3 Steps to Ensure an Accurate Moving Quote

Moving is one of the most stressful events that can happen in your lifetime.  One way to help alleviate some of that stress is to hire professional movers.  But what good does it do to hire professional movers when they do not have a clear understanding of the job description?

Follow these 3 steps to help ensure your estimator has the proper information needed in order to provide an accurate price quote.

1)      Be honest with yourself: There is nothing wrong with being proactive and moving or packing items yourself.  The problem lies in timing, there are only 24 hours in one day.  Juggling kids, homework, and your job on top of planning a move can be difficult at best. 

During your in-home walkthrough, have your estimator provide you with a quote to pack boxes.  It may not be as cost prohibitive as you think.  Professionally trained packers can accomplish in one or two days what may take you 2, 3 or even 4 weeks. 

Likewise, it is tempting to think you are able to just “pile it into the SUV.”  While this method can work for a nominal amount of items, realistically you can only move so much at a time.  Have your estimator include items you “might move yourself.”   It is always better to plan for a worst case scenario in regards to volume on move day. 

2)      The donation pile:  Plan on contacting your favorite charity or thrift store 5-6 weeks prior to move day.  However, do not assume you will be able to donate or sell all of your unwanted household items.  Many organizations are flooded with request to donate and are therefore becoming more selective. 

Plan on utilizing other avenues such as EBay, Craigslist, 1800-Got Junk, yard sales and such in order to supplement charitable organizations. 

Provide your estimator with updates as to which items have been sold.

3)      Take Notes:  The final and most important step to ensure an accurate price quote is to take notes.  During the walkthrough with your estimator have a notepad ready.  Our staff will gladly answer any questions you have. 

Most homeowners obtain 2 or 3 estimates from local moving companies.  Each company can have different policies and procedures which lead to confusion as to who said what.  Keep information organized so that there is no confusion on moving day.