A moving and storage estimate is a vital aspect of the move planning process. Whether you are moving to a new residential or commercial destination, a comprehensive estimate helps you anticipate and plan for the costs involved. It is important to communicate the various details of your move, including what items need to be moved and the services you may require. Moving and storage companies use this information to provide accurate estimates. At Berger Allied Moving & Storage, we are your premier relocation professionals for all your moving and storage needs.
Why Are Moving Cost Estimates Important?
A moving and storage estimate provides more information than simply the cost. It gives you the opportunity to compare different movers and even DIY moving possibilities. The moving estimate can help you evaluate the company’s customer service and their transparency around their services and prices. Requesting an estimate can also provide the opportunity to take inventory of your items.
A moving estimate gives nationwide moving and storage companies and local movers the opportunity to determine the items you have, how much manpower the company will need, and the chance to discuss the logistics of your relocation.
Your estimate should include a breakdown of the costs for each service. Some items to expect on your moving estimate include:
- Description of the services and associated charges
- Estimate weight and cubic feet of the shipment
- Type of estimate
- Scope of services
- Contact info and service dates
- Valuation options
- Terms and conditions
- Acceptable methods of payment
- Explanation of terms
Moving Estimate Factors
A moving estimate depends on various factors. Moving cost is influenced by the equipment required for the move and the distance of the move. It is important to inform the mover of everything that needs to be moved so it can be included in the estimate. Be sure to remember items you have in storage places on- and off-site. A moving estimate must account for the number of moving personnel such as drivers, along with the trucks and other equipment required for the move. The weight of your items may also play a factor in the cost the mover charges for the relocation. You can also choose the purchase valuation coverage for your items which will affect the total cost estimate.
A moving estimate will also vary based on whether it is a non-binding estimate, binding estimate, or binding not-to-exceed estimate.
Non-Binding Estimate
A non-binding estimate generally hinges on the weight of the items to be moved. The estimate is not fixed. It can increase or decrease depending on the final determined weight of the items during the move.
Binding Estimate
A binding estimate is fixed. The quote may be based on the estimated weight of the items to be moved. Any change in the weight of items discovered during the move will not change the price to be paid by the moving customer.
Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate
The most popular type of moving estimate for interstate moves is the binding not-to-exceed estimate. With this estimate, customers pay the fixed estimate amount initially quoted by the mover even if the weight of the items increases during the move. However, if the weight of the items is determined to be less than the estimate at the time of the move, the customer only pays according to the actual weight determined on moving day.
What Should a Moving Estimate Be Based On?
When it comes to local moves, a house moving and storage estimate will be based on a hourly rate.
One the other hand, when it comes to interstate or long-distance moves, weight and distance play a greater factor in the moving cost calculation.
Some common factors a professional mover will consider when generating a moving and storage estimate include:
- Weight of your items
- Quantity and size of your furniture
- Moving personnel required on moving day
- Any difficulty moving inventory, such as large furniture through the front door
- Elevators or stairs to be traversed on property
- Moving route
- Moving distance and associated fuel and travel costs
- Requirement for short- or long-term storage
- Moving time of year
Since every relocation project is unique, nationwide moving and storage companies don’t have set-in-stone prices. Moves are priced on a case-by-case basis.
No-Cost Estimate
Most professional movers provide free moving estimates. Even though it takes time and resources, moving and storage companies recognize that providing no-cost estimates is to their advantage in helping customers and ultimately securing moving contracts.
For information about the local and interstate moving services we offer at Berger Allied Moving & Storage, give us a call today at 866.969.5040 or request a no-cost moving quote.
