What to know about moving quotes

How to get a moving company quote

To get a moving estimate, start by finding movers near you. Different moving companies have varying quote processes, so see what’s available from the movers you’re interested in.

Often, movers provide a simple estimate online and then schedule an in-person follow-up where they can survey your belongings and give you a more detailed quote. Quotes are generally free, but it’s worth checking this to make sure.

Moving quotes vs. instant ballpark estimates

While many moving companies provide instant quotes on their websites, these are really only useful for establishing a ballpark figure of what you’ll spend. Every move is different, so an estimate based on how many rooms your home has can be misleading.

A reviewer from North Carolina mentioned to us that their original ballpark quote for moving their parents’ belongings was “way off” due to a full attic they didn’t know about.

This uncertainty is why most companies prefer to see your home in person at some point before the move. As a general rule, you’ll receive more accurate quotes from movers who inspect your home in person.

If you’re moving across state lines, your mover must rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules say interstate movers must provide written estimates and that if you’re moving from within 50 miles of the mover’s (or broker’s) location, they have to base the estimate on a physical survey of your belongings unless you waive the requirement in writing.

How many moving quotes should I get?

We recommend you gather quotes from at least three moving companies in your area. Three quotes are just enough to give some context to the prices you’re seeing and help you spot potential red flags, like a price that’s drastically higher or lower than the competition offers. Gathering more quotes can arm you with even more information, however.

» MORE: How to avoid moving scams

Types of moving estimates

You may hear some unfamiliar terms thrown around regarding moving quotes and estimates. It’s important to understand which type of estimate a company provides — and which type you want.

• Nonbinding moving estimate: A nonbinding moving quote is a document with the mover’s best guess of your moving expenses. Although the actual bill may run much higher than the nonbinding estimate, your mover can only require you to pay up to 110% of the written quote at the time of delivery. You’ll be billed for any remaining charges later.
• Binding moving estimate: If the mover gives you a binding quote, the company is required to honor the price it provides you as long as nothing changes. If you only move the items listed on the inventory sheet, the final price should match what appears on the binding estimate.
• Binding-not-to-exceed moving estimate: A binding-not-to-exceed estimate is the same as a binding estimate, except you'll pay less than the quoted price if your items weigh less than what's estimated.

How do movers calculate cost?

Moving costs are usually calculated differently based on the type of move you’re undertaking:

• Local moves: Local movers typically charge by the hour, though the number of movers needed is also a factor. Additional services and specialized needs in the moving process add to the cost, but you can still expect to get a per-hour estimate.
• Long-distance moves: If you’re moving across the country, your quote will primarily be based on the weight of your belongings rather than an hourly rate.

» MORE: How much do movers cost?

However, many factors still play into the total cost you’ll pay for a move, even if they’re not listed on your written estimate. These include:

• The size of your home
• Your location
• The distance you’re moving
• Any extra stops you need
• The time of year

Moving fees and additional costs

In addition to the most common factors that affect moving costs, moving companies charge for extra services or certain conditions that make moving more difficult. Talk to your mover about all the services it charges extra for, and ensure the mover includes everything you need in the quote and on your written estimate.

Limited-value vs. full-value protection insurance

Insurance costs can also make up a large portion of your moving budget.

Thomas Curry, a content management specialist at Moving Feedback, told us, “Most people think their homeowners insurance will cover their belongings while they're in transit, but this is rarely the case. Your home insurance policy likely has a very low limit for personal belongings that are outside of your home, which means that you could be left high and dry if something goes wrong during your move.“

Movers must accept liability for your items while they have the shipment, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be reimbursed the cost of replacing an item if it’s damaged during the move. Your written moving estimate should specify the type of moving insurance coverage the mover will provide.

• Full-value protection moving insurance: With full-value protection moving insurance, movers are typically required to pay for a damaged item, repair it or replace it. The exact cost of this insurance will vary by mover.
• Limited-value moving insurance: Limited-value coverage, also called released value coverage, is based solely on the weight of your items. For interstate moves, the moving company must legally accept liability at 60 cents per pound per item. So, if the movers drop your new 42-inch TV that weighs 30 pounds, the company will only reimburse you $18. Talk to your mover and read the fine print on your written estimate and other paperwork to understand your protection.
• Third-party insurance: Several third-party companies offer moving insurance. Like purchasing full-value coverage from your mover, this option costs extra, but it might be worth it in the long run. For these policies, you typically declare an overall value and select a deductible amount. Read the policies carefully and check online reviews to choose an insurer with a good reputation.

Remember: Different laws and regulations come into play with long-distance moves across state lines. For local moves or moves within a single state, contact your state attorney general’s office for specific information on liability and insurance. For information about interstate moves, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation FMCSA website on moving.

4 quick tips for getting moving quotes

Keep the following in mind as you review quotes and choose a moving company:

1. Do not sign blank documents

Don’t sign blank or incomplete estimates, and don’t use any moving company that asks you to do so. The FMCSA advises that the only pieces of info that might not appear in legitimate paperwork are the weight of your belongings (on a nonbinding estimate) and unforeseen charges from transit.

If the mover asks you to sign incomplete documents the day of the move, tell them you need to reschedule and then use a different moving company. A mover can scam you by having you sign an incomplete estimate and then adding charges you never agreed to.

2. Choose interstate movers that charge based on weight

Most legitimate long-distance movers charge based on the shipment’s weight. A few moving companies charge based on the volume of your cargo measured in cubic feet, but it’s much easier for a moving company to overcharge you this way. Your best bet is to ask how the company figures its rates and to only get complete quotes from ones that charge per pound.

3. Get an accurate inventory list

When you get the written estimate, the moving company should also provide a full inventory list of everything it will move. The inventory is sometimes called a cube sheet or a table of measurements. Get a copy and check it carefully for accuracy. Make sure each piece of furniture is on the list, including smaller items like end tables. It should also include an approximate number of boxes.

4. Consider your moving date

The time of year significantly affects moving costs, with higher charges more common during the summer. When you get your quote, ask whether the price would change if you adjusted the date by a few days or weeks.

Also, ask how long the quote is good for. If you wait too long to book the move, you may need to get a new quote.