Factors That Can Affect Your Moving Estimate

Moving isn’t just about getting items from point A to point B.  There is a lot involved in making sure it’s done in a timely and efficient manner and to make sure that everything arrives to its destination safely.
 
When you get an estimate from a moving company, it may be confusing when comparing estimates from multiple companies to figure out exactly what it is that makes the prices different and what is being charged.  Most companies will tell you up-front, but that’s not always the case.

1. Packing and crating – If you’re asking the moving company to do any packing for you, expect that to be an additional charge on top of moving.  This often includes crating or securing large and fragile items or disassembling large pieces of furniture.  Make sure you ask the moving companies ahead of time what additional charges they add into the estimate depending on what your moving needs are.
2. The size of your home – The bigger the house, the longer it will take to move your belongings.  If one company gets a general estimate of your house size and another is more precise, your estimates may vary quite a bit.  Make sure you clarify that so you know you’re not being overcharged (or that you won’t be surprised when the cost goes up once they actually start the moving process).
3. How many locations are required – Sometimes people have items being moved from two houses into one (or one house into two), or they might have additional items in a storage unit that need to be picked up and moved.  The more stops and miles a moving company needs to make, the higher the estimate typically is.
4. Distance – Coinciding with number of stops, distance matters as well.  A 5-mile move is going to cost less than a 30-mile move usually will.  If one company doesn’t ask for an exact distance before giving an estimate and another does the math right in the beginning, the estimates will probably differ.
5. Moving date – Weekend moves and moves during peak seasons or times of the month can incur extra fees with some moving companies.  If your moving date is flexible, check with the company and see what days and dates will be least expensive to move so you can save some money.  Make sure you check with all the companies you’re getting estimates from so you don’t get a weekday cost from one and weekend from another and forget why one is more expensive (or just make sure to make a note of it!).

When you’re getting ready to move, costs add up quickly, so make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for and where you can save some money by doing it yourself, such as packing by yourself or changing the moving date to a less expensive day.  If you have any questions about your estimate, make sure you go over it in detail with the moving company.

Looking for a trustworthy Cleveland area moving company who will protect your items, has awesome reviews, and will always be upfront with you about what is being charged?  Give us a call at Me and My Truck.