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Moving estimates determine what you’ll pay. How estimates are calculated and what type of estimate you receive significantly affects your final cost and protection against price increases. Understanding estimate types helps consumers avoid surprises and choose appropriate protection.

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Types of Estimates

Guaranteed price that cannot increase unless you add services or items.How it works:
  • Mover assesses belongings
  • Provides written estimate
  • You pay that amount at delivery
  • Price cannot increase even if shipment weighs more
Protection: Maximum protection against price increases.Risk: If estimate is low, mover absorbs the loss (so they tend to estimate higher).
Guaranteed maximum price, but you may pay less if shipment weighs less.How it works:
  • Mover provides estimate
  • You pay actual weight/charges OR estimate, whichever is lower
  • Never pay more than estimate
Protection: Best protection. You benefit if estimate was high.Availability: Not all movers offer this option.
Approximate cost based on estimated weight and services. Actual cost determined after weighing shipment.How it works:
  • Mover estimates weight and provides approximate cost
  • Truck weighed before and after loading
  • You pay based on actual weight
Protection: Limited. Final cost can exceed estimate.Important: At delivery, you can only be required to pay 110% of estimate. Remaining balance due within 30 days.
Non-binding estimates can increase significantly on moving day. If a mover provides a non-binding estimate that seems too low, the final cost may be much higher. Request binding estimates when possible.

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Estimate Methods

Estimator physically visits your home to assess belongings.Process:
  • Walk through every room
  • Note all items being moved
  • Assess special items (piano, artwork)
  • Evaluate access challenges (stairs, narrow doorways)
  • Discuss services needed
Pros:
  • Most accurate
  • Estimator sees exactly what’s being moved
  • Can identify potential problems
  • Builds relationship
Cons:
  • Requires scheduling
  • Takes 30 to 60 minutes
  • May be high-pressure sales situation
Best for: Large moves, valuable items, complex situations.
Video walkthrough using smartphone or computer.Process:
  • Schedule video call
  • Walk through home showing belongings
  • Estimator asks questions
  • Estimate provided based on video
Pros:
  • Convenient
  • No stranger in your home
  • Quick to schedule
  • Can review recording if questions arise
Cons:
  • May miss items not shown
  • Hard to assess weight/size accurately
  • Technical issues possible
Best for: Medium-sized moves, tech-comfortable customers.
Estimate based on customer-provided information.Process:
  • You describe belongings
  • Provide room count, large items, boxes
  • Mover calculates estimate
Pros:
  • Quick and easy
  • Can compare multiple movers quickly
Cons:
  • Least accurate
  • You may forget items
  • Easier to lowball to win business
  • More likely to increase on moving day
Best for: Initial comparison shopping only. Get in-home or virtual survey before booking.

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What Affects Estimates

Primary cost driver for long-distance moves.Average weights:
  • Studio apartment: 1,500 to 2,500 lbs
  • 1 bedroom: 2,500 to 3,500 lbs
  • 2 bedroom: 5,000 to 6,000 lbs
  • 3 bedroom: 7,000 to 10,000 lbs
  • 4+ bedroom: 10,000 to 15,000+ lbs
Books, equipment, and dense items weigh more than they appear.
Direct factor in long-distance pricing.Cost per mile decreases as distance increases (fixed costs spread over more miles). But total cost still increases with distance.
Each added service increases cost:
  • Full packing: Adds 25-40% to base cost
  • Partial packing: Per room or per item
  • Unpacking: Similar to packing costs
  • Crating: Special items individually priced
  • Appliance service: $100 to $300 per appliance
Difficulty at origin or destination adds cost:
  • Stairs: $50 to $100 per flight
  • Long carry: 75+ feet from truck to door
  • Elevator: Sometimes charged if slow or small
  • Narrow doorways: May require disassembly
  • No parking: May need shuttle truck
Items requiring extra handling:
  • Piano: $200 to $1,000+
  • Pool table: $300 to $600+
  • Safe: $200 to $500+
  • Hot tub: $300 to $1,000+
  • Exercise equipment: $50 to $200+
  • Artwork/antiques: Custom pricing
When you move affects price:
  • Peak season (summer): 20-30% higher
  • End of month: More expensive
  • Weekends: May cost more
  • Holidays: Limited availability, higher cost
Moving mid-month, mid-week, in off-season saves money.

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Getting Multiple Estimates

Get at least 3 estimates from different companies.Why multiple estimates:
  • Price varies significantly between companies
  • Compare services and professionalism
  • Identify outliers (too high or suspiciously low)
  • Learn about the process
Ensure each estimate covers same services:
  • Same origin and destination
  • Same items being moved
  • Same services (packing, unpacking)
  • Same valuation coverage
  • Same delivery window
Apples-to-apples comparison prevents surprises.
Review estimates carefully:
  • Services included: What’s covered
  • Services excluded: What costs extra
  • Estimate type: Binding vs non-binding
  • Valuation: Coverage included
  • Payment terms: Deposit, balance due
  • Cancellation policy: Fees, deadlines
  • Delivery window: When to expect items
During estimate process:
  • Is this binding or non-binding?
  • What’s included in this price?
  • What additional charges might apply?
  • What’s your claim rate?
  • Who will actually perform the move?
  • Can I get references?
The lowest estimate isn’t always the best value. Extremely low estimates often increase on moving day. Look for reasonable pricing from reputable companies with good reviews.

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Red Flags in Estimates

If one estimate is 30-50% below others, be cautious.Possible explanations:
  • Lowball estimate that will increase
  • Missing services or fees
  • Inexperienced or unqualified company
  • Potential scam
Ask why their price is so different.
Reputable movers require minimal or no deposit for local moves. Long-distance deposits vary but shouldn’t exceed 20-30%.Red flag: Large upfront payment demanded, especially cash only.
For significant moves, refusing to assess belongings suggests:
  • Estimate is a guess
  • Price will increase later
  • Company may not be professional
All estimates should be in writing with:
  • Company name and contact
  • USDOT number (interstate)
  • Itemized services and costs
  • Estimate type (binding/non-binding)
  • Signature
Verbal estimates have no protection.
Legitimate companies allow time to decide.High-pressure tactics suggest:
  • Fear of comparison shopping
  • Hidden costs
  • Questionable practices

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Inventory Lists

Detailed list of all items being moved. Forms basis for estimate and serves as record of shipment contents.Interstate movers must provide inventory at pickup.
Before estimates, create inventory:
  • Walk through each room
  • List major items
  • Note boxes (actual or estimated)
  • Flag special items
  • Include garage, basement, attic
  • Note items not being moved
Detailed inventory leads to accurate estimates.
At pickup, mover creates official inventory noting:
  • Item number
  • Description
  • Condition at pickup (existing damage)
Review carefully:
  • Verify all items listed
  • Check condition notes accuracy
  • Note disagreements before signing
  • Keep your copy
Inventory is key document for claims.

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Written Estimate Checklist

Company information:
  • Company legal name
  • USDOT number (interstate)
  • MC number (interstate)
  • Physical address
  • Phone number
  • Email
Move details:
  • Origin address
  • Destination address
  • Move date(s)
  • Delivery window
Pricing:
  • Estimate type (binding/non-binding)
  • Base transportation charges
  • Packing charges (if applicable)
  • Special item charges
  • Access charges (stairs, etc.)
  • Valuation coverage and cost
  • Total estimate
Terms:
  • Payment methods accepted
  • Deposit required
  • Balance due timing
  • Cancellation policy
  • Claim procedures

Next: The Moving Process

Timeline, packing, loading, and delivery

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