Tips To Keep Moving Costs Affordable
Before you can start packing up your home to move, you'll have to start by getting moving quotes. The estimates will give you a general idea of how much you'll be paying to safely transport your belongings, but the problem is that estimates can often be way off base. Keep reading to learn what we discovered to keep moving costs affordable on your next move.
Moving companies offer binding and non-binding estimates. Binding estimates cannot require clients to pay more than the estimated amount at delivery, but binding estimates may require an initial fee, and payment in full upon delivery.Non-binding estimates are free, but the final cost is usually about 10% more than the estimated fee.
What are moving quotes based on?Estimates are based on how big your items are and how much square footage they will take in the moving truck. Also factored in, is the distance between your current home and your new home. That can play a big part in the cost. Another expense is choosing to have the movers pack and unpack your items.How can estimates be so wrong?Incorrect estimates are usually caused by people incorrectly guessing the number of boxes they'll have. People tend to have more items than they realize, and therefore underestimate how many items they will actually be moving when they give their initial numbers to a moving company. Movers cannot legally change the price after items are moved, so the new price must be agreed upon before the moving truck leaves the home. Ways to keep a moving cost estimate on trackYour best bet to keep moving costs in check is to have a moving company visit your home for an in-home estimate. This will saving you from incorrectly guessing the number of boxes you will have.Another great money-saving idea is to do your own packing. Also be sure the company charges you buy the job, not by the hour. Things like traffic or climbing flights of stairs can eat into the time, therefore really causing the price to increase if charged by the hour.Always research the moving companyThis might seem like a no-brainer, but put some research into the moving company you decide on. All moving companies are required to be licensed with the Department of Transportation and must renew their license annually; you can ask to see their U.S. DOT number to verify and search online for complaints with that same number. Check online for reviews from real clients.Keep moving costs lowYou can really never be too prepared for moving day. Keep your costs low by planning and researching ahead. Be specific if you have requirements for extra-care handling, and be aware that that might be an additional cost. Having the flexibility to adjust your move date could actually earn you a discount, so it is a good idea to be prepared to move a day earlier or later than initially scheduled. Be sure to have materials like newspaper and bubble wrap on hand to save time and money and prevent damage to your possessions.