What Affects The Estimate A Moving Company Gives You?
If you are planning on moving, one of the first things you should do, before hiring a moving company, is get estimates from a few different moving companies. This way, you can compare the estimates and what each moving company has to offer before picking one to hire. Throughout this process, it is helpful to understand what affects moving estimates and how much your movers will quote you. Here are some key factors.
Amount of Stuff
The more items you have, the more your movers will charge. As movers assess how much you have to move, they'll look not only at your larger pieces of furniture but also at the amount of smaller items in your home. If your home seems to be filled with lots of clutter and things, your estimate will likely be higher than if your collection of items is small and curated.
Access
How easily can the movers access your front door? Do they have to park half a block away and carry everything to the moving truck, or can they pull right up in a driveway? Access is one reason why apartment dwellers are often surprised by how high their estimates are. Moving an apartment may involve less stuff than moving a whole house, but it often takes just as long due to poor access.
Disassembly Needs
If movers have to disassemble any furniture or appliances to move these items, then your moving estimate will likely be higher. Most moving companies also have a policy by which they reassemble anything they've disassembled once they reach your new place. So, this time has to be accounted for when they make your estimate.
Time of Year
If you're moving in the spring or fall, your moving estimate will tend to be lower than if you are moving in the summer or winter. Most companies charge a little more during the summer since the heat is a factor and slows things down. Most charge significantly more in the winter, especially if you live in an area where snowy and icy conditions will make it harder to pack, load a moving truck, and drive to your destination.
Moving companies do their best to provide accurate estimates. The factors above will all play a role in determining how much you pay for their services. Review each estimate thoroughly to get a better idea of what costs are involved and where they come from.
Contact a moving company near you to learn more.