Many people think that quotes from professional movers are for the same service. So, we accept the quote which we believe is the best price for the job. However, professional movers actually quote for services in different ways. You should always get at least three quotes for moving house before you hire a company to manage your move. Here’s what to look for so you get the best deal.
Quotes vs estimates
Generally speaking, you should always get a quote for professional services rather than an estimate. An estimate is the service provider’s best guess at the cost of a job. A quote is a fixed price for the services described. When you accept a quote, the service provider cannot charge you more for the work specified. They can with an estimate.
Tip: Always get written quotes. If you end up in a dispute of any kind, you have much less leverage if you have accepted a verbal quote.
Why should you get three or more quotes?
You need at least three quotes to make a comparison about what you’re getting for the fee. If you only get one quote, your chances of getting overcharged or hit with hidden costs are much higher. What may seem like a really good price could become an expensive mistake.
Tip: Does the price look too good to be true? It will be. Examine the quote for hidden costs, and check to see if the company is offering the same service as the others.
Volume + time + distance = cost
The core costs of a moving quote are volume, time and distance. How much do you have to move, how long will it take and how far are you going? You would think this is fairly straightforward, however many moving companies quote for these core services in different ways. Let’s look at each one.
Volume or weight
Your moving company should assess your house lot when preparing your quote. This puts the onus on them to get it right. If they ask you how much you have to move, don’t leave anything out. Many companies will charge you extra if you haven’t declared everything, especially for large or heavy items.
Time
Some companies will charge a flat rate for time, others charge by the hour, and some do a mix of both to cover waiting time, or if the job runs longer than expected. Flat fees are the best for big moves, as you’ll know exactly what your move will cost. Again, it puts the onus on the moving company to charge a fair fee for time spent.
Distance
Again, you could get quotes with a flat fee, or quotes based on mileage and fuel costs. Any variable cost has the potential to blow out, so you’re better off with a flat rate. It’s the moving company’s responsibility to move your house lot in the most efficient way possible.
Extra services
You may need additional services as part of your move. Find out what’s included as standard and what’s extra. Here are some of the additional services you may need.
Packing, unpacking or both
Packing and unpacking services are commonly a separate cost. If you want moving insurance, you may be required to have your belongings professionally packed.
Insurance
Like a moving quote, it pays to read the terms of your moving insurance before agreeing to a quote. Moving insurance is usually an extra fee, but well worth having for peace of mind.
Storage
If you need overnight, short or long-term storage as part of your move, find out if any storage is included and who provides the service. Some moving companies don’t provide storage services.
Other services
Some moving companies don’t provide specialist services, such as cleaning, money transfer, relocation, international moving and more. This can save you a lot of hassle if you don’t need to find separate service providers.
Tip: Do your homework on each company before you ask for a quote. Check their credentials. Are they licensed or registered? How long have they been around? What kind of reviews or feedback are they getting from other customers? Make sure all your quotes are based on the same scope and terms for your move, and get every quote in writing.
Good luck getting the right company for your move. We hope you’ll include us when you get your quotes.