Hiring a mover can cost between a few hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars. It all depends on who you hire, how much property you’re moving, what additional services you need, where you are moving to. 

The moving company’s in-home, written, signed estimate (of which there are three types) offers you the most accurate way to calculate your moving costs.

When you are looking to hire a mover, you should always get quotes from three or more different companies. 

Three Types Of Moving Estimates

Movers offer 3 types of estimates: binding, not-to-exceed, and non-binding. It’s important for you to know the differences before choosing a moving company.

Binding Estimate

With a binding estimate, you pay the stated price, regardless of whether your property weighs more or less than the estimate.  If you were to request additional services or add more items to the move, the mover can revise the estimate to accommodate those changes before loading your items on the truck.  If you don’t request any new services and stick to the agreed upon inventory list, your final price is what is on the binding estimate.

Not-to Exceed Estimate

With this type of estimate, regardless of whether your belongings weigh more or less than the written estimate, you pay the lower price. This type of estimate is also known as “guaranteed price” or “price protection.” A mover must provide you the not-to-exceed estimate in writing for it to be binding on the carrier.

Non-Binding Estimate

If your mover provides this type of estimate, it represents the best guess on the cost of the move based on the in-home walk through. But the final cost is determined by the actual weight of your shipment and any services provided. Typically, actual costs are more than the estimated cost. However, for interstate moves, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the estimate plus an additional 10% at time of delivery.  You’ll also have 30 days to pay the charge. These, in accordance with federal law.

Non-binding estimates are becoming less common in the moving industry.

Fees And Additional Charges

In addition to charging by the pound, there are other fees and charges that can increase the cost of your move, and they’re important for you to know.

Keep in mind that charges are based on various factors surrounding your starting property and destination property. So while they do a walk-thru at your home (starting property), it’s important to provide details about your new home (destination).  Ask your mover about these additional charges and be sure they are included on your written estimate.

Stairs/Flight Charges

If your current or new home has stairs, ask about stair fees and make sure they are included in the estimate. This also goes for those living in an apartment without an elevator or if the elevator is out of service on your moving day.

Furniture Disassembly/Re-Assembly Fee

Beds, wardrobes, dressers, and couches may need to be taken apart and reassembled to be transported safely.  Movers will charge you a fee for this, so anything you can do yourself will save you money.

Packing & Packing Supplies

I remember moving about fifteen years ago. The guy who came really pushed to have everything wrapped separately to “protect” my stuff. It was a big scam, meant to slow down the process because we were paying by the hour, and because he wanted me to pay for all the packing materials. (He also drove at a snail’s pace, pushing the time far beyond what safety called for, but that’s another story…)

Though my experience was negative, this type of service can be useful. You can have them pack everything or only special items, like a big screen TV or something delicate that you forgot to protect. If you plan to use the mover’s full-value insurance, then they may choose to pack all your items or only specific items. If you use this service, be sure it is 1) included and 2) itemized on your estimate. 

Long Haul Service

If the distance between your front door and the truck exceeds a certain distance, the mover will charge you a “Long Haul” or “Long Carry” fee. The estimate should include the maximum distance before the fee kicks in. If not, ask them to put it in writing for you.

Large Heavy Item Fee

When it comes to moving especially heavy items like pianos, pool tables, or safes, discuss these items with the mover before the in-home walk-thru. Not all movers are able to move these items.  A mover who can move them will charge extra and may require additional manpower and equipment.

Storage Fee

There are times where the mover must store your goods at the mover’s warehouse.  This can happen if your new home isn’t ready in time for your move in.  Be sure this is included in your estimate. (Also, note that this is one of the ways shady moving companies scam you out of your money — see my other article: How To Avoid Being Scammed By Moving Companies).

Express Delivery Fee

If you want your property to arrive at your new home ASAP, then expect to pay fee for expedited service.

Extra Stops Fees

These fees are charged when the customer asks the mover to includes extra pickups or drop-offs along the route.

Shuttle Service

This service is used when the mover cannot park the truck close to your home and needs a van or small truck to transport your property between the truck and home.  Typically this is due to things like low power lines or when parking is not available.

Tips

Ask if tipping is allowed, because not all companies allow it. Tipping is usually up to $40 per day, per mover, based on the quality of service you received. I always tip my movers because I assume they’re not paid well. It’s also a good policy to leave people who know an AWFUL LOT about your property kindly disposed to you… But hey, you do what you want 🙂

To insure Or Not To Insure

The good news is: movers are liable for lost or broken property. The bad news? You won’t get anywhere near the actual value of your lost belongings. There are different levels of coverage available for interstate movers, but when moving in-state, be sure to check the laws and regulations.

Released Value Moving Insurance (Interstate)

Whenever you sign your agreement, this insurance is provided free. It’s the basic coverage, and you’re reimbursed $0.60 per pound. If your new 25 pound flat-screen TV is broken during the move, you’ll receive $15 for your troubles. 

Full-Value Protection Insurance (Interstate)

You’ll need to opt-out of your Released Value insurance to get this. With this insurance, the mover is required to reimburse you the replacement value of any damaged or lost items.  Again, you’ll have to pay for this type of insurance, so make sure it’s included in your estimate.

Third-Party Insurance

You can also purchase a policy similar to the full-value coverage movers offer from a third party.  You’ll declare a value on your goods and choose a deductible.  You’ll  want to do your research here as these policies can get costly.  Also, check your own homeowners insurance policy to see if you are already covered for moving.

I hope this article helps you with your next move. And as always: stay safe, stay informed, and then Start Packing!