How much you will pay to move house is probably one of the major concerns associated with a household relocation. Professional moving companies have their own system for determining the costs related to the upcoming move, which is a good starting point for those who would like to calculate moving costs in advance and create a moving budget. It’s easy to overlook some of the moving-related costs, due to numerous and overwhelmingly complicated tasks that you have on your mind when preparing a household move.
Here at Dumbo moving and storage we want to help you prepare financially for all challenges that may occur throughout the moving process. Since we believe in transparent pricing, by using our moving cost estimator you may get a better understanding of how much the entire move will cost you.
It’s very important for you to know how a specific moving cost is formed so as to be able to set a moving budget. If you were wondering how much your NYC move will cost you, hopefully our moving guidelines and suggestions will come in handy throughout the process and make the problem of hidden moving costs clearer.
How to estimate moving costs
Request a moving estimate as soon as you contact your movers
There are many factors that determine the price of your move but time isn’t one of them. Moves done by Dumbo Moving and Storage crew are not hourly (unless specified and clearly requested by the customers who are moving within the same building). The moving cost is based on the moving load, distance and required moving services. While some moving companies charge by weight, we base our moving estimates on the square footage (how much space your belongings take up on our truck). Once you get in touch with a relocation company and request a moving estimate, make sure you understand which aspects are included, so as to be able to compare moving quotes and choose the most suitable one. Although your goal is to avoid unreasonable and excessive moving fees and charges, you shouldn’t go for the lowest moving quote without doing any further research. Fraudulent moving companies use those too-good-to-be-true offers to attract and take advantage of the customers who are looking to cut moving costs. A few simple safety steps can go a long way towards protecting yourself against rogue movers, so make sure to do your homework and do a background check on every moving company you are interested in.
And finally, the moral of the story: always read the fine print before signing any contract.
Hidden moving costs
There are several moving services that can add to the final cost of the household move. They are usually referred to as ”hidden moving costs”, but here at Dumbo moving and storage we care for a transparent pricing system, so we would like to compile a list of additional moving services that are not usually included in the estimated moving cost, but may add up to an expensive endeavor. Due to unpredictable circumstances, you may end up paying more than you have planned, which may generate additional stress and frustration.
However, the cost of moving in NYC doesn’t have to be enormous if you budget for the following moving services and fees in advance:
– Unless you opt for full service movers, packing services and specialty packing supplies will generate additional expenses.
– Moving heavy and cumbersome items like pianos or lawnmowers will cause additional charges for handling bulky items. Pianos are very difficult to handle, so you need to ensure your movers are properly equipped to move oversized and oddly-shaped items.
Specialty movers will help you move large furniture
– Long carry charges will be applied if your movers need to carry your belongings from the moving truck to your residence over a longer distance.
– Disassembling/reassembling fees are applied in case you need your movers to take large furniture pieces apart and put them together at your new residence. The same goes for preparing major appliances for moving, disconnecting and installing them at your new home.
– You are likely to incur flight charges if movers have to carry your belongings up and down flights of stairs.
– If your belongings need to be stored for some time before being moved to a new residence, you are likely to incur additional fees and charges.
– Cancellation charges are applied if you are forced to reschedule or cancel the move for some reason. Movers usually require at least a four day notice in case you are going to cancel the move.
– Moving companies provide additional, full value protection for your goods for an extra fee.
Types of moving estimates
Normally when choosing a moving company the price is an important factor to consider. Although you can get a moving quote online or via phone, an on-site moving estimate is the most accurate one. Reputable movers will always be willing to pay you a visit, assess your belongings and issue an in-home moving estimate.
But nowadays, thanks to advanced technologies, you can have an accurate moving quote by using your smartphone for a video moving estimate. It’s a time-saving strategy that allows you to schedule a video survey in a couple of seconds and get a precise quote within hours. A video estimate is a convenient solution for a tight moving schedule, since you can get an estimate without letting moving company’s representative in your house. Our moving quotes are customized to fit your specific needs and provide clear guidelines when it comes to your moving expenses. When requesting a moving estimate, it’s good to understand the difference between them and to figure out which type suits your needs and requirements.
When you get in touch with moving companies to request a moving quote, there are 3 types of moving estimates you can expect:
- non-binding moving estimate
- binding moving estimate
- binding-not-to-exceed estimate
- Non-binding moving estimates
Non-binding moving estimate is the most common type which provides a general idea of how much the move will cost you. The estimated price doesn’t bind your movers to the final cost and slight variations usually come as no surprise – the cost can exceed the estimated moving quote or it can be lower than the previously predicted one. Non-binding moving estimates should be issued in writing and state all services involved. Issuing a non-binding moving estimate is usually free of charge, which is not the case with binding estimates.
Binding moving estimates
Binding moving estimate provides the exact amount you are expected to pay for the moving services. Even if the final cost is higher or lower than the estimated one, you still need to pay the agreed amount. Binding moving estimates are provided in writing and there should be indicated the charges referred to services outlined in the document. The final cost is based on the weight or cubic feet of your belongings. If it turns out on moving day that you have more items than agreed, your movers are not obliged to provide additional services.
Binding-not-to-exceed moving estimates
Binding-not-to-exceed moving estimate guarantees that you won’t be paying more than what’s stated on the estimate. But, if the final cost is lower than the estimated one, you are not obliged to pay the stated amount.
Moving price: special discounts
If you are a senior NYC citizen, you are entitled to a discount according to Dumbo moving and storage policy. But if you aren’t, don’t worry we offer plenty of other discounts or deals for your move, so that you can save some money on your big move.
Moving to NYC doesn’t have to be expensive with Dumbo moving and storage
Did someone refer you to our company? If you are referred to our company, let your moving consultant know that. Both you and the person referred you to ourNYC moving company are owed certain compensation. If you are moving for the first time with us after somebody referred you to us, you will be receiving a referral special discount, while the person who referred you receives a commission from your move. If this is the second time you are moving with our company, you are not entitled to a referral discount anymore, but you will be getting a repeat customer discount at some point.
Check out our Facebook page or Twitter page for more discounts or deals. We are currently running a deal on Groupon and Yelp, so keep all these discounts in mind when getting a moving price approximation from our website.
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