Tips & Advice

Understanding Your Quote

Moving is stressful, so the first step in ensuring a pleasant move is finding the right mover. The first two rules of getting accurate quotes are: 1) to speak to the mover or estimator, and 2)make sure you get that quote in writing.

Many movers go online to get quotes and then request that all the quotes be sent to them by email without speaking to an estimator. Quite frankly, this is not likely to result in a good move. If you don't have time to speak to estimators, then wait until you do to begin your process of getting quotes. Requesting a quote by email is like saying "how much does a house cost?" A house can cost $35, 000 or $35 million. The truth is a long-distance move can cost $1200 or $12,000. Any mover that sends you a quote without speaking to you probably shouldn't have a chance to quote you, since they're obviously lazy or dishonest. If they send you a quote on a "typical one-bedroom apt," it isn't worth the paper you use to print it out.

A reliable quote starts with the moving company estimator calling you to get your information. They will ask you the pertinent questions needed to give you an accurate quote. It will include the following information, which you should be ready to provide:

• Are you moving to and from a house or apartment?
• Are they picking you up or delivering you to a self-storage unit?
• How many stairs are involved?
• Can a semi-truck get within 75 feet of your home or storage?
• What are you taking —this will include your furniture and number of boxes being shipped?
• What items need to be packed (this includes kitchen items, lamps, books, clothes, televisions and other electronic equipment) by the moving company?

If you like the estimator and it seems like they have spent time with you and asked the right questions, get their phone number and pertinent information. If you don't receive their quote, call them back (sometimes quotes can go into your spam or junk folder).

You may be getting a few quotes and it can get overwhelming. There are a few ways to eliminate some quotes off the top:

• If they don't send you a written quote at all, eliminate them from your list of potential movers.
• The top of the estimate will have their DOT and MC number. These are the numbers the Department of Transportation assigns them for licensing purposes. If the quote doesn't contain these numbers, you can discard these quotes.
• The quote should have their address clearly written at the top. The address should match their information on the DOT website.
• The quote should have all your items clearly stated and the weight for each. If the quote has just your items listed and no weights for each, you can discard the quote.
• The quote should be in weight, not cubic feet. All movers will have both your cubic feet and your weight. The standard in the industry is that the average cubic foot of household goods is equal to 7 pounds. So your itemized list of furniture will have a cubic foot estimate as well as the weight. But make sure that the estimate is for weight, and not cubic feet. A mover that quotes you in cubic feet will list that first, with the weight second. It's impossible to verify cubic feet, so if you get a mover quoting in cubic feet, discard the quote.
• If your quote says "Estimate" or "Quote" at the top, that is a red-flag. You should be looking for an estimate that clearly states "Binding Not-to-exceed" or "Binding" at the top. A binding quote means that it will be that price, even if it weighs less, but that there are no hidden charges. A binding not-to-exceed quote means that if it weighs less than the estimate, you will pay less. If it is an "estimate" or "quote", you should discard the quote.
• Your quote should have accessorial charges listed separately. An accessorial charge is any extra charge you incur, clearly spelled out. Examples of accessorial charges will be: picking up or delivering you to a storage unit, extra stairs (over 7 or 21 based on the company), elevator charges (some companies do charge, some don't) and a long carry charge (over 25 feet or over 75 feet depending on the company).