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There are a variety of costs associated with a move. They include everything from packing materials and phone/cable/utility hook-ups to movers and insuring your valuables.

Selecting a Mover

Begin the process by calling several (at least two) movers and requesting, at no obligation, a free written estimate. You can expect professional movers to come to your home and discuss your move in detail prior to giving you an estimate. Before selecting any one mover, you should check their reputation, reliability, performance record, and claims settlement customer service.

TIP: If movers are wary of giving you an estimate, and give you reasons against providing one, be very cautious. Reputable movers will not hesitate to provide a written estimate. Without a written estimate, your price can be increased significantly.

Price alone should never be the determining factor. Interstate movers are required to provide information about past performance, complaint handling procedures, and your rights and responsibilities. To get a copy of the government publication entitled "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move," contact the Federal Highway Administration, the agency that regulates the moving industry. You can contact the FHWA by calling (202) 927-5520.

Most movers will provide you with two types of free estimates - non-binding and binding.

Non-binding estimates, also known "guesstimates" are based on:

• Shipment weight;
• Length of travel; and
• The "extras" such as delivery and pick-up schedules, number of stairs, appliance installation, and large items like pianos.

TIP: Non-binding estimates afford you little price protection. Do your best to get a binding estimate.

Binding estimates involve taking a thorough inventory. They are in the form of a written estimate stating a firm price and are based on:

• Number of items being moved;
• Shipment weight;
• Services rendered; and
• Length of travel.

There are several factors that can increase your actual bill. They include:

• Intrastate moves (moving within the same state) versus interstate moves (moving from one state to another). Intrastate moves are typically priced at an hourly rate and you will get anywhere from two to four movers, the truck you desire and sometimes packing services and supplies. Interstate moves are priced based on weight and distance and there are minimums for each.
• Severe weather;
• Faulty packing (boxes are not taped or items are left unpacked)
• Unreserved parking at the origin or at the destination;
• Exceeding the estimate’s number of boxes on the inventory sheet (which lists each article and its condition that you are transporting);
• Timing of the move (demand is greatest at the end of the month during the months May through September; and
• Traffic and delay surcharges.

TIP: If the total weight of your move is lower than the actual weight on the day of your move, request in writing that the mover prorate your cost to reflect your "lighter load."

Once you have an idea of you moving costs, it becomes a simple matter to decide whether you want to take along an old washing machine, or give it away and replace it at the other end. If there are items that you don’t need, don’t bring them. Be sure to make your mover aware that these items are not to be moved.

TIP: If you do use a professional mover, you can save money by doing some or all of the packing on your own. Or if you’re short on time, you can always pay a little more and have the movers do all the packing and unpacking for you.

If you decide to move yourself, truck rental agencies can help you estimate the size of the vehicle you'll need. They usually have hand trucks and moving pads for rent. Find out what insurance they carry, and consult your own insurance agent about whether your present policy covers the move.

Next >> Moving Costs: Insurance

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