How to get an Accurate
Estimate
- First and most importantly, ask only
licensed professional movers for an estimate.
(See how to
choose a mover)
- Show the estimator everything that is to be move.
If you have a few things in self storage or at your
mom's house, make sure you tell the estimator about
those too. Don't forget the attic, crawl spaces and
garden shed. Point out the appliances you will be
moving.
- Be specific about what you will pack, if anything.
- Ask the estimator if a moving van will fit in your
driveway. (You may need a shuttle)
- Ask him to include charges for stairs, long
carries and elevators if they apply.
- Include any crating for glass or marble that you
may need.
- Be clear about where your shipment will deliver to
and what the access is like.
- Ask the estimator to describe and quote on
valuation, basic, depreciated and full value
protection
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How
your moving charges are determined
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Your estimate
will give you a good idea on what your move may cost but
the final charges are based on the actual services you
received.
Interstate moves are charged by the weight of the
shipment and the number of miles to your new home. The
moving truck will be weighed on a truck scale before
your furniture is loaded, this is known as the
"tare weight", the truck will be weighed again
after your shipment to determine the "gross
weight". The difference between the two is the
total weight of your shipment. The mileage from your
home to your new home is determined by a standard
"mileage guide". Your mover will calculate
your charges according to his published rates for the
amount of weight of your shipment and the number of
miles it will move.
Additionally, there are charges for any packing or
crating done by the mover. There are a host of other
charges that may apply, but the most common are:
- long carry (the truck is more than 75 feet to your
door)
- elevator
- stairs (more than 8 outside steps)
- piano
- special servicing of items (grandfather clock,
washer, etc)
- bulky item (riding mower, boat, canoe)
- labor to disassemble or reassemble (pool tables,
gyms, etc)
- self storage handling (if they pick up or deliver
to one)
- waiting time ( if a delay in the delivery is
caused by you)
If you are concerned on what the entire move may
cost, keep in mind the less the mover has to do, the
less it will cost. You can save by:
- discarding things you don't want ( less weight)
- don't move things that are cheaper to replace than
move (bricks)
- pack as much as you can (save packing charges)
- disconnect your washer and ice maker (save
servicing charges)
- providing good access (if you have to remove a
planter or your mailbox so the truck can get in your
driveway, you'll save expensive long carry or
shuttle charges)
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