Getting an accurate moving cost quote is important because it will help you budget your move properly. It’s also a good idea to get quotes from multiple companies to make sure that you’re receiving competitive pricing. If you don’t, you may end up spending more than you intended to on your move or worse, not being able to afford the services that you need. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the key factors that go into a moving cost estimate as well as some ways to keep your moving costs down.

First, determine what your specific moving needs are. You’ll need to know how much you’re going to be packing, how many boxes and other items are being moved, and the size of your home. If you’re planning on a full-service move, you should also consider the cost of any additional services that you need, such as extra storage, packing materials or a rental truck. If your move is a long distance one, you’ll also need to factor in gas costs for the truck and any other expenses that may come up along the way.

When you’re ready to start gathering moving quotes, remember that prices can differ by a significant amount, especially when it comes to long-distance moves. This is because different moving companies will have different pricing structures and will use different methodologies to calculate their costs. For example, some movers will charge by the hour while others will use weight to determine their costs. If you’re receiving competing quotes from two reputable and licensed movers, they will likely be fairly similar in price.

Before you settle on a company for your move, be sure to ask for references and check out reviews online to see what other customers have said about them. It’s also a good idea if you have any questions about the moving company’s estimate to contact them directly for clarification before agreeing to it.

Some movers will offer nonbinding estimates, which are documents that contain the mover’s best guess of your moving costs. This type of estimate is less risky for the moving company than a binding estimate, since they can only require you to pay up to 110% of the estimated bill at the time of delivery. You’ll be billed for the remaining amount later.

Other things that can increase your moving cost are whether you’re packing your own boxes or need a full-service pack, the amount of specialty items that need to be transported (such as a hot tub or pool table), and when you’re moving. It’s generally cheaper to move during the week than on weekends and mid-month is usually cheaper than at the beginning or end of the month. Additionally, changing the day of your move or removing extra items can often reduce your moving cost by a considerable amount. Using the moving calculator from moveBuddha is an easy way to get a quick, professional moving estimate for your specific situation. moving cost quote