Planning out any long-distance move starts with requesting local moving company quotes.
In receiving these estimates, you can gain perspective on the potential costs of your upcoming journey.
With so many options available, comparing your quotes is deeper than finding the best price.
You have to consider everything from hidden fees to customizable service options.
The more informed your decision, the better prepared you can be.
This is a comprehensive guide to breaking down estimates before taking on a long-distance move.
The Basics of Your Moving Company Quotes
As you begin the search for long distance moving companies near me it is wise to walk into a moving quote request knowing the basics.
Not every quote is going to be created equal.
However, the large majority will consist of the following:
- Transport costs. This deals with the distance and weight of volume of the move.
- Labor. These are the charges for the basic loading and unloading of your household goods.
- Additional or specialty services. This may be packing, additional stop fees, or specialty handling fees.
- Insurance. While all licensed movers will provide basic coverage, some clients choose to purchase additional protection.
Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates
When you first start comparing quotes, you must understand the different kinds of quotes.
There are two estimates you may receive, binding or non-binding.
With a binding estimate, you are guaranteed a fixed price for your moving company quotes.
Any rate per pound or volume is locked in place.
However, the total price can change if you add additional items that did not exist in the initial estimate.
A non-binding estimate does not offer any form of fixed pricing.
What you are quoted will be based on what you are moving, but the final cost could change.
The Details in the Contract
There are a lot of different things that will be written in your estimate for relocation.
Things aren’t always clear, even when moving movers long distance!
Moving companies will often outline all the details of your move in the initial estimate.
These same line items should appear in your contract, and they aren’t documents you will want to scan through.
You will usually see the following:
- Full cost breakdown. All services should be fully itemized and detailed.
- Type of moving estimate. This will state binding or non-binding.
- Delivery information. This should include how the delivery process works, general timelines, etc.
- Insurance coverage. All companies offer release value or full value moving protection.
- Details on additional costs. This will cover any additional fees that may be incurred at the time of pickup or delivery.
- Cancellation & refund policies.
Hidden Fees & Additional Costs Associated with Moving Company Quotes
One of the biggest things to look out for is the possibility of additional costs.
These can add off quickly and have a significant impact on the quote.
This is essential to know before a long-distance move so you can stay on budget.
The most common additional fees are as follows:
- Packing. This is one of the most common additional costs. There are options to have the movers help with all your packing or certain parts of it.
- Storage. Moving cross-country sometimes requires storage in the short term or for longer periods.
- Long-carry fees. Every mover will have a set distance they will carry your goods from the moving truck to the entrance of the home. Anything beyond that, there are additional costs.
- Stairs or elevator fees. If you are moving to an apartment or condo, there may be additional costs for stairs and elevators.
- Shuttle services. When the moving truck cannot safely or legally access your delivery location, it may need to utilize a shuttle service to complete delivery.
Moving Company Reputation & Transparency
Finding a moving company that has established its business in Colorado is critical.
A large part of finding a quote that works for you is working with a company that is transparent with their pricing.
When you have a trustworthy company, then you can feel confident that the long-distance move will go smoothly.
Doing your research is all a part of comparing quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Company Quotes When Moving Long-Distance
Lots of questions may arise as you are going through different moving company quotes.
Below are some of the most common questions about moving estimates.
How many quotes should I request?
Having multiple quotes gives you multiple options.
It is best to request 2 to 3 quotes for comparison.
This gives you a clear perspective on your options!
What is included in a standard relocation estimate?
Standard estimates will account for the distance traveled, but for those moving across the country, there will be bigger charges than someone simply moving from the city to the suburbs.
It will also include basic fuel surcharges, which account for the fuel needed for the move.
Lastly, any additional fees like packing or bulky items will be added to complete the quote.
How can I ensure I am getting an accurate quote?
Receiving an accurate quote is important because it allows you to prepare for the long-distance move and maintain a budget.
To ensure you are receiving as accurate a quote as possible, make sure you have the following:
- Request an in-home or virtual estimate. This is the most sure way to get an accurate quote, as moving reps are on-site to survey everything.
- Request an over-the-phone estimate. Sometimes, in-home estimates aren’t possible, so keep updated inventory for everything over the phone.
- Make changes when needed. If you see something has changed or is incorrect, be sure to update your quote.
- Ensure everything is updated in writing. Any time changes are made, request an updated version of the quote to have ready for moving day.
Can I negotiate with moving companies on my quote?
You can always negotiate with your movers!
There are some things that they may not be capable of doing, but the worst anyone can say is no.
From discounts to additional specialty service options, make negotiations so they are best suited for the comfort of your long-distance move.
Request Affordable Moving Company Quotes in Denver
Now that you have a better understanding of how to properly evaluate and compare a moving company quote, it is time to begin requesting your own!
At Rocky Movers in Denver, our team is dedicated to putting customers first.
Our moving representatives will go above and beyond to provide in-home, virtual, and over-the-phone long-distance moving estimates tailored to your needs.
We work hand-in-hand with all clients to develop an affordable, accurate quote that will make their upcoming move entirely stress-free.
Call on our team to get started on putting your estimate together and get started on your next move today!
