What to Look for in Moving Quotes?

1. Actual weight of the shipment or labor time-No packing- You are expected to pack everything
The final charges on interstate relocation willyourself and the mover will usually only provide
normally be based on the actual weight of themoving pads/blankets to protect your furniture.
shipment, whether it is more or less than theSome companies will require specific packing for
estimated weight. The quote that you receivecertain items, such as shrink wrap for fabric,
should be based on an onsite estimate (unlessbubble for glass etc. some movers will not accept
waived) or a list of items that you wish to move.any container packing other than boxes (such as
Anything that will be added or taken off the listbags, totes, suitcases or plastic bins). Always be
will affect the price. The final charges will be basedsure to read through your quotes and see if any
on the actual weight of the items to be shipped.requirements are specified as you will be charged
Be sure to check what the charge per anyextra by the movers for re-packing those items
additional pound is, as it may be different than theand for the packing materials they will provide.
basic charge the quote is calculated by.3. Extra services- Such as additional insurance,
On intrastate relocations the charge is usuallystorage, extra labor, taxes, fuel surcharges and
based on the actual time of the move with aprocessing fees. Additional services such as
specified minimum of hours and a travel time oradditional insurance coverage and storage will be
truck fee that covers the driving time from theadded to your total cost and are probably very
moving company's facility to your origin addressclear and acceptable by you. However, movers
and back. Check what the minimum charge is formay charge you extra for stairs, elevators, bulky
the hours, if the travel time is fixed or actual,items, additional stops, hoisting of furniture,
what would be the charge per hour over thedisassembly and reassembly of furniture etc.
estimated time and what increments of time youAlways be sure to check if your quote includes
are charged by. You may be offered a flat feeany mentioning of these charges and if not be
for the move, usually based on an inventory list.sure to get that in writing from your mover as
Make sure the quote specifically indicates that thepart of your quote. In addition, other taxes and
charge is a flat fee and find out what the chargecharges may apply and will normally be calculated
per any additional item would be.as percentage of your total cost, such as taxes,
2. Packing materials- You will usually have twofuel surcharges or processing fees for the use of
options for packing:credit cards to pay for your move. These will not
Full packing- The carrier (moving company) packsalways appear in your quote but should be
everything for you and is responsible to provide allmentioned under the terms and conditions or
the necessary packing materials. All the packingexplanation of your quote/services. Again, be sure
materials and packing labor should be included into check if these are added to your price.
the price. Make sure that the charge is notIn summery, movers may pretty much charge
calculated separately for the packing chargesyou for anything. Take the time to read and
rather than a price per pound (interstate) or priceunderstand your quote, from start to finish,
per hour (intrastate), as that means that yourincluding all the small fine print. If anything is
cost will depend on the actual use of packingunclear or not specified, be sure to check with
materials.your mover.