If you are planning to move in the near future, you should start thinking about your budget. One of the best ways to do so is to use an online cost estimator.
Some movers offer an instant moving quote. These are rough estimates based on the information you provide. However, they can save you a lot of time.
Free
A free moving quote is a good way to estimate how much your move will cost. It’s a rough estimate based on the number of bedrooms in your home and the distance of your move. It’s helpful for planning your budget, but it shouldn’t be the only source of information you use. A formal moving quote is more in-depth and detailed, and should be used as a basis for comparison with other quotes you receive from movers.
Some movers may provide an instant ballpark moving quote online, but they also usually offer in-person follow-ups to survey your items and give you a more accurate moving estimate. You can also ask movers for a binding not-to-exceed moving quote. This type of estimate guarantees that the price you pay will not exceed 110% of what is quoted to you.
Another factor that influences the moving quote is the timing of your move. Summer months tend to be the busiest, so you’ll likely have to pay more for moving services than during other times of the year.
Easy
Getting an online moving quote is simple enough. Many movers have a quote system that requires basic information about the move and then allows you to submit an inventory of your belongings. In some cases, a personal move coordinator may visit your home to do an in-home walk-through. This gives them more information about the size and complexity of your move, and they can scope out any potential challenges or special needs.
Other factors can affect your quote, including:
The day and date of your move. A weekday, off-season move tends to cost less than a weekend or summertime move.
Labor costs. Hourly rates are common for local moves, while interstate movers usually have a flat rate.
If you want a guaranteed price for your move, consider choosing a binding estimate. This means you can’t be charged more than the estimated weight of your shipment. It’s also worth mentioning that additional services like storage, packing assistance, and fragile-only packing will increase the overall price of your move.
Convenient
Many moving companies offer an instant estimate through their websites. These are usually based on the size of your home, your destination and whether you need any special services. However, these are not the same as formal quotes given by moving companies in person.
Instant quotes on movers’ websites are virtual estimations made by computer programs that rely on the information you provide. They may be inaccurate, but they are a good starting point in gauging the cost of your move.
Phone call quotes, on the other hand, are usually more accurate than online estimates. They are more useful if you are seriously considering hiring a company for your next move. A moving coordinator will visit your home and take inventory of your belongings. This is important to gauge how much your move might cost and how much weight your shipment will have. It will also help the movers to assess any potential challenges like steep stairs or elevators.
Quick
While instant moving quotes are great for a starting point in gauging your move’s costs, it’s important to remember that they may not be the actual price you will end up paying. Formal estimates require a physical survey of your belongings from the moving company and, in some states, are required by law to be based on an in-home inventory.
Most online moving quote tools ask a few basic questions about your household and how much it will weigh, allowing the tool to estimate how much your belongings will cost on moving day. Some even offer a virtual walk-through of your home, so that estimators can see what you have and the layout of your house to better determine how much time your move will take and if any additional services are needed.
In many cases, you will need to hire third-party service providers for special services like disconnecting your hazardous appliances or gas connections and specialized packing for high-value items. These fees are not included in an online moving quote and can significantly increase your final moving cost.
