5 Tips To Help You Compare Moving Company Prices

Moving is a costly process that requires a lot of time and energy. When you start planning, you’ll get a real picture of how complex the task of relocation is. 

Undoubtedly, it is an overwhelming process, but the good news is that you can hire a professional moving company for help. 

Before you go through the process of finding the right moving company, compare the moving companies and their prices. When you compare the moving quotes, you get an idea of all the services offered by different moving companies, and that way, you can select the company that meets all your needs. 

In this blog, we will discuss five essential tips to help you compare the moving company prices so that it becomes easy for you to make an informed decision.

But before that, let’s dive deep into understanding how moving quotes can differ for different moving companies. 

Understanding Different Types Of Moving Quotes

Some moving companies may provide you with one of the three kinds of estimates, and understanding the details of your moving estimate is crucial for a successful move. These include:

Non-Binding Estimate

When a local moving company gives you a non-binding estimate, this quote depends on the weight of the customer’s belongings. 

However, since it is non-binding, this estimate is not fixed. If your belongings weigh more than the estimated weight, then you have to pay extra for that. 

Binding Estimate 

When the mover gives a fixed cost estimate on the basis of the approximate weight of the customer’s belongings, then it is known as a binding estimate. 

If the person agrees to a binding estimate, then they will have to pay exactly what they were quoted. The mover will not be able to increase the price. 

This also means that if the customer’s belongings end up weighing less than originally estimated, then the customer will still have to pay the fixed cost. 

Binding-not-to-exceed moving estimate

One of the most popular quotes is known as the binding not-to-exceed (sometimes called a guaranteed not-to-exceed) estimate, which is the easiest to explain.

With this type of estimate, if the customer’s belongings weigh more than expected, there are no extra charges. 

However, if the shipment weighs less than the originally estimated weight, then they will only have to pay the cost of shipping the actual weight. 

This type of estimate means that you could end up paying less than what you originally agreed upon. 

5 Tips to Compare Moving Company Quotes

1. Check Companies’ Reviews

Before shortlisting some moving companies online, you must check their website and read their reviews.

Generally, people will leave their reviews regardless of whether they are good or bad. Reading them will help you know which company can offer you the best services. 

You can also ask your family, friends, and neighbors for any local moving company recommendations if you are confused about which one to choose. 

2. Don’t Fall For Cheaper Prices

We know that it might be tempting to go for a company that offers the cheapest rate. But if you value your money, time, efforts, and belongings, then you should never fall for this.

Whenever you receive a cheaper rate, cross-check it twice or thrice to see whether it is a realistic moving cost or not, because most of the time, they are fraudulent moving companies. 

Usually, people who hire cheap moving companies get scammed or pay additional fees or unexpected charges at the end of their move. 

3. Get Multiple Estimates or Quotes

If you want to find the right moving company, it is important that you compare multiple estimates and quotes. Never depend on the moving quotes of one or two moving companies. 

By comparing multiple quotes, you can get a better understanding of the moving market and find good deals. 

Don’t choose a moving company that provides you with the lowest estimate, as they might be fraudulent or scam companies. 

Choose quality over money and forget the idea of relying on the price tag, because later, you might be paying more for your lost and broken stuff. 

4. Leave an Affordable Deposit

When you book a professional moving company, you’re asked to deposit some money to secure their moving services and the moving date of your choice. 

Most moving companies may charge a deposit, especially during the peak moving season (May-September). The deposit is later deducted from your final bill. 

This is a common practice, so you don’t need to worry about being scammed. Although, leave a reasonable deposit to avoid the risk of losing your money. 

To give you an idea, a moving deposit typically ranges from $100 to $500, depending on the size of the move.

5. Ask for Transparent and Written Rates

When you have finalized a moving company, always ask for the written rates. This way, you’ll be assured of your safety and transparency between you and the movers. 

This would also help you avoid any additional fees that they may charge during your move. 

Most professional moving companies would give you an initial quote, which may vary depending on factors like time, weight, and the sizes of your packed belongings. 

However, always remember that legally, the final price should not be more than 10% of the initial price. Going above and beyond means the moving company is cheating you! 

Factors That Impact Your Moving Quotes

You should know that moving quotes can be different from company to company. The reality is that every moving company assesses several factors to provide you with an accurate moving quote, and it can rarely have an equal comparison.

For instance, the quote that a full-service moving company provides will be different from the one that provides only long-distance moving services. 

Long-Distance Move

Long-distance moving companies charge you based on the size of your home, the distance between pick-up and delivery, labor costs, and whether you require any additional services.

That is why it is very important that the movers take a tour of your home before they offer you a moving quote. 

Local Moves

Most moving companies consider a move within 100 miles locally. In local moves, moving companies typically charge on an hourly basis. To give you an estimate, the average hourly rate for two movers and one truck is from $139 to $145 per hour.

Your moving quote will estimate the time required for your move, including packing, loading, unloading, and furniture assembly/disassembly.

Additional Service Fees

Many moving companies charge additional service fees for any special services you take. Talk to your local movers about what comes under additional services.

For instance, some additional services include packing services, storage services, processing fees, or moving any specialty items like pianos, gym equipment, and artwork. 

Here Is The Breakdown of a Moving Company Invoice

If you are still unsure about what a moving quote includes, don’t worry; we’ll provide you with a detailed explanation of how the calculation is done. 

Along with the number of hours movers take to complete the move, they also charge extra for packing materials and heavy item fees. Here is what the final bill looks like: 

Moving Labor: As per the invoice, the moving company charged the client $109 per hour for two movers and one truck, which totaled to $218.

Packing Materials: The cost of all packing materials was added to the invoice. It included five large boxes ($4.99 each), five medium boxes ($3.99 each), five small boxes ($2.99 each), five wardrobe boxes ($24.99 each), and a single / twin mattress bag ($14.99).

Heavy Item Fee: A heavy item fee of $200 was charged for one item that was over 200 lbs.

Processing Fee: A 3% processing fee is charged on credit card payments, which was around $18.52.

How To Identify a Fraudulent Moving Company When Comparing Moving Quotes

There are several moving companies that are scamming their customers. Here are a few ways you can identify a fraudulent moving company when comparing moving quotes.

One of the best ways to identify a fraudulent moving company is to compare the moving quotes with those of different moving companies. 

A fraudulent moving company will offer you a low price from the start and then keep on adding additional charges during your move, only to increase your final bill in the end.

The other red flag you should definitely look out for is whether they have a license or not. The moving companies that do not have a license are mostly fraudulent companies. 

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can compare moving companies’ quotes and make an informed decision. Remember, finding the right moving quote requires extensive research and patience. 

Don’t fall for cheap moving companies, as they might offer you low prices in the beginning only to scam you or charge you extra in the end. 

It’s always a good idea to get detailed in-person estimates from moving companies so that you can get a clear understanding of the services and costs involved in your move.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I cut down on moving prices?

The best way to cut down on moving prices would be to downsize and declutter. The fewer items you have, the less you will have to pay the moving company. 

You can also go for DIY moving; it is the most cost-effective option; the fewer belongings your movers have to handle, the more money you’ll save. Lastly, plan to move during the off-peak moving season (October-April). 

2. How do I know if a moving company is legitimate?

You would know that a moving company is legitimate when they provide you with proper written estimates, proper contracts, and have moving insurance. 

Any moving company that provides you with a low offer is generally considered a red flag because they might add hidden fees or unexpected charges later in your final moving cost. 

3. What is the moving cost in Toronto?

Usually, movers in Toronto charge on an hourly basis. To give you an average estimate, a moving company with two movers and one truck can cost you between $139 and $145.

Below are some average estimates to keep in mind as per home size. 

Please note that these are just estimated prices, and the actual prices can vary based on various factors, including the size and time of your move, the distance, and how many movers you hire.