Why is getting an accurate moving estimate so important?

There are so many new things you will learn about when moving to a new home or office! Considering how complicated most moves are, this is to be expected. Things like the distinctions between local and long-distance moves, the assortment of specialty services, as well as the details of moving contracts are undoubtedly on that list. But there’s one thing people don’t talk about enough. And that’s the importance of getting an accurate moving estimate when hiring movers. As soon as you find out that you’re moving, you should put this on your to-do list. Regrettably, too many people don’t recognize just how important accurate moving estimates are or why. This is why we at Preferred Movers NH decided to clarify things. Read on to discover everything you need to know about moving estimates.

The importance of getting an accurate moving estimate

Moving your home or business is a complicated process. Like any project, it involves careful planning, budgeting, and time management. One of the first steps is contacting Saco Maine movers for a moving quote. This is the foundation of your move. Accurately predicting moving costs protects you from financial troubles, wasting money, delays, and more. Surprise costs and unexpected issues are something nobody wants to deal with in the midst of moving. Relocations are expensive and stressful enough on their own. This is where the importance of accurate moving estimates lies. It protects your wallet from additional costs and you from unnecessary stress. Below, we outlined the most important reasons why you should prioritize getting an accurate quote.

Getting an exact estimate will give you an accurate idea of your moving costs

When it comes to hiring the best and most affordable movers Kittery ME has to offer, budget planning is essential. After all, you want to save as much as possible on moving so you can live comfortably in your new home. More money in your pockets means more freedom while you settle in. If you want to plan your budget correctly, an accurate estimate of your costs is paramount. There are different types of estimates you can get. In home estimates are usually the most accurate. We’ll talk more about that later. For now, keep in mind that the more accurate your moving quote, the fewer unforeseen costs in the future. 

It is often the case that the final price differs a lot from the initial estimate movers gave you. This can happen for multiple reasons. Sometimes the issue lies in the moving company. It is common for less experienced movers to wrongly calculate costs. This lack of knowledge and expertise can be avoided by working with long distance movers New Hampshire residents trust. In rare cases, the client is at fault too. Make sure you and your movers are on the same page. Small details, inaccurate inventories, and changing the moving date, can all affect the final price of the move. By being open and clear you can avoid unpleasant financial surprises.

Moving quotes can help you decide which moving company to hire

When looking for the right long distance movers in Maine, you should check their license and insurance, reviews, services, and prices. Thoroughly researching different moving companies should be your priority. That way, you are less likely to get scammed.  Moreover, you should not overlook your instincts and comfort around the company. The process of getting a moving estimate, especially an in-home one, is very helpful in that sense. Namely, it will be an opportunity to feel out the movers, their customer care, their attitude, and maybe even their level of expertise. The more realistic their estimate is, the more reliable they probably are. Anything that seems like a red flag to you should not be disregarded.

It’s an opportunity to discuss the relocation with your movers

Planning a relocation is no joke. Especially when you don’t have a lot of experience with moving. It’s only reasonable that you need all the expert help that you can get. And asking for an estimate is a good time to get it. It is an opportunity to discuss your move in more detail. You can explain your worries and needs to your moving team. Any mover worth their salt will listen to your concerns.

Moreover, the moving company will have an authentic picture of your house and itinerary. They will get a clear idea of what they need to do, what tools to bring, etc. Therefore, they will be able to consult you on the specifics of your relocation. Use this time to get the answers to all the questions you may have! When your moving team knows what to expect on moving day, everything will go smoother. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for any lowball estimates and avoid them as best you can.

You might be able to get a better deal

Moving is an expensive ordeal. We all want to save as much money as possible. Without getting an accurate estimate, you will not know the details of your move. How many items need to be packed, how many workers are needed, the cost of materials, and so on. This puts you in a terrible position for negotiation. To be able to negotiate with your movers, some research is needed:

• Calculate a rough estimate using online calculators
• Find the average cost for a move of your size and distance
• Visit websites of local companies and explore what they offer
• Read online reviews

Knowing what is on offer, and what is possible will allow you to negotiate a much better deal. Knowledge is power! The next step is to contact several reputable moving companies. Only consider companies with positive reviews, useful websites, and reasonable rates. Then compare their offerings and estimates to your research. Consider the final price along with the cost of extras. Additional moving services NH area has can bump the price up. However, you can also use them as a bargaining chip. If you get a few extra services, you might be able to get a discount.

You can be more confident you made the right decision

Doing research, searching for reputable moving companies, and calling them for estimates takes time. It could take you anywhere from a few days to several months. But it is well worth it. In fact, take as much time as you need. Why you might ask? Because it allows you to make a well-thought-out decision. As you surely know moving your home is a complicated process. Rushing things will not do you any good. Mull it over, write it out, and make a list of pros and cons. All of the above will allow you to be more confident in your decision. Getting an estimate is not a fast process, but that actually works in your favor. Take all the time you need to compare your options.

How to get an accurate moving quote

There are three types of moving estimates: online, over the phone, and on-site estimates. The first two can give you an approximate idea of your moving costs but can rarely be as accurate as an on-site one. Only by looking at your home and the belongings you want to relocate can the movers determine:

• the time it will take to move your possessions, as well as how many movers will be needed, in the event of a local move
• the weight of your shipment and the required additional services in the event of a long-distance move

It is essential that a moving company representative sees first-hand how many and what type of items you have for moving. They can also spot any obstacles in your home that might raise the estimate. Only then will they be able to create a realistic estimate and inform you of the actual cost of your relocation. Of course, you can give them most of this information yourself. But it will take some time to take pictures to send them. It is also hard to remember everything that may be of importance. And even then, there’s a chance you might skip an important piece of information that could lead to an inaccurate moving estimate. For example, using storage units North Hampton NH can significantly raise the price of your move, and you won’t know you need them until movers survey your home.

Provide the movers with complete and clear information

As we mentioned, movers have to have all the right information in order to give you an exact moving estimate, and you need to do your part in this.

• Show the moving company representatives everything you plan to move to your new home or office. Do not forget that if anything is left out of the estimate, the final cost will be higher than predicted.
• Create an inventory of the items you intend to move before the estimators come to your home. That way you can ask for a copy of the inventory from each company and compare it to your own. This will help you make sure nothing is missed and everything is correct.
• Notify the estimator of any particularly large or heavy items, such as pool tables, hot tubs, etc. Also, inform them of extremely delicate items like grandfather clocks, electronics, artwork, etc. Tell them if you have a piano for moving as piano moves in NH usually require specific equipment. They should know about the very valuable items you want to relocate as well, antiques, family heirlooms, collectibles, etc. Discuss your options with the movers – specialized services, appropriate packing supplies, and so on.

Given that getting an accurate estimate is incredibly important, it’s in your best interest to do your part and provide the necessary information.

Ensure you are working with reputable movers

To get the most accurate moving quote, you need to do a background check. Any company you consider hiring for your relocation should be licensed, and professional. You can do this by verifying company information. The first step is to go through their licensing and insurance info. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the government agency responsible for the regulation of commercial motor vehicles. It is especially important to check this information for state to state movers. You want your belongings to arrive safely at their destination and FMCSA works to improve road safety involving large trucks. Contact FMCSA and check if they received complaints about specific companies.

Furthermore, trusted movers will have BBB accreditation and reliable references. The more professional connections you can find the better. Reviews are also important, however, they are not as reliable. If you can find positive reviews from multiple sources that is usually a good sign. If you can only find glowing reviews on the company’s website thread carefully. Moreover, look for word-of-mouth referrals and testimonials. Ask your friends and family about their recommendations. Firsthand experiences are the most valuable resource you can get.

Getting an accurate moving estimate is the first step to a successful move

As you can now see, getting an accurate moving estimate is crucial for your relocation. Knowing how much you can expect to pay will make your life a lot easier. An accurate cost estimate will allow you to accurately budget for your move. You will know exactly how much you can spend on additional services, insurance, and other random expenses. Additionally, it will give you a better view of your move as a whole. It can lead to hiring better movers and saving money. While getting an accurate quote takes time and effort, the end result is more than worth it. Settling into your new home will be a lot more pleasant without unexpected costs looming over your head.