When it comes to moving quotes, there are several factors that determine how much you’ll pay. The size of your home or office, the number and types of items to move, the date you’ll relocate and the distance between your old and new homes can all impact costs. Some moving companies offer instant ballpark moving quotes online based on the limited information you provide. Others take a more thorough approach, with an in-home survey and inventory of your belongings by a member of the company’s sales team.
If you’re looking for an online moving quote, start by comparing quotes from local movers. Check out the website of each to see how easy they make it to submit advance information and receive an estimate. Larger moving businesses often offer a simple online quote system while smaller companies may require you to contact them by phone or in-person for an initial estimate. Once you’ve narrowed down the contenders, check out customer reviews of their quoting processes.
Most moving quotes are based on an hourly rate, so the first step is to determine how many hours your move will likely take. The amount of boxes and other belongings you’ll need to move can also influence the cost of your move. Some movers may charge for additional services and other specialized circumstances, such as stairs or narrow spaces.
Other factors that can affect the price of your moving quote include the time of year, peak season dates and weekend moves. All of these variables can increase the overall cost. Ask the movers you’re considering whether their prices change during these times and what you can do to keep your cost down, such as choosing a less busy day for your move or using a storage unit.
The cost of labor is another important factor to consider when obtaining an online moving quote. The amount of labor required can vary widely, depending on the size of your home or office and whether or not you have a lot of bulky or heavy furniture. You may also need to purchase packing materials, which will add to the cost of your move.
If you’re moving across state lines, a mover must follow rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that say they must give a written estimate to customers before transporting their belongings. This is usually done through a physical survey of your home or business, but some longstanding movers have begun to offer online surveys.
Once a mover has surveyed your belongings and provided you with a written estimate, they must also give you a binding-not-to-exceed moving quote. This will tell you the maximum amount you can expect to pay for your move, but the actual weight of your shipment at the end of the day could be lighter or heavier than what was originally estimated. If the shipment weighs more than what was initially quoted, you won’t have to pay for extra. moving quotes instant