Estimating Long Distance Moving Costs
To hire or not to hire? That is the question.
Your face when you deal with top long distance moving companies on TMQ.us
For most people, when it comes to Long Distance Moving quotes, the first thing to consider is whether they will be hiring professionals or doing the work themselves. In order to make the best decision, you have to look at different factors such as how much stuff you have, how far you’re moving, how much you’re willing to spend for the relocation, and how much time you have for preparation. In addition to these, you also have to think about how much effort you want to exert, and how quickly you want to get the job done.
Finally, if you want a fast move with as little hassle for you as possible, the best option is to hire professionals (full-service movers) who will do all of the work for you. Full-service moving companies usually give a complete package from packing to loading (to the truck), transport to unloading, even unpacking. Talk about efficiency right?
How much will long distance moving quote be?
Before anything else, be warned that if a quote is too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t go with moving companies who promise you an estimate that’s too low. Another red flag is when a company demands a big amount of cash deposit. Companies that don’t offer various payment options should also be avoided. Legitimate companies should offer credit card, debit card, or check payments too.
With that said you should note that professional movers don’t charge by the hour. They usually charge depending on the weight and volume of the goods, and the distance that it needs to be transported.
For a quick sample calculation, let us look at the following examples:
- Moving from Washington DC to New York City (apartment with 1 furnished bedroom)
- Distance = 240 miles
- Weight = 3500 lbs
- Estimated Cost = $1,776.00
- Moving from New York City to San Francisco, California (apartment with 1 furnished bedroom)
- Distance 2930 miles
- Weight = 3500 lbs (same as above)
- Estimated Cost = $4,134.00
As you can see from the examples, for the same amount of stuff: the further the distance, the bigger the cost.
Again, the examples above are just a rough estimate to give you an idea of how it will be priced. The estimates will vary depending on the Long Distance Moving company you choose. And speaking of the company you will choose, it’s important to get as many quotes as possible. That way, you can compare and contrast the various services and pricings of different companies. It’s also a good way for you to gauge the average prices in the market today. This will help you to weed out those that offer prices that are either too high or too low.
Additional Long Distance Moving Charges
Like we have mentioned earlier, the initial considerations for the moving cost are the weight, volume and distance. However, there are other additional charges that may be billed to you. These are charges that are created depending on how complicated the relocation is. Here are a few common add-on charges:
- Accessorial charges – Some companies lump all extra charges into this category. The usual aspects of this charge include packing and unpacking, furniture disassembling etc.
- Flight charge – When the movers have to carry your things up or down a flight of stairs
- Long carries – This is charged when the movers have to walk a far distance between your home and their truck.
- Auxiliary charges / Shuttle service – For the extra effort and equipment needed when your house doesn’t have an accessible driveway, or if their big truck is not allowed to enter your neighbourhood. This may require them to use a smaller van which will then travel the distance between your house and their truck.
- Appliance service – This is for transporting large appliances that have to be prepared and disconnected from the original house, then reassembled and connected at the new one.
- Moving large items – If you own items like a grand piano or a hot tub, you will probably get additional charges because they require more effort and time. They could also charge you for disconnection and dismantling, which is also the same as the one in appliance service.
- Moving fragile items – If you want to move fragile, high value items like artwork, sculptures or antiques, you need to have special care given to them. Ask your mover if they offer this service, or better yet, find a company that specializes in moving fragile items of great value.
- Expedited service – This is a higher premium if you want a guaranteed date of delivery.
- Storage-in-Transit (SIT) – This is an additional fee that movers may charge you if your goods need to stored first before being moved into your new address. This type of need arises in cases when your new house isn’t quite ready yet for occupancy or if you suddenly realize that you don’t have enough space. Take note however that some companies offer this as a free service but only for a specific number of days (1-3 weeks). Make sure to ask them about it though because moving companies don’t always tell their clients about it.
- Other storage fees – When your items are kept in a storage facility, you can also get charged for warehouse handling fees and final delivery charges. Additional charges may also appear if you exceed the agreed upon timeframe.
- Peak Season rates – Summer is the peak season for Long Distance Moving, in which, prices tend to be higher. So if you’re planning to move within the months of June and September, expect rates to be at their highest. If you want to save up on costs, consider rescheduling during autumn or winter. Technically, this isn’t an additional charge, but we just thought that it’s an important thing to consider in terms of pricing.
Again, to be sure that you’re getting the best deal, make sure to get a price quote from several companies so that you can compare them with one another. Choose a Long Distance Moving company that will give you a fair price and decent service. One with years of experience from the industry and good feedback from their previous clients.
How to Get a Long Distance Moving Quote from a Reputable Company
The process is quite simple and easy to follow.
Step 1. Request your free instant quote or rate from the long distance moving companies in our database (where we manually verify that you can really trust each of them).
Step 2. Request an onsite (at home) estimate from the company you liked the most. Don’t be satisfied with that instant bid from step 1.
Step 3. Choose the services that you might need with your move, including packing, shipping, special items and among all that the full service implies.
Step 4. Schedule your move with the chosen company and make sure everything’s arranged with them.
Step 5. Happy moving day! If you followed each of the above steps there would be no hidden costs, or other surprises you didn’t order.
To help you get started on your move, fill out one of our forms today.
No Comments
Share
