A moving quote is an estimated cost for your move that a professional moving company gives you before you agree to hire them. The type of moving quote that you receive depends on the kind of move you need and the specific services you require from your movers. You’ll also want to know what the differences are between non-binding and binding estimates. It is important to gather quotes from multiple companies and compare prices so that you’re not surprised by any hidden costs on moving day.
When a moving company gives you a quote, they will usually start by visiting your home and performing an in-home estimate. This will help them see exactly what items are going to be included in your shipment and give you the most accurate rate for your move. You should do your best to declutter and only show movers items that you are definitely planning on moving. If you have items that are no longer needed, you can donate them to local charities or sell them. You can even have a yard sale to raise money for your move!
Most local movers will charge by the hour. However, if you choose additional services or have specialized needs during your move, you will need to discuss these with the movers before they give you a quote. For example, if you have items that need to be disassembled or broken down to fit into the boxes, the moving company will be able to give you an accurate rate once they see these pieces in person.
Long-distance movers typically offer a more reliable pricing option called a binding-not-to-exceed quote. This is similar to a binding estimate except that it guarantees that you will not pay more than the price on your moving quote at delivery. A relatively low percentage of long-distance movers offer this type of estimate, but it is worth looking into to protect yourself from overcharges on your moving quote.
Non-binding quotes are a common way for shady movers to scam their customers. These shady movers may fill up the truck’s gas tank right before they weigh your shipment to increase the weight of the load, or purposefully underpricing your initial estimate to get you to sign the contract and then hold your belongings hostage until you pay a higher price. There are regulations in place to protect against these types of shady movers, so be sure to ask how a moving company calculates their rates and only work with one that charges based on the weight of your shipment.
If you’re unsure about which type of moving quote to select, always go with a binding-not-to-exceed estimate for an interstate move. This will provide you with the most protection against hidden charges and give you peace of mind that you won’t be overcharged on moving day. It is important to shop around for a moving company and get multiple quotes before making a final decision. This will allow you to see what the competition is offering and can help you spot any red flags, such as a much higher or lower price than the others are charging. what is a moving quote