Moving Cost Estimator
There are many different ways that moving companies estimate the cost of a move. The most accurate moving cost estimates are obtained by your moving company getting a 100% complete inventory of what you are moving.
Moving Cost Estimator
Here are the ways that your moving cost estimator will do that ( and my 2 cents):
- A verbal, over the phone moving cost estimate – This method is typical to your common bait a switch movers. Let me explain, a person at the end of the phone writes down all of the contents in your home in 30 seconds while as you spew out every piece of furniture. There is a lot of room for error in this method. I would only suggest it if you are moving less than 10 pieces or boxes. Local and long distance movers alike can easily give a low ball moving cost estimate by staying they didn’t “hear” everything going and/or “you didn’t tell me you had all this stuff.”
- An on-site estimate – Essentially a moving cost estimator comes to your home to look at everything going, being packed, etc and will provide an accurate moving estimate for your move. On-site estimates are usually pretty accurate. However very, very time consuming. First, you have to take approximately 30-45 minutes out of your day multiplied by however many moving cost estimates you receive. This usually requires scheduling – if you have kids it cannot be during practice/dinner/etc.
- An accurate, online moving cost estimator – With current innovations in the moving industry, it is really easy to obtain an accurate moving cost estimate completely online and virtually instant. There are a multitude of sites that can provide this to you but none as accurate and quick as this moving cost estimator. Essentially, you fill out pertinent information ( don’t forget cities and/or zip codes) like email, where you are moving to and from, as well as any additional services you will need. Another, second form will pop up with the easiest moving cost estimation form you will find available. This secondary list is a comprehensive inventory list where you can add the items in your home. The list will be calculated with an advanced algorithm and will generate a completely accurate quote directly to your email. There are other online moving cost estimators but they are extremely difficult to navigate. Bonus: You can update your items list at any time for a new quote!
- A moving cost estimate app – There are a few moving apps out there that require a video of your home. The apps I have seen are not accurate unless moving a few large pieces. Some moving cost estimator apps are used as information gatherers so don’t be surprised if you have a bunch of moving companies call you after downloading the app.
As an aside, if you feel like you cannot accurately go through your home and add your inventory to a moving cost estimation form, your local movers and long distance movers should always offer an on-site moving cost estimate. If they cannot or won’t, it’s not usually a good sign.