Factors that Affect Your Moving Estimate

If you’re relocating, you probably have a lot of unease—and quite a few costs. The last thing you want are surprises when it comes to your estimated moving costs. That’s why you need the assistance of an experienced and trustworthy mover who will help you to uncoverways to reduce your moving costs, and who will give you an detailed estimate of what those expenses will be.

How to Find a Great Company for Your Move in Austin

 

First, you need to know not every moving company is identical. Some are experienced, reliable and honest—others aren’t. According to Consumer Reports, for example:

“Some moving companies quote lowball prices and then, once the move is underway, hold their customers' property hostage until they pay much more. Others demand substantial deposits and then don't show up, says Katherine Hutt, a spokeswoman for the Better Business Bureau.”

The good news is that you can find a reputable company to assist you move by simply doing some groundwork. You can, for example, certify their credentials (including their carrier number from the Department of Transportation) and read online ratings and complaints.

You should also check out their website—the best movers are often recipients of recognized awards—like the Pinnacle Mover Designation Award and the North American Quality Award—and will often times post these awards on their site.

How to Interpret the Factors of Your Moving Costs in Austin

Many determinants affect the cost of your move. For example, what you pay will be based in part on components like the total weight of your household goods and the mileage to your new residence. There are several other items, however, which will affect the total of your moving estimate, including the following 6:

1. Packing and crating costs: Keep in mind, you’re paying the moving company for their time. Certainly, they’ll require more time if you ask them to pack your things. You can save money by packing some or all your possessions yourself. You can slash expenses further by disassembling large pieces of furniture rather than having the mover do it for you. In addition, you’ll be billed more for specific kinds of packing and handling. For example, if high value things like artwork or a grandfather clock need crating, your cost will be higher.
2. Poor access to your pick-up or drop-off location in Austin: If your current or future residence is in a location which prohibits access for a big truck (for instance, due to a narrow road or a weak bridge), your movers must find another mode to get your things from your old home or to your new one. In this case, they probably will need to use smaller trucks to gain access. In this case, you will need to pay the mover a shuttle fee.
3. Stairs or long walking distances: The total of your move will also be higher if there are very long stairs (or multiple stairs) which the movers need to maneuver your belongings up or down. You may also have to pay a long-carry fee if the area from the moving truck to the entrance of your residence is more than 50 feet.
4. Narrow doors or hallways: If some of your things don’t fit through the door or down narrow hallways, a rigger might be needed to hoist them through a window. In this case, you could be assessed a hoisting fee.
5. Storage fees: This is one of the most common reasons for increased costs. If you must store some or most of your possessions at the carrier’s warehouse because your new home is not ready for you, you’ll need to pay an additional storage fee.
6. Time of year: Summer is the craziest moving time of the year, which means that moving in the summer will cost more. You can save money if it’s possible to plan your move from September to May. You’ll also pay more if you move on a national holiday or on the first or last day of the month (this is because rental agreements typically expire at these times, which means more people move then).

Conclusion

Moving companies don’t get a reputation for integrity, reliability and candor by mistake—they earn it by helping their clients, giving them guidance and working hard to secure that trust. The most critical thing you can do to have a safe move and lower your costs is to find the kind of moving company which cares about you and your family and will work day in and day out to ensure your complete satisfaction.

To understand more about our residential, office and corporate relocation services, contact us today.