Are you confused about how moving companies charge for their services? Luckily, you don’t have to guess. In this blog post, we will explain how moving companies like Safebound Moving and Storage calculate the cost of your move. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about the best moving company for your budget.
What Factors into a Mover’s Rates and Estimates?
Most local moving companies charge by the hour and provide an estimate depending on the number of workers and moving vehicles required and the length of time the relocation will take. The hourly pricing of a moving company will vary depending on the number of workers needed (2 movers, three movers, four movers, etc.)
If more moving vehicles are required, the hourly charge will increase as well. In addition, some local movers may provide flat rates. The cost of a long-distance relocation depends on the volume of items being moved, the total distance they must travel, and any other incidental expenses that may arise along the way. The moving company’s rates will vary depending on whether you’re moving locally or long distance.
Possible Local Moving Charges
The prices charged by local moving companies can vary. Some services may include all of these fees in their hourly charge while others won’t. When interviewing movers, be sure to inquire about what services are included in the hourly pricing.
Packing Supplies Costs
Cost of Extra Boxes, Tape, and Paper Packing supplies, such as boxes, tape, and paper, are not included in the base moving cost and must be purchased separately from the moving company.
Packing Costs
Most local moving firms will also offer packing services, which include the use of cardboard boxes. Some movers charge a flat amount in addition to their regular hourly rate, and others don’t.
In most cases, there aren’t many hidden fees associated with a local move. Since movers charge by the hour, the final price will be the same whether or not your move involves stairs, lengthy carries, elevators, etc.
Possible Long Distance Moving Charges
Long-distance moves (those more than 100 miles away or across states) are priced according to the weight of your belongings, the distance traveled, and any other incidental costs that may arise. Note that some cross-country movers’ charges will be based entirely on the above-mentioned factors, while others will offer a flat rate that is nonetheless influenced by these considerations.
The mover will give you a Bill of Lading that shows everything you are being charged for. Long-distance relocation expenses are largely determined by two variables: weight and distance. Since the customer is not billed on an hourly basis, the movers must find other ways to make money by charging for services that take more time than usual.
Here are a few additional charges that you might face during a long-distance move:
Ahead Payments
These are ancillary services that a moving company will arrange for and pay for in advance, only to bill the customer for the costs incurred after the move is finished. If the mover needs to hire a rigging business to help with the heavy lifting, for instance, the cost of such service will be covered by the mover and passed on to the consumer.
Providing Packing Services
It is normal practice to have the moving company box your fragile belongings for you while making a long-distance move. Since the things are being shipped across a long distance, it is in the best interest of the customer to have a professional packing service do the job.
Packing Supplies
The cost of moving boxes, tape, and packing paper will be passed on to the consumer by the moving company.
Heavy Weight Carry
This is for when the moving truck can’t park right next to the entrance because of a long hallway.
Stairwell Charges
Stair charges are likely to be applied due to the additional labor involved in transporting items up and down flights of steps.
Conclusion
In most relocations, the moving company will try to estimate how much time and labor will be required to complete the job. As a result of this evaluation, a price is decided upon to provide an estimate to the client. Consumers usually choose to compare prices for relocation services over the phone.
Unfortunately, the scope of a move cannot be fully estimated over the phone. In most cases, on-site price estimates are more reliable. Any moving business that charges for an in-person estimate should be avoided.
