of how moving companies quote prices to their customers.
Your Current and New Address
This will probably be the first piece of information your moving company requests. It is helpful for mapping out distance, but it can also inform the moving company of a few other situations. For instance, if you are moving out of a four-story walk-up, that will be reflected in the price.
Another situation that may increase costs is if you need to stop and a second location (i.e. a parent's house) to pick up extra items before continuing on with your move.
How Much Stuff You Have
A customer packing up and moving a four bedroom colonial is going to wind up paying more than a person packing up an efficiency apartment. The furniture and boxes you need to transport will determine the size of truck you need, the number of movers who will be there to assist you, and the number of labor hours that will be billed.
Whether You Are Packing Your Own Belongings
Most moving companies will offer packing services. This can be especially helpful for busy professionals, families with newborns, or elderly individuals. These services are exactly what they sound like: you are paying a moving company to box up and pack your belongings for you, in addition to moving them. Needless to say, there will be a noticeable price difference if you choose to add these services.
Special Items
Moving companies are well equipped to handle all types of furniture, including antiques. However, there are some special cases which require extra care, and therefore add extra cost.
Pianos are an excellent example of an item that requires highly specialized moving. In addition to being incredibly delicate, they also happen to be incredibly heavy. Make sure your movers are aware of any special items before they offer you a price quote.
Time of Year
If you happen to live in an area of the country that is mostly temperate year-round, you will not have to worry about this aspect of your cost estimate. However, many Americans have to deal with winter storms, icy roads or other hazardous conditions. Moving during the winter could add some expense to your estimate. Be sure to ask if the season will be factored in.
If you happen to live in an area of the country that is mostly temperate year-round, you will not have to worry about this aspect of your cost estimate. However, many Americans have to deal with winter storms, icy roads or other hazardous conditions. Moving during the winter could add some expense to your estimate. Be sure to ask if the season will be factored in.
Distance Traveled
A move from one side of a small town to the other is not going to incur as much expense as a cross-country move. Generally speaking, the further you need to travel, the more it is going to cost. Things such as gas, tolls, and vehicle use are added into your initial estimate.
The absolute most important thing you can do before requesting moving company estimates is to research, and find a reputable company. Speak to friends and family to find out which companies they have use, and whether or not they would recommend them. An honest company will be able to accurately quote you a fair price right up front.
Niv Orlian is an online marketer and the Co-Founder of DO Online Marketing, a Chicago based company that helps local businesses such as Golans’s Moving & Storage, acquire, manage, and retain local customers online.
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