Hourly Moves

Hourly vs. Guaranteed Rate: Choosing the Right Move for You with Dumbo Moving

Moving can feel overwhelming, but with Dumbo Moving, you have options designed to fit your specific needs and budget. While our convenient online widget provides instant guaranteed rate quotes for many moves, we also offer a flexible hourly rate option for those who prefer it. This article will help you understand the pros and cons of an hourly quoted move compared to a guaranteed rate, empowering you to make the best decision for your upcoming relocation.

Understanding Hourly Quoted Moves

An hourly quoted move means you pay for the actual time our professional movers spend on your job, plus a set travel time charge. This travel time accounts for the crew and truck arriving at your pickup location and returning to our base upon job completion.

Factors that influence an hourly rate:

• Total Time: The core of an hourly move is the time spent working. This includes packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking (if applicable).

• Crew and Truck Size: Larger moves requiring more movers and a bigger truck will naturally have a higher hourly rate.

• Complexity: Factors like long carries, multiple stops, or complicated packing can increase the overall time needed.

What's included in your Dumbo Moving hourly quote:

• Furniture Protection: We provide blankets and tape to protect your furniture throughout the move.

• Essential Equipment: Dollies are included free of charge for the duration of your move.

• Transparent Pricing: All fuel, mileage, and tolls charges are already factored into your hourly rate.

The Pros of an Hourly Quoted Move

For certain moves, an hourly rate can be a highly advantageous choice:

• Potential Cost Savings for Smaller Moves: If you have a relatively small apartment, minimal belongings, or are exceptionally well-prepared, an hourly rate could be more cost-effective. If the job finishes quicker than anticipated, you only pay for the time used.

• Flexibility for Less Defined Jobs: If the scope of your move is somewhat uncertain or prone to minor changes, an hourly rate can offer a degree of flexibility that a fixed price might not.

• Transparency in Billing: You pay for the precise time our crew works, which can offer a clear understanding of where your money is going.

The Cons and Considerations of an Hourly Quoted Move

While flexible, hourly moves come with some important considerations regarding the final cost:

• Unpredictable Final Cost: This is the primary difference from a guaranteed rate. The final price of an hourly move can change if more time is required to finish the job, if you have more or less furniture and boxes than initially estimated, or if there are unexpected delays.

• Waiting Time Charges: Delays caused by the customer or building management (e.g., elevator access issues, late arrival for key exchange) are subject to a waiting time charge.

• Customer Responsibilities Impact Time: To keep your hourly costs down, it's crucial to be prepared. Customers must empty all furniture prior to the move and unplug any electronic components, as our movers will not unplug or install electronics.

• Parking and Access: Customers are responsible for Muni-Meter payments and advising Dumbo Moving in advance of any long carries (over 100 feet from the service elevator to service entrance), steps leading to or from the service entrance/elevator, or elevator transfers. Additional charges may apply if these are not disclosed.

• Delays Outside Our Control: Dumbo Moving is not responsible for delays due to road traffic conditions or building time restrictions. Such delays will still accrue hourly charges.

• Non-Applicable Discounts: Please note that online coupons and discounts are NOT APPLICABLE to hourly rates.

Hourly vs. Guaranteed Rate: Which is Right for You?

• Choose an Hourly Rate if:

  • You have a small, straightforward move with few variables.

  • You are confident in your ability to be fully prepared and avoid delays.

  • You prefer to pay for the exact time spent and potentially save money if the move is quicker than expected.

  • You are comfortable with the final price potentially fluctuating. To get an hourly quote, you'll need to contact us directly.

• Choose a Guaranteed Rate if:

  • You prefer a fixed, transparent price upfront for budget certainty, regardless of minor delays or unexpected factors.

  • You have a larger, more complex move with many items.

  • You prioritize peace of mind knowing the total cost before moving day.

  • You can easily provide detailed information about your move using our online quote widget.

Important Policies for All Dumbo Moving Services (Including Hourly)

To ensure a smooth and successful move, please keep the following policies in mind:

• Booking Confirmation: Your move date and time are NOT guaranteed until you have provided your credit/debit card to a live representative over the phone at 718-222-8282 and paid a deposit.

• Price Adjustments: The quoted price (for hourly or guaranteed rates) is not final until your reservation is booked with a deposit. Prices may change based on availability and are subject to change if the date/time of your reservation is changed.

• Cancellation and Rescheduling:

  • A 4-day notice prior to the move date is required to obtain a refund of your deposit and avoid penalties for cancellation.

  • A 2-day notice prior to the move date is required to avoid penalties for rescheduling.

  • ATTENTION: All jobs booked from the 25th through the 2nd of any month are subject to a penalty of 100% of the total price if rescheduling/cancellation notice is provided within 7 days of the original move date.

  • Last-minute rescheduling/canceling of materials delivery/pickup (boxes, bins, packing materials) is subject to a penalty of $50 to cover labor costs.

• Payment Methods: Payment is accepted only by credit card or certified check/postal money order. NO CASH, NO PERSONAL/COMPANY CHECKS.

• Full Payment Requirement: For both local and long-distance moves, full payment is required 1 business day before the move. For long-distance deliveries, a shuttle truck fee may apply if access for a 73-foot truck is not available.

• Customer Presence: The customer or their legal representative (with a power of attorney provided prior to the move) MUST BE present at all times during all move stages. If not, the customer MUST ACKNOWLEDGE in writing prior to the move that Dumbo Moving will NOT be responsible for any claims regarding forgotten, misplaced, damaged, or lost items, or any such claims from building management.

• Storage Visits: A storage visit appointment is a $75.00 charge. A self-move-out charge equals one month's storage fee. Appointments must be scheduled in advance for self-move-out/visit.

• Know Your Rights: We encourage you to follow the links below for important consumer information:

  • Department of Transportation Booklet For Your Rights and Responsibilities

  • Summary of Information for Shippers of Household Goods

  • NJ Consumer Affairs Regulations for Movers and Warehousemen

• IKEA Assembly: Please click here to see our IKEA prices for handling.

Whether you choose the predictability of a guaranteed rate or the potential flexibility of an hourly quote, Dumbo Moving is committed to providing you with a professional and efficient relocation experience. For a guaranteed rate, simply use our convenient online quote widget. For a tailored hourly quote, or to discuss your specific moving needs, please don't hesitate to call us directly at 718-222-8282. We look forward to helping you with your move!