How to get an accurate moving quote when relocating to another state?
Relocating to another state brings forth many challenges. An abundance of obligations, constant pressure from the deadlines, and the inevitable stress all suggest that the assistance from a professional moving company is more than necessary. However, when choosing from moving companies Amesbury MA, how would one know which choice is the right one? Moving quotes can most definitely help with pointing you in the right direction. And in the following few lines, we will show you how to get an accurate moving quote for your relocation.
How to get an accurate moving quote when relocating to another state?
In order for you to get the accurate moving quote when relocating to another state, you must first familiarize yourself with the types of quotes. Only then can you go about pursuing the answer you are looking for.
So, let us learn about the three basic types of moving estimates:
- Binding moving estimate. In this case, the mover guarantees a fixes cost estimate based on the approximate weight of your belongings. If you agree to a binding estimate, you will pay exactly what you were originally quoted. The moving company will not be allowed to rachet up the price whatsoever. However, this also means that you won’t pay any less either.
- Non-binding moving estimate. This type of quote is based on the weight of the customer’s belongings. However, being that it is “non-binding”, the estimate is not set in stone and is likely to change depending on the actual weight of the move.
- Binding-not-to-exceed moving estimate. This type of quote means that even if the weight of your shipment exceeds the original estimate. You won’t be charged anything extra. You will have to pay only the amount you were originally quoted. In addition, if the shipment weighs less than the original estimate, you will have the pay for the cost of shipping the actual weight. People that are having an interstate or long-distance move usually opt for these types of estimates.
What does an accurate moving quote actually mean?
As you can see, moving quotes differ, and learning this may have changed your initial thought on the matter. When looking for an accurate moving quote, you are probably thinking about getting a price that will stay the same. For this reason, we suggest that you avoid altogether working with companies that offer binding moving estimates. Apart from having a tendency of not-so-pleasantly surprising the customers, they are also a great way for fraudulent companies to get their way.
Following this logic, a non-binding moving estimate might not be the best choice for you either. It is no wonder people find the binding-not-to-exceed estimate to be their favorite. At the very least, you get what you bargained for, or less.
What goes into the cost of your move?
In order to understand whether you are getting an accurate moving quote, you need to understand what it is supposed to cover. The cost of your interstate move would include:
- Travel fees. Keep in mind, these can add up quickly when moving to another state. The fees take into account things like fuel costs, as well as labor costs for the time it takes to transport your belongings.
- Size of your move. If you plan on moving a lot of stuff, prepare to pay for it. Not only will a big move take more time to complete, but the weight of your belongings will also be greater.
- Packing services. While it is convenient and even recommendable for an interstate move, packing service does cost money. Count on it being a few hundred dollars or more.
- Additional services. If you plan on having any add-on services, make sure to include the price of them as well. Anything from disassembling and reassembling furniture, to moving specialty items, and moving supplies provided by movers all cost extra.
- Storage facilities. Moving to another state is a complicated relocation. As such, it often comes with the need for renting a storage unit for the time being. Be ready to pay extra for this service if your particular case calls for it.
- Moving date. You may not realize, but when you move is just as important as how you move. That is to say, the specific date of your move can affect the price dramatically. A weekend move or a move during peak season tends to cost much more than a week-day, off-season relocation.
- Liability and valuation coverage. Having that you are using a moving company, you will most likely need to purchase some sort of liability coverage. Most moving companies offer multiple levels of protection. Keep in mind, however, that you can opt for purchasing additional moving insurance from a third-party provider.
Some additional advice
Speaking of the ways to ensure your moving estimate is accurate, we need to address a few more factors. You need to make sure that the movers are very clear about what type of estimate they are sending you. All should be stated in the contract they provide. This estimate should also be attached to the Bill of Lading contract. Your moving contract needs to include all the things you are paying for.
Of course, it goes without saying that over-the-phone estimate is out of the question in your case. The only way to get an accurate moving quote when relocating to another state is by having an in-home estimate. Make sure to show the representative of movers Pelham NH all of the items you plan on relocating. This includes the belongings in your garage, attic, and every else nook and cranny. The more information they gather during their visit is, the more accurate your estimate will be.