Reading and Understanding the Moving Estimate |
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Receiving a written moving estimate in return to your moving quote is the most important thing in the estimate. |
An estimate over the phone or any other kind of verbal estimate should be considered as a non-binding estimate. |
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There are two types of estimate: an estimated cost and a binding estimate. |
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An Estimated cost |
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This free estimate does not guarantee an exact price for your move and is usually given over a phone conversation or an email corresponding. |
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This estimate is based on a list of inventory dictated or sent by the client to the moving consultant and is calculated by an item average weight or CF (cubic feet) and the move distance, for example: |
[Item Average Size / Weight] X [Price per Distance] = Cost per Item |
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The move total price can be changed during the move due to many parameters (such as long carry, crates for breakables, etc.) that vary from one clients move to the other and were not calculated by the moving consultant. |
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A Binding Estimate |
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There are several common names for this move: |
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As you can understand from their title the meaning of this estimate method is much more reliable and less flexible. |
Although some companies will charge you an emblematic price in order to receive this estimate, it usually worth's it. |
What this estimate means is that the moving company representative will come to your house and estimate in a very detailed manner what are the packing requirements, how much is you load volume and if there are any special fees for breakables or loading difficulties. |
The final price will not be over the price given to you in your binding estimate. |
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** Notice you have a written copy of the estimate in order for valid. |
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Read the estimate carefully and notice the following information specified: |
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Volume Charging Method |
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There are two charging method available, some companies can offer both: |
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By weight - consider using this method when your household goods are not especially heavy, but do take a lot of space. |
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By Cubic Feet- this method is preferred when your household goods are heavier then standards goods. Keep in mind a large shipment of books is also very heavy and does not take so much space and would be cheaper shipped using the cubit feet measuring method. |
Packing |
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Is it included in the estimate price, does unpacking included as well? This part could be rather expensive in the move and can easily peak over the 50% of the total price. Unpacking – is not usually included unless specifically ordered by you. Special packing cost for breakables and valuables. Are packing materials included as well? Long Distance move packing – involved separates price for the packing work and packing materials. Local move packing – packing material charges only. |
Loading and unloading |
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When moving interstate (long distance), make sure special costs are described here, such as: - Long Carry – when the distance between your residence and the closes possible parking for the movers' truck is greater then a specific amount of ft.
- Flights – usually moving company offers 1 st flight free and a supplement cost for each extra flight.
- Shuttle – when your movers' truck cannot enter your neighborhood or your residence area - a van will be rented to transport your good between them.
On local moves this charge does not exist, as you pay per time. |
Insurance |
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The moving company is obligated to supply with insurance at 30c per pound for local move and a 60c per pound for long distance move. If you've purchased through the company a different insurance make sure it is written in the estimate. |
Storage |
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If your move involves storing your good for a period of time at the moving company storage facility rate per day/week/month should be stated for a certain amount of goods. If your goods will be stored at a public storage it should be mentioned in the estimate as an additional pickup and delivery charges. |
Multiple Deliveries / Pick ups |
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Depending on the accessibility, and distance from the prime pick up to the final destination route a supplement charge will be taken. |
Free bees |
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If a certain bonus or discount was guaranteed over the phone, unless written in the estimate it will not be applied on the moving day or will require your mover to check with the moving consultant you've talked to in order to verify that. Best assuring it is written in the estimate. |
