| 1. Actual weight of the shipment or labor time- | | | | No packing- You are expected to pack everything |
| The final charges on interstate relocation will | | | | yourself and the mover will usually only provide |
| normally be based on the actual weight of the | | | | moving pads/blankets to protect your furniture. |
| shipment, whether it is more or less than the | | | | Some companies will require specific packing for |
| estimated weight. The quote that you receive | | | | certain items, such as shrink wrap for fabric, |
| should be based on an onsite estimate (unless | | | | bubble 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 list | | | | bags, totes, suitcases or plastic bins). Always be |
| will affect the price. The final charges will be based | | | | sure 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 any | | | | extra by the movers for re-packing those items |
| additional pound is, as it may be different than the | | | | and 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 usually | | | | storage, extra labor, taxes, fuel surcharges and |
| based on the actual time of the move with a | | | | processing fees. Additional services such as |
| specified minimum of hours and a travel time or | | | | additional insurance coverage and storage will be |
| truck fee that covers the driving time from the | | | | added to your total cost and are probably very |
| moving company's facility to your origin address | | | | clear and acceptable by you. However, movers |
| and back. Check what the minimum charge is for | | | | may 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 the | | | | disassembly and reassembly of furniture etc. |
| estimated time and what increments of time you | | | | Always be sure to check if your quote includes |
| are charged by. You may be offered a flat fee | | | | any 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 the | | | | part of your quote. In addition, other taxes and |
| charge is a flat fee and find out what the charge | | | | charges 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 two | | | | fuel 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) packs | | | | always appear in your quote but should be |
| everything for you and is responsible to provide all | | | | mentioned under the terms and conditions or |
| the necessary packing materials. All the packing | | | | explanation of your quote/services. Again, be sure |
| materials and packing labor should be included in | | | | to check if these are added to your price. |
| the price. Make sure that the charge is not | | | | In summery, movers may pretty much charge |
| calculated separately for the packing charges | | | | you for anything. Take the time to read and |
| rather than a price per pound (interstate) or price | | | | understand your quote, from start to finish, |
| per hour (intrastate), as that means that your | | | | including all the small fine print. If anything is |
| cost will depend on the actual use of packing | | | | unclear or not specified, be sure to check with |
| materials. | | | | your mover. |