Moving involves getting multiple quotes – this is what moving should start with and what every moving expert will advise you. In this way you can compare prices for moving and decide which one responds to your needs. When you get a moving quote another benefit is that you get in touch with moving companies and you can get direct impressions of their work and thus get an idea of how professional they are with their work. You can request one online. The benefits of getting an estimate are numerous. This is why you should be aware of the different types of moving estimates.
Types of Moving Estimates
The price for your moving is usually based on the weight of your inventory and the distance on which they are going to be moved, with any other costs like packing and packing supplies – if you have requested them. In addition to that, movers have the right to charge you for extra work they have to do in relation to delivery even if it is not included in the estimate. You will pay extra if the road to your new home is narrow and the movers have to send a smaller vehicle to get your things to your home. You will also be charged extra if for example you are not ready to take your things in your new home and they have to go to storage.
There are three types of moving estimates - binding, non binding and binding -not-to-exceed. See what the differences are and request the one that matches your needs.
In order to get a quote when the moving experts come to your home show them everything you have for moving and all eventual difficulties of moving your things out. If you miss to show them everything it will add up to the moving cost later. Based on this information you will get one of three moving quotes types – binding, non-binding and not-to-exceed.
Binding Estimate
Binding estimates give you a price based on the inventory list. After you send movers a detailed list of items to be moved or a visual survey is performed, you will receive price offers. Do not be mislead by the notion’binding’, binding estimates are not bids nor contracts, hence there is no price guarantee. The binding estimate is binding in regard to the items and services listed on the estimate. Your final bill might significantly increase in case ‘post contract services’ are employed – storage, long carry, hoisting etc.
Non-binding Estimate
The non-binding estimate . The difference though is that this estimate is the only one that is not binding for the mover. This means that you can be charged extra so you should be careful and if you can – avoid this type of estimate.
Your movers give you a cost for moving your inventory but it is not final. On moving day your belongings are weighted and if they weight more than stated in the quote – you pay less and vice versa – if they weight more, you are charged higher. The mover can ask you to pay extra no more than 10% from the estimate. But this is not all. If you get a non-binding estimate and if you have more things to ship than stated in it the price can go a lot up so one useful tip here is that may be this is not the best type of quote you can receive.
Get a moving quote for a smooth and safe move.
This means that you will pay up to 110% from the value stated in your estimate plus the extra services you have requested.
Binding Not-to-exceed Estimate
This type of all moving estimates is the most flexible one. It gives a limit to the price you are going to be obliged to pay and thus you are guaranteed movers can’t charge you more. But if your belongings weight less you pay less. This is perhaps the best type of estimate you can get because it is completely oriented towards the needs of the customers.
Moving Estimates and Quotes
Moving Company Estimates – irrelevant of their type – should all contain one and the same information and that is:
- A list with your belongings to be moved with their weight and the mileage, volume depending on the way that the specific mover charges.
- Packing and packing supplies for them – if you have requested.
- Extra charges like staircases, narrow streets, crates and moving vehicles.
- Insurance.
- Costs for storage, including the time, weight and volume of your belongings – if you have requested for it.
- Terms of payment.
After you ask for a quote make sure you get a copy of it, read it carefully and keep it until the moving is over. When choosing a mover compare the offers you get but don’t let the price be your only criteria – a company must be licensed and trustworthy. The best option would be if you can get a recommendation for a mover from someone close to you, read plenty of reviews or a find a reputable source like the Best Business Bureau and the American Moving and Storage Association.
