Planning a move can be a hectic experience, and one of the many decisions you’ll have to make is whether to hire a moving service. Moving services can make the entire process easier, but understanding the costs associated with this convenience is essential. Knowing how to estimate moving costs beforehand can significantly help your budgeting and planning efforts.
To help you decide on your relocation, this article offers insights and advice on effectively estimating the cost of your move utilizing a moving agency.
Estimate Your Moving Costs
It is now easier than ever to find a professional moving company in a highly competitive industry at a reasonable price.
Some moving companies offer a fixed price guarantee with no hidden charges, while others will estimate your move based on the distance and volume.
After reading this article, you’ll have all the knowledge of an experienced pro when you approach companies for quotes and estimates.
How Far Will You Be Moving? Distance Between Pickup and Drop-Off Location
It all comes down to the following factors: This means:
- Long-distance (international)
- Cross-country (national)
- Regional (tri-state region)
- Cross-city (local)
Some companies are more competitively priced if they specialize in a particular area.
What Is the Size of Your Household? How Much Stuff Are You Moving?
The volume of items you plan to move is the next most important factor in pricing. What are the items you are moving? Are any difficult pieces like a heavy piano or marble tabletops in your inventory list?
How to Calculate Moving Costs: Two Pricing Formulae
Two main methods are used to price a move. Asking movers about their pricing is one of the first questions you should ask. Volume vs. hourly. Volume vs Hourly.
Suppose a company calculates its fee based on the cubic footage of furniture to be moved rather than charging an hourly price. In that case, they will likely be more able to give you a fixed rate that won’t be affected by traffic issues, parking problems, or storage check-in delays.
Volume of goods + mileage + any special complexities = estimate
The quote you receive from your moving company will include the price per cubic foot.
Depending on the pricing model that your mover uses, long-distance moves can be charged by weight or cubic feet. Long-distance moves may include an additional stop fee and a storage charge if the delivery is delayed. Ask for any additional fees upfront.
Some movers base their pricing on the number of hours the movers and truck will be required. You may be charged for travel between the two destinations, but you can discuss this with your moving company.
Hourly cost + travel fees = estimate
Before you commit to a formula, familiarize yourself. Our clients prefer a flat rate based on the volume so that time is not a factor, and they won’t be surprised by any extra charges.
The timing of the move is important. Due to weather, holiday disruptions, or high demand, the day of the week and time of year may result in higher rates of up to 20%.
Ask your mover for discounts if your schedule is flexible. Moving is busiest from May to September. Also, the first day of the month and the last day as leases are expiring.
Your Move’s Complexity
New York is home to many pre-war structures, so it is only sometimes possible for movers to book a service lift on the day you move. It’s even more important if you are moving heavy or oversized items through narrow staircases.
Due to their size and weight, specialty objects like pool tables, pianos, and antiques can be dangerous.
Specialty items can add time to the move. They are normally itemized separately and in great detail. Your movers should be able to answer your questions about how they plan to handle any valuables and their insurance policies.
Most movers have the necessary equipment to disassemble and lift your items. However, if your move has unique challenges, you should book a company that will provide an accurate quote and explain their handling fees.
Professional moving companies have the expertise to navigate any situation and give you peace of mind knowing that your move is in capable hands.
You could save money by hiring a less-experienced mover. However, you may pay more in the long run if you need the right insurance or claim process for your family heirloom. Compare their service standard with a competitive price.
Moving & Packing Supplies Cost
You will need boxes, tape, and packing paper for your move. Good moving companies will provide blankets, mattress protector plastic, TV boxes, wardrobe boxes, and other supplies as part of the flat rate. These companies will pack larger items into these boxes and unpack them at the drop-off location. They’ll also take back these materials.
Boxes are needed for kitchen items, books, and other household items. Depending on your financial situation and available time, you can purchase packing materials or boxes from a moving business or your mover. This second option is quicker and ensures you have the right supplies to pack your possessions safely. This also means your moving supplies are delivered right to your front door. You could waste a lot of time searching for free boxes when you could buy them at a reasonable cost.
Moving companies and retailers offer custom-made moving kits. The kits from movers include free delivery when you use them to relocate as well. The time you have available to find these boxes and prepare them for the moving day can also affect your flexibility. For more information on how to find free boxes, could you read our guide?
Renting plastic moving bins is the latest packaging solution in the moving industry. The water-resistant and studier options reduce waste since no tape is needed, and you don’t have to dispose of the bins afterward. Your movers will collect them once your move is complete. These boxes are available for weekly rental.
Time or a Deadline Can Be a Factor
It is reasonable to ask if you are moving because of a major life event, such as a new child, a sick family member, or a job change. A professional can pack and unpack your entire home.
This is an additional cost to your budget, but it is often considered for people who feel that the logistics of moving would only be possible with a few extra pairs of hands.
Many moving companies offer competitive quotes for packing and unpacking as part of the transportation package.
Find a moving company with secure storage facilities that can offer a discount if they handle all aspects of the move.
Moving Costs at the End
After all, is said and done, give your movers a tip of 15-20%, depending on how big your move was and if you were satisfied with their crew.
Having cash ready before the movers arrive is best to avoid stress or awkwardness.
You can then decide if you met your expectations and their hard work deserved recognition.
It is not mandatory to tip, but it’s always appreciated. You can read more about this cost here.
To Summarize, Wrap Up the Discussion
As much as you may want to reduce your moving costs, any company offering you a rate significantly lower than its competitors should cause you concern.
As you can see, a moving quote is based on several factors. And as much as we would like to, it’s just not possible.
Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the federal regulatory body that oversees the transportation industry, has also published a guide on detecting fraud. This will help you to protect yourself from unscrupulous operators. Here is a link to that guide.
With our estimates for the number of items you need, the price per hour for professional packers, and the tipping rule of thumb, you can calculate the total cost of your move and ask the right questions when looking for quotes.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have further questions about any of the information in this article. We wish you luck on your move. This guide is designed to help reduce the stress of moving.
Conclusion
Understanding the cost breakdown to estimate moving costs is critical while planning a move. The various influencing factors, such as the distance between locations, the size of your household, the pricing formulae by the moving service, the timing of the move, the complexity of the move, and the cost of packing supplies, are all crucial areas to consider.
Being informed makes it easier to avoid unexpected expenses on moving days. With Local Moving Geeks, you get an experienced team that can navigate through all these factors efficiently, making your transition to a new place smooth and hassle-free. Contact Local Moving Geeks, and let us help you make the right move.
FAQs
How does the distance affect the cost of hiring a moving service?
Depending on the distance, the pricing may change. Greater distances usually result in higher costs. Some companies that specialize in a certain area might be more competitively priced.
Does the volume of items I plan to move influence the cost?
Yes, the volume of items you’re moving plays a significant role in pricing. Some items, like heavy pianos, might cost more due to their size and weight.
How do moving companies typically price a move?
Some businesses base their prices on the amount of furniture that must be transported, while others base their prices on the number of hours the movers and vehicles will be needed.
Can the weather or season influence moving costs?
Yes, the timing of your move can indeed affect its cost. Weather conditions, holidays, or high-demand periods can increase rates by up to 20%.
Are there any other costs involved in moving?
Besides the moving cost, you must consider the cost of boxes, tapes, packing papers, etc. Some companies provide such materials at a flat rate.
