The first thing that anyone hiring movers to relocate their belongings from one place to another typically wants to know is how much it will cost them.
After all, moving services can be expensive and customers must budget accordingly.
Typically, the cost of both local and long-distance moves is calculated based on a number of details about the move and the services being contracted:
- Moving Dates - For most movers, weekday services can usually be booked less expensively than weekend services. Off-season moves in the winter and other slow times also tend to be less expensive than moves made during the busiest times of summer and other busy periods.
- Distance - How far will the move be? One of the calculations that factor into moving fees are the distance the load must be shipped.
- Services - Will the move be a full-service move with the movers doing the packing or will the customer self-pack? Are there any extra-large or fragile items that must be maneuvered? Is there furniture that must be disassembled? All of these factors can affect the cost of moving services. Basic moving services typically include two or three workers, loading and unloading the truck, and delivery to the new location with anything else added on at additional cost.
- Labor - How many movers will be required to pack, load, move, and unload the truck? Moving estimates typically include an hourly rate for each of the movers required to do the move.
- Insurance - Most moves include a minimal amount of insurance to protect personal property while it is being handled and moved. Additional insurance must be purchased at an extra cost.
- Amount of Belongings - How much personal property will the movers be loading and moving? The size, weight, and number of items in the load will affect the size and type of vehicle the moving service must use to perform the move.
Since every mover has its own rates and specifications for these services, customers must always start out by requesting an in-person, fully documented moving estimate.
From there, they can discuss their budget with their moving representative who should be able to suggest a few ways to get the bill a little bit lower if necessary.
That might involve delaying a move for a slower week or waiting for a chance to fill up a partial load to cut the mover’s expenses or some other compromise; however, many services will at least offer these opportunities if they are available.
To get the most accurate moving estimate and cost-effective services, plan out moves well in advance whenever possible and discuss budget options with the moving company!