When you are getting ready to move, one of the most important things to do is get an estimate from a reputable moving company. This will give you an idea of how much your move is going to cost. However, it can be tricky to understand all of the information in a moving company estimate. In this blog post, we will break down each part of the estimate and explain what it means for your move.
About Your Moving Estimate
Moving quotes give you a breakdown of the estimated cost for your move. The estimate will include the cost of labor, packing materials, and transportation. It is important to understand each part of the quote so that you can make an informed decision about your move.
Labor Costs
The first section of the moving quote usually includes the cost of labor. This is the fee that the moving company charges for the workers who will be doing the packing and loading. The cost of labor can vary depending on the size of your move, so it is important to ask how much it will cost before you book your move.
Packing Materials
The next section of the estimate includes the cost of packing materials. This covers the cost of boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap. If you are doing your own packing, you can save money by buying these materials yourself. However, if you want the movers to do the packing for you, the cost of packing materials will be included in your estimate.
Transportation Costs
The last section of the moving quote includes transportation costs. This is the fee that the moving company charges for delivering your belongings to your new home. The cost of transportation can vary depending on the distance of your move and the type of transportation that is used.
Number of Movers Needed
The number of movers that are included in your estimate will also affect the cost. If you need more than one mover, the cost will be higher. However, if you only need one mover, the cost will be lower. However, this is only a general guideline. The cost of labor can vary depending on the size and complexity of your move.
Types Of Moving Company Quotes
When you are getting ready to move, you will likely receive quotes from several different moving companies. There are two types of quotes: binding and non-binding.
Binding Quote
A binding quote is a legal contract between the customer and the moving company. This means that the customer agrees to pay the quoted price, no matter what happens during the move. If the customer decides to cancel the move, they will still be responsible for paying the full price of the quote.
Non-binding Quote
A non-binding quote is not a legal contract and does not obligate either party to anything. This means that the customer can change their mind or negotiate a better price at any time. If the customer decides to cancel the move, they will not have to pay anything.
‘Binding not to exceed’ Quote
Some moving companies will offer a binding quote that is not to exceed a certain amount. This means that the customer agrees to pay no more than the quoted price, even if the move ends up costing more. If the cost of the move exceeds the limit set in the contract, the customer will only have to pay up to that amount. It’s important to note that this type of quote is not a legal contract and the customer is not protected if the moving company decides to increase the price.
Terms To Look Out For in Your Moving Quote
When you are reading your moving quote, there are a few terms that you should be aware of.
Origin
The origin is the location where your belongings will be picked up. This could be your old home or office, depending on the type of move you are making.
Destination
The destination is the location where your belongings will be delivered. This could be your new home or office, depending on the type of move you are making.
Packing
The packing section of the estimate includes the cost of hiring a professional mover to do the packing for you, as well as the cost of buying your own packing materials.
Loading
The loading section of the estimate includes the cost of having a professional mover load your belongings into the moving truck.
Transportation
The transportation section of the estimate includes the cost of hiring a professional mover to transport your belongings to your new home. This could include driving a truck, flying a plane, or taking a boat.
PBO
PBO stands for “packed by owner”. This means that the customer is doing their own packing.
Standard coverage
Standard coverage is the most basic type of insurance offered by moving companies. It covers your belongings from the time they are picked up until they are delivered to your new home.
FAQs about Moving Quotes
Here are some frequently asked questions about moving company quotes.
How does a moving quote work?
A moving quote is a breakdown of the estimated cost of your move. It includes the price of hiring a professional mover, as well as the cost of buying packing materials and insurance.
How to get the best moving quote?
To get the best moving quote, you should compare quotes from several different moving companies. Make sure to ask about all of the costs involved in your move, including packing, loading, and transportation.
How accurate are moving quotes?
Moving quotes are usually very accurate, but they can vary depending on the type of move you are making. It’s important to note that the final cost of your move may be higher or lower than the estimate, depending on the actual weight of your belongings and the distance they have to travel.
Wrapping it up
As you can see, there are a lot of factors that go into calculating the cost of a moving company estimate. By understanding these factors, you can better compare quotes and make an informed decision about which company is right for you.