If you want to or have to relocate, hiring a professional moving company is the best option. However, you will have to do some research in order to find a good one to hire. Also, prices of the move and services vary and depend on moving company policies. Prices can vary and depend on a lot of factors, such as: whether it’s a long or short distance move, how many items you possess, do you need a storage unit, do you need some special services, etc. Therefore, you will have to call several moving companies and find the one you like the most. Or you can have Verified Movers find them for you. And, of course, be sure to avoid a moving scam. So, let’s see now what you need to know about moving quotes!
Moving quotes – things you should know before hiring a moving company
The costs of a move depend on a mover you hire and the professional moving services you want. All in all, a move can cost between a few hundred and several thousand dollars. If you want to avoid extra costs, you should get moving quotes or an estimate before hiring a moving company. What’s the point of a mover’s quote? Well, to give you an accurate idea of how much the move will cost even before it happens. A mover can give you information about costs over the phone or online but it is best if they come and examine everything first.
Figuring out the best moving quote can be a bit tricky.
Different types of moving quotes
There are three main types of moving estimates:
- Non-Binding quote (AKA free quote)
- Binding quote
- Binding Not-To-Exceed quote
If these names sound confusing to you, it’s alright. Given how complicated relocations are, no one can fault you for not knowing the industry jargon that best moving companies South Carolina has on offer use. But you do need to know the difference, and now is the best time to learn about them. Oh, and the terms “quotes” and “estimates” are interchangeable. They both mean the same thing.
Non-Binding (Free) quote
This is your “standard” quote that you can get over the phone or online. It does not bind anyone to anything. It serves as a point of reference in calculating moving costs. If this is the only estimate you can get from your mover, it is time to choose another moving company. All of the top movers in San Francisco, for example, offer all types of moving quotes. A free quote is just a way to provide the client with a quick reference on how much their move may cost.
Therefore, the value of these estimates lies in the ability to obtain them quickly. You can compare numerous moving companies based on their free quotes in a much shorter time span. But you should never act based on a free quote alone. It is there to showcase how your movers form their prices, not to provide you with any sort of guarantee.
Binding quote
Moving on, the binding quote is what you want. This estimate guarantees the total cost of your relocation. Once you and your movers agree on a binding estimate, the amount listed is going to be what you pay. Simple as that. Needless to say, you should never go into relocation without one. Especially if you are planning a long distance move.
The way you obtain a binding estimate is usually by scheduling an in-home inspection. Your movers will send a team to inspect the premises, write down everything that needs to be done, perhaps weigh some of your items, etc. Once they are done, they will present you with a document that will guarantee the moving costs, the binding quote.
The binding quote allows you to know exactly how much will your relocation cost.
However, there are a few caveats even with a binding estimate. For one, you will not be able to change anything about your shipment after the estimate has been formed. This may potentially lead you into “dangerous” situations. For example, let’s say that you forgot to include a couple of heavy items in your initial home inspection. Your movers have all the rights to increase the cost, as those items were not part of the original agreement. And they are then free to try and overcharge you for the additional services.
But there is yet another option, one that is far more favorable for you.
Binding Not-To-Exceed quote
This is the most popular estimate type, by far, where customers are concerned. In fact, when pondering a long distance or an interstate move, this is the option to go for. However, not every single mover will be able to provide you with such. Most of the top movers in Chicago, for example, will, but some smaller moving companies might be reluctant to present you with such a quote. Why is that, you wonder?
Well, the binding-not-to-exceed estimate (also known as guaranteed-not-to-exceed) stipulates that even if your shipment exceeds the original estimate, your movers will not charge you more for the relocation. Instead, the previously agreed price is going to stand. And that is not the best part.
The best part about this particular quote is that if your shipment ends up weighing less than what was originally estimated, the price will be reduced! In accordance to the new weight, of course. This means that it is entirely possible to negotiate a price and have it be even lower when the moving day arrives. While not entirely common, it does happen frequently. Needless to say, this is the best estimate type you can get your hands on.
Getting moving quotes – tips
When the moving quotes are in question, you should pay attention to these things:
- Never sign blank documents
- Find a company that charge based on the weight
- Pick a good moving date
- Make an accurate inventory list
Pick a good day for the move!
Never sign blank documents
Do not sign any kind of blank or unfinished document. If a company wants you to sign an estimated costs document like this, just tell them that you are still considering a few other options and walk away. You have to be careful because there are some companies who can easily scam you. If you sign blank estimated costs document they can add some extra fees and in the end, the moving costs will shock you. If you are hiring a professional moving company, you should know what are the elements of a valid moving contract! So, do your research well before the time comes to sign anything. By being well-informed, you will significantly reduce the chances of misunderstanding a moving estimate.
Of course, the best way to ensure that you don’t get a quote that is unreal is to work with top movers. If you allow us to provide you with a list of reliable, trustworthy, moving companies, you will not have to worry about any blank documents. These movers would not even dream of sullying their reputation by offering one. But, in case that you want to find a mover on your own, remember that blank contracts are a big no-no.
Find a company that charge based on the weight
Some moving companies measure your cargo in cubic feet and they charge it like that. It’s easier for a moving company to overcharge if they are measuring your cargo in cubic feet. This way is illegal in a lot of states. Therefore, you should search and find a company that charges based on the weight of your shipment. So, the best way is to ask companies how they are figuring their rates and to get moving quotes from those who charge based on the weight of your belongings. You can also read some of the state to state movers reviews South Florida and see what their customers have to say. Remember, never look for reviews on the company’s webspace only. You want to find as many review sites as you can. An example of this is Yelp and Better Business Bureau.
These places are great to “get your feet wet” and start researching the moving company in question. The reason why you have to ask is that some movers will not even present you with the way they form the price. Meaning that you don’t really know what affects your relocation costs. Luckily, all you need to do is ask a couple of questions and you will be safe.
Most of the time, you want your moving quotes to be based on weight.
However, you don’t need to shy from the companies that are charging by weight if they also provide you with a legally binding estimate.
Pick a good moving date
Same as restaurants or airports, a moving company has peak and off-peak days. This is another thing you should consider in order to save up some money. Peak days are usually during the summer, weekends, and the last weeks of a month. Therefore, try to book a moving company a few months in advance if you can, and try to avoid weekends or summer days. This will allow you to reduce the overall moving cost and have the greatest negotiating power. When movers have less work to go around, they are more inclined to offer better deals to their customers.
Make an accurate inventory list
When you get a written estimate document from a moving company, they will also give you a full moving inventory list of your belongings that they will move. You should also check what are the reasons for a moving inventory list. You should make a copy of the list and check it thoroughly. Be sure that all pieces of furniture are on the list, including small items such as end tables, etc. Also, the list should contain an approximate number of boxes.
Make an accurate inventory list!
Fees and Additional Costs
Before you hire a professional moving company, decide what kind of services you will need. Whether you are moving long distance or not, special services can cost some extra money. Be sure to inform your mover about all the services you will need so they can put those on the written estimate document too. Some of those special services that your mover will charge you for are:
- Stairs
- Packing and unpacking
- Large (bulky) items
- Long carry service
- Shuttle service etc.
Stairs
Your mover will charge extra if they have to carry items up or down the stairs. That’s why you should ask about the price for this kind of special service and be sure that they put it in the estimate written document. Usually, one flight of stairs is included in the moving price but not all companies have the same policy and rules. It is in your best interest to verify the pricing. You don’t want any nasty surprises.
Packing and unpacking
You can call your cross country movers Tennessee and ask about the costs of packing and unpacking services. If you want to save some time and avoid some stress, you will certainly get a packing and unpacking service. Some movers charge per box, others charge per hour. Just be sure that this service is also included in your written estimate document. Some movers include them, others may not. Therefore, if you are planning on hiring these services, make sure that they are a part of the quote.
Large (bulky) items
Ask your mover if they offer a service for carrying and moving large items. For heavy and bulky items, such as pianos, home safes, or other big items, you will definitely pay some extra money. Call your company and ask them in advance if they are offering a service like this because some of the professional moving companies cannot handle moving these kinds of items.
Moving large items, such as piano or safe, will cost extra!
Long carry service
For starters, you should be familiar with truck rental insurance because you will need one! Another additional cost is a long carry service. If the items that movers have to carry are far away from the moving truck, they will charge for a long carry service. Also, the maximum distance of the long carry service should be written in your estimate document. We hope that you found these tips about moving quotes useful! Have a nice move and enjoy!