How Much do Long-Distance Movers Cost?
Moving is a stressful and difficult task to take upon yourself. Luckily, you can always consider hiring a professional long-distance moving company to help you move. Additionally, hiring services from a moving company means that you will have to pay for them. However, do you know how much do long-distance movers cost? What are the costs they incorporate in your final bill? Today, we will try to answer all of those questions. In addition, we will help you understand some of the basic concepts of moving expenses you have to take into account. Being financially ready for the relocation process ensures a positive moving experience. On the other hand, saving up as much as you can when moving will always be a good thing.
What should you include when trying to figure out how much do long-distance movers cost?
Moving expenses will always vary. They are changeable factors that are directly impacted by the services and choices you make when hiring a moving company. In addition, we will also help you understand the fundamentals of every moving budget – moving estimates. You have to understand that each moving company will have slight variants when calculating your moving price. Therefore, one will never be able to pinpoint the exact amount one company might charge for moving.
However, we feel like you should understand the basic expenses you can expect when hiring a professional moving company and their services. That way, you can always be ready for those expenses. More importantly, you should be able to construct a long-distance moving budget properly.
The importance of having a moving budget
Your moving budget is the best way to tell how the moving process will go. It should contain all the basic and additional expenses you will have during this period. On top of that, we advise you to add a couple of dollars atop of the price you calculated, to cover up any unexpecting issues. In case no issues arise, you will have extra money for when you arrive in your new home. Your moving budget should tell you what you are spending the money on and how much you are spending. After constructing it, you can review it and see if you can save money somewhere.
The moving services you opt for will add extra fees
The long-distance movers cost will vary depending on the services you choose. Apart from the original, basic costs of the move, each service you choose will add more expenses. Therefore, consult with your moving company and choose the services you find necessary for this process. If your moving budget is bigger than usual, you can either opt for additional services or put that money aside. This all depends on the type of items you are moving, as well as their complexity. Some services that will cost you extra are:
- Storage solutions
- Packing services
- Providing adequate moving materials
- Moving complex or specialty items
Long-distance movers cost basis – Moving estimates
The basis of every moving budget, short or long distance, will be the moving estimate the moving company provides. Finding the best moving rates, or estimates will determine how much you spend when moving. The moving companies you contact will provide you with a moving estimate determining how much the relocation is going to cost.
Now, there are three basic moving estimates a moving company will provide to you. Below, we will discuss each one so you can understand them better.
Non-binding moving estimate
In this type of estimate, the moving company will determine the price of the move based on the weight of your items. However, the “non-binding” part of the estimate means that the moving company can change the pricing. In case the weight of your items is higher than originally estimated, the moving company will increase the moving price. This is not a preferable estimate you want to go for, because many fraudulent and scamming companies will try to extort money from you. In addition, even if it is not a fraudulent company, this type of estimate almost always means you will have to pay additional money for the services.
Binding moving estimate
Now, this type of estimate is different than the one above. In this type of estimate, the moving company will provide you with a fixed price you have to pay based on the weight of your items. However, this means that the user of the moving services will not pay lower than the original amount. So, if you, for example, decide to not carry some items with you, the price will not lower. However, if you decide to sneakily increase the weight of your items, the company has the full right to calculate the additional weight into the cost. This type of estimate is perfect for recognizing a real professional moving company, yet it is not the most perfect solution.
Binding not-to-exceed moving estimate
This is one of the most popular types of moving estimates. Especially for those who are moving cross-country or long-distance. Basically, this type of estimate means that the person opting for moving services will not pay additional money if the item’s weight exceeds the original one. On the other hand, if you decide to move fewer items than originally estimated, your moving price will lower for that amount. In short term, your moving price will never rise, it can only be lesser than the original price.
Always compare moving companies to lower your long-distance movers cost
Finally, we have to talk about the choice of the moving company. Never go for the first moving company you contact. Regardless of how good the first offer might be, make sure you contact a couple of moving companies aside from that one.
After you did that, write down their estimates and compare moving companies. It is only after you finish that, that you will be able to fully grasp the expenses of each moving company. Do the math and opt for the one that you find the most attractive price-wise.