You hear the terms “non-binding estimate,” “binding estimate” and “binding not-to-exceed estimate” thrown around in the moving industry – but what exactly do these quotes mean? The type of moving quote you receive will have a big impact on the final cost of your move. Educating yourself on the differences between these estimates can help you spot red flags, like a price that’s significantly lower than the competition. It can also make you more confident in your decision to choose a certain company for your upcoming relocation.

The most important thing to remember is that no two moves are the same. That’s why it’s so crucial to have a move estimator come to your home and conduct a walk-through of your belongings before providing you with a moving quote. This gives the company a good understanding of your needs and what the job will entail, resulting in an accurate quote. During the walk-through, the moving estimator will be able to point out any obstacles or factors that may increase the price of your move, such as stairs.

Another important factor that can influence your moving quote is additional services you choose to have performed. These can include packing, unpacking, disassembly and more. Be sure to get a full breakdown of the charges, including how much time each service will take and the materials you’ll need. This will prevent any surprises on moving day when you’re getting charged for services you didn’t expect or didn’t ask for.

Storage fees are another common addition to your moving quote. These fees occur if your items have to be stored before the final delivery date. It’s rare that your items will need to be stored, but if it does happen, be sure to find out what the rates are before signing off on your moving quote.

In addition to extra services and storage, you’ll often encounter other add-ons like fuel surcharges, flight charges (for long-distance moves) and shuttle charges (if your residence is located on a street that’s too tight for the truck to navigate). Be sure to fully understand what these additional fees are before agreeing to your moving quote.

Having an understanding of what makes up your moving quote will give you the power to negotiate a fair price for your move. When you compare different quotes, you’ll be able to identify any red flags that indicate a potential scam. It’s always a smart idea to gather at least three quotes from local companies before making a final decision on which mover to hire. This will provide you with an excellent sense of the pricing options available in your area and help you avoid a hefty bill for your move.what is a moving quote