What Goes Into a Moving Estimate?

A moving estimate, or quote, is a way for moving companies to see what items you have, how many movers will be needed, and discuss the logistics of your move. Moving estimates are often more reliable than an online moving cost calculator. With these free consultations, you can:

• Get your moving cost and compare prices between companies
• Take an inventory of which items you want to move
• Get advice from professional moving coordinators on ways to save money

Learn more about which moving estimate method is best for you, factors that affect your quote, and the difference between binding and non-binding estimates.

Moving estimate methods

Factors that affect your quote

Binding vs non-binding estimates

Takeaway

FAQ

There are three ways that a moving company can give you an estimate: in-person, over the phone, or through video chat. While it can be more convenient to receive an assessment over the phone or through video chat, the accuracy of an in-person estimate is tough to beat.

When deciding which type of estimate to use, it’s best to focus on one thing above all else: the optimal method to get a complete and clear picture of your move from start to finish. This can be done through a phone or video chat estimate—especially if you’re moving from a small house or apartment. If you feel that a phone or video chat moving estimate can fully capture your needs, then either can be an excellent option.

The in-person moving estimate is our pick for one big reason: accuracy. Often, some items may slip your mind on a video or phone call. It is even more likely that the moving coordinator may not see an item if they aren’t there in person. Of course, it can be a bit more hassle to schedule an in-person moving estimate, but you can be sure that you’re getting a moving coordinator's full attention and expertise.

Additionally, an in-person moving quote means you could save on your moving cost. Sometimes certain pieces can be disassembled or broken down to save space on the moving truck, and if the moving coordinator can see how it breaks down, you may be able to save a few dollars.

When you and the coordinator are on-location, you can ask questions as they come up regarding specific belongings, scope best locations for loading and unloading, and discuss other logistics for moving day. Talk with your estimator about your moving budget and ask if there are any ways to save on your moving costs. Self-packing or asking about available discounts are good ways to save on moving. They want your moving day to go as smoothly as possible, too!

Whichever option you choose, you must be at your property during the estimate. It’s mandatory to be there for an in-person or video chat assessment anyway, but it can be tempting to knock out a phone estimate while at work or on the go. If you’re relying only on memory of furniture dimensions or square footage, it can lead to a higher moving cost than anticipated.

For local moves, most of your moving costs will come down to a flat rate for the number of items you’re transporting, how much time it'll take to load your things, and how much space they take up in the moving truck.

Driving time and distance for long-distance or interstate moves, on the other hand, becomes a much more significant part of the equation.

Here are the common factors of a professional moving company quote:

• Total weight of your inventory
• Amount and size of furniture you have
• Number of movers needed on moving day
• How easily movers can transport inventory (for example, whether your sectional won’t make it through the front door)
• Distance you’re moving. Travel costs account for fuel costs and the time it takes movers to get from old home to new home.
• Route your movers take between your old and new home (some companies have different rates in different regions, and rural areas almost always cost more)
• Number of stairs or elevators movers use to move belongings (also known as a flight charge)
• Time of year (moving prices usually increase during the summer, for example, because it’s the most popular time to move)
• Additional moving services like packing, disassembly of furniture, moving speciality items, custom crafting, etc.
• Some moves require long-term or short-term storage.
• Moving coverage. Most moving companies offer Basic Release Value Protection and Full Value Protection.

Because every move is unique, moving companies don’t have set prices—it’s all case-by-case. For a more in-depth review of overall pricing, check out our article on average moving costs.

In a binding moving estimate, a mover can’t change the quoted price on moving day. You’ll pay the price you and your moving coordinator set, even if you take out items included in your moving estimate. Sometime between your moving estimate and moving day, you may decide that you’d like to throw out or donate certain pieces of furniture.

Keep in mind that if you add something to your move after you’ve already gotten your binding estimate, your price can still go up on moving day. If your mover shows up and you have a sofa or desk that isn’t included in your estimate, you should plan to pay extra.

This is why it’s essential that you fully disclose everything you’re moving to your estimator and why an in-person estimate is recommended for larger properties. Knowing which of your belongings will be moved and an accurate estimate will give you the closest approximation of your total moving cost.

In a non-binding moving quote, a moving company can change the quoted price on moving day. The final breakdown of everything is flexible and will depend on the weight of your belongings, the labor and services provided, and any taxes.

Whether you choose an in-person, phone, or video chat estimate, be sure that you feel like your move is completely captured in your moving estimate. An accurate estimate and clear communication between you and your moving company will help to ensure an efficient moving day.

The time needed to get your written estimate is roughly the same for all three options—on average, it takes around 45 minutes. That said, every estimate comes down to how big your current home is and how many household goods you need to move.

Whichever option you choose for an estimate, make sure your house is clear of clutter and that furniture, especially large pieces, is accessible for your moving coordinator to see or measure.

You can schedule either estimate by filling out a form online or simply giving your moving company a call. We recommend filling out the form—it takes all of two minutes, and a representative calls you back to set up a time for an estimate anyway, regardless of your method of choice.

The date of your move will likely affect whether or not your moving company of choice is available, so we recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as you decide to move or once you know when you’re moving. You can sometimes be charged extra for an expedited move, so be sure to give the moving company plenty of notice.

A good rule of thumb is to schedule your estimate at least four weeks before your preferred move date.

No, moving companies are required to give no-cost estimates. But moving companies recognize the value in providing estimates—they establish rapport with customers and help those customers make informed decisions about booking.

To be on the safe side, we recommend scheduling three estimates with three different companies so you can compare prices, find trends between each estimate, and then pick the best option for you.  Please take a look at some of our top 5 moving companies to start your search.

Now that you have a strong understanding of moving estimates, prepare for the next steps in your move with these guides:

• How to Pay for Your Move
• Should I Move Myself or Hire a Professional Mover?
• What to Know About Corporate Relocation
• 5 Ways Moving Containers Can Save You Money and Stress
• Do I Need Moving Insurance?

• The Only Moving Checklist You’ll Ever Need
• The Best Packing Materials
• Should I Hire a Packing Service?
• Where to Get Moving Boxes
• Best Reusable Moving Boxes