The Anatomy of a Long Distance Moving Quote

Preparing for a long-distance move to Houston? If so, then of course you’ll need to verify that you're obtaining the best value from your residential long-distance moving company. A preferred way to find the best rate on long distance movers is to consider several companies. When analyzing the estimates you obtain from various movers, however, there are some vital items you'll want to watch out.

1. Estimate Type

Long Distance Moving quotes mostly fall into one of these types:

• non-binding - the final amount you are billed is based on the actuals (amount of time or distance/totoal weight of the shipment, depending on how the company bills) required for your move, which could be higher or lower than your beginning estimated amount may have been.
• not-to-exceed - your total invoice is guaranteed to be equal to or less than the price quoted.
• binding - the price you're quoted is the amount you will pay for your move no matter what.

When receiving estimates, make sure to ask about precisely which type of estimate each company is providing.

2. Valuation

A lot of professional movers will incorporate a small amount of insurance coverage to help guard you from financial loss if any of your belongings are lost or damaged in transit. The standard rate of coverage is usually $0.60 per pound, though this can vary from one mover to the next, so make sure to verify.

You might also be provided the option to purchase additional coverage, which may be suggested if you have valuable stuff being transported. It's a frequent wrong idea that customers automatically get full coverage when they hire a professional mover, so be sure and talk about coverage before picking a mover.

3. Packing

As part of your long-distance moving quote, packing services may also be included upon your request. If you are interested in getting help with your packing, a lot of moving companies offer both partial packing and full packing services. With partial packing, you will receive professional assistance with particular items that you've earmarked beforehand. Full packing assistance, however, will encompass total assistance with all of your packing and most of the time will include packing supplies (however this can vary). Be sure to check each company's pack count and verify the service you are expecting is being quoted for your long-distance move.

4. 3rd Party Services

Be sure to look for exclusions in your moving estimate. For example, if one mover quotes appliance relocation service and another company does not, you wrongly believe that the second moving company is supplying the best value or lowest quoted price. In actuality, you may be in for bad news when the company shows up and breaks the news that appliance service is an additional charge.

While some companies will offer more third-party services than others, it's vital to check with each company and get in writing precisely what's included versus what may cost extra.

5. Weight

Lastly, it is vital to look at what the estimated weight is and how exact it is. If there is a large variance (more than 10%) between the estimated weight and actual weight of the shipment, it is possible that the moving company mis-quoted or mis-calculated the weight. Be sure you ask who will be responsible for the weight difference, should one occur.

At A-1 Freeman Moving Group, we recognize that each long distance move to Houston is entirely unique. Therefore, we build our moving services to suit your requirements. From our free in-home consultations for the most exact quote to packing, loading, and delivery services--we can help with every aspect of your move. Schedule your free consultation or find out more about what we can do for you by clicking here today!