How is a Moving Estimate Calculated?
When you call or go online for an estimate from a moving company, you may wonder how they come up with the final price. After all, if you’ve been doing your research, you’ve noticed that moving quotes vary widely from provider to provider. So, how do you know you’re getting an accurate quote? There are four main factors that go into your final estimate:
- Where you’re moving from
- Where you’re moving to
- How soon you need to move/busy vs. slow season
- What you’re moving and how much
Here at Around the Clock Moving and Storage, we offer you a convenient way to get an estimate through our online quote request form. Many companies do this, but we have the added touch: we offer you a handy checklist of items that you need to move. All the items you check contribute to the overall cost of the move. For example, moving large China cabinets, hutches, refrigerators, vanities, beds and armoires takes more muscle, man power, planning and protection than simple boxes and small items of furniture. You can also enter the amount of boxes you have as well as how much each one of them weighs.
Once we have this information, we can provide a general quote back to you. However, this may still not be the final price of your move; after all, that’s why they call it an estimate. Any reputable moving company will make an appointment to come out to your home to take a look at the rooms, items, and logistics in person. Many other variables on-site can alter the price of an estimate, such as how many flights of stairs the movers will have to navigate, how narrow and cramped the hallways are, etc. Your movers will also take detailed measurements of large items as well as the surrounding environment to ensure they can easily get the items out without damaging your walls, floors and ceilings.
Obviously, large items like pianos will increase the price due to the sheer amount of work involved. Accessory services also contribute to how high or low your estimate is. Do you need packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, custom crating and packaging, moving supplies, antique moving, or storage? Expect the price to go up.
In your search of moving companies, you will find that there are generally two types of price quotes: hourly rate, which is based on the amount of time the job will take, and fixed or written binding estimate, which is based on an inventory agreed upon by the client and the movers.
Do Your Research
Because moving estimates can include so many variables, it’s important to do your research. Study rates from every company you consider, asking whether fuel charges are included or if you would get a better rate moving on a weekday vs. a weekend, advises the Huffington Post. The last thing you want is to be hit with hidden fees when confronted with the bill on moving day. To mitigate that risk, make sure you have everything in writing beforehand.
Contact Around the Clock Moving & Storage in Dallas, TX
Backed by 25 years of experience, Around the Clock Moving and Storage is proud to offer a full suite of moving services throughout Dallas. To learn more about what we offer and to get your free estimate, contact us at 469-853-0045.
