Moving companies’ charges explained

It is no secret that relocation can often be quite an expensive process. More importantly, the hidden and additional costs of certain relocation services and mistakes can increase those expenses. Because of that, in today’s article, we will discuss moving companies’ charges and how to prepare for them. Hiring moving companies in Maryland is a good way to ensure a positive relocation experience. Moving in a DIY style without much experience can create additional issues, which result in additional expenses. However, as these expenses are something no one can predict, you should always understand what are the potential costs you will have.

What is the basis of the moving companies’ charges?

Hiring a moving company to help you relocate will, of course, come with a price. Now, this price depends on which services you opt for and how much help you actually need with the relocation process. Not understanding what you are paying for can easily create stressful situations when moving. As your main goal is to avoid stress during the process, you have to have a full understanding of how it all works. For instance, if you opt for storage Baltimore services, you can expect moving expenses to go up. However, the costs also may vary depending on the distance you are moving.

• The distance you are moving
• The total weight of your items
• What services you opt for
• Relocating specialty items

Why are moving estimates important?

Creating a moving budget is one of the best ways to prevent spending more than you should. However, to develop a moving budget, you will have to know certain expenses. Luckily, many moving companies can offer you a moving estimate. A moving estimate is a way for the moving company to evaluate how much a relocation is going to cost. This is done based on the number of items you have to move, the distance you are moving, and the additional services you require. This is one of the best ways to know how much your relocation is going to cost at its core. A moving company will send their agent to your home to evaluate how much workforce, equipment, and how big of a vehicle they will require. Moreover, they will based on the distance you are moving, give you an approximate evaluation of the moving costs.

Non-binding moving estimate

This type of estimate is not one of the favorite ones. Namely, a non-binding moving estimate will give you an approximate cost of the move but the cost may vary. Especially if you decide to add more items. If a moving company gives you one estimate and you add items, you will have to pay extra for them. The main reason this type of estimate is not popular is that it is not certain. Moreover, due to its nature, many fraudulent and scam companies will offer a “too good to be true” offer to a client.

Moving companies’ charges – Binding estimate

A binding estimate makes the mover guarantee the price they evaluate. Meaning that, once the agent sees the items you are moving, they will give you an estimate. However, bear in mind that, if you decide to take fewer items with you than estimated, the price will not decrease. Moreover, if you decide to add a few items after the evaluation, the moving company can either abide by their original offer, negotiate a new estimate or convert to a non-binding estimate.

Binding-not-to-exceed estimate

Finally, the binding-not-to-exceed estimate is one of the most popular ones. Especially when moving long-distance or interstate. The reason this estimate is very popular is that the price cannot increase. Meaning that the company will charge for the original amount they estimated.

However, this also means that you will pay less if you decide to take fewer items than you planned. Meaning that moving companies’ charges will not go higher than the original under any circumstances.

Moving companies’ charges you should pay attention to

As you will now know the potential expense of your relocation process thanks to the moving estimate it is time you pay attention to additional expenses. If you want to have more control over the expenses you have, you can always, for instance, downsize before moving and cut your expenses a little more.

Packing materials and services

If you do not have proper packing material and require some – you can turn to a moving company. Luckily, they will provide you with all the materials to properly protect your items during transport. However, this service will cost you extra. Now, whether you want to go for this option or not depends solely on you. For instance, if you do not have enough time to deal with it – opt for this service. On the other hand, you can always ask around in local shops and markets for empty boxes or buy wrapping paper or bubble wrap. Additionally, you will have to pay extra if you want the movers to pack your belongings.

Handling items on longer distances

If you live in an apartment that requires using an elevator it will cost you extra. Moreover, having to carry your items on longer distances from the moving truck to your home and vice-versa will create additional costs.

For that reason, many people are turning to minimalism and moving house like a minimalist. This means that they reduce the number of items they use to necessities and therefore additional moving companies’ charges. However, this is something only you have control on. So, when deciding to opt for additional moving services, calculate to see if they are worth it.