Moving quotes: how to decide which is best

Once you’ve finally decided when to move, or have to move in a hurry, the question arises as to how to get and decide between moving quotes.
But since there is a huge amount of companies to choose from, whether big-name franchises or small, family run companies (not to mention the ones that just seem to spring up out of nowhere, for which it is important that, before you get any moving quotes, you do a background check on them).

When you finally start shopping around for moving quotes you’ll notice that moving company quotes are generally based either on estimated weight and/or volume or on the list of items you have to move. The services included in most moving quotes almost always vary from company to company.

At the same time, however, bear in mind that the average price ranges that movers apply in moving quotes in one state might change considerably in another.

Besides keeping this in mind you should also remember that moving quotes for long distance moves have many other charges, that are based on things such as overnight drives, transfer of duties, etc. and that every moving company applies its own pricing rules for reasons they see fit (some of these reasons for charging can be debatable or inflated; take this into consideration as well). In any case, the right way to estimate a move is by evaluating the total weight of the shipment.

A safe bet for getting good moving quotes from a reputable company
is to get an in-person estimate of all the goods to transport (most reputable moving companies offer this at no charge). If you have, say, a large living room and a garage full of items, the best thing you can do is to have the moving company representative write down the exact list of your inventory (or you can give him a pre-written one to avoid “mistakes”). An on-site estimate evaluates the size of your shipment and offers you a flat rare based on that estimate. If you already have your items already packed in boxes, this reduces the estimate of the actual number of boxes you might have at the day of the move.

If however you are in a real hurry to move and need a few moving quotes ASAP, the best thing to do is to get moving quotes from large, franchised companies that can handle any type of move in no time. They will usually have a list of detailed questions ready to ask you in case there isn’t any time to send over a representative. You can then ask for established moving quotes in writing via fax, so that you will be able to see exactly what services are included in the quote (it also serves as tangible proof in case of any dispute) . Remember that you can only be sure of what is included if you have a copy of moving quotes in writing.

If not pressed for time, take your time in comparing moving quotes. Not only should you make your decisions on the final price but all the services included (aka read the fine print!) All moving quotes should have a description of what is included in the quote. (e.g. "The Price is based on weight of the shipment" or “The price is guaranteed per 10 boxes, etc.) The moving quote should say what services are included gratis, like wrapping bulky furniture, travel expenses, wardrobe boxes etc.

All this information of course will help you make your final decision based not only on price but also based on service. Also, you should be aware that you might receive higher moving quotes if your inventory includes valuable items (for example, antiques, paintings, etc.).

Another solution for getting moving quotes, or at least to get a vague idea of what you are in for is to consider getting on-line estimates. Websites such as www.bestmoving-services.com allow you to get moving quotes in an instant – all you need to provide is the zip code from where you are moving, which city or state you are moving to, what kind of move it is (partial help, full help, international, etc.) and the estimated amount of things to move. Within seconds you can get moving quotes from 6 different companies. The moving companies that are queried are all screened and certified, so if you actually decide to call on one, rest assured it’s not a makeshift operation.