There a few basic considerations that will reduce the chance of surprise costs on moving day when the movers hand you a bill. It all starts when the movers give you your estimate.
- Get an accurate inventory of your belongings. Remember, as I stated in an earlier blog entry (linked to from above), it’s far better to get the moving company to do this. If you miss anything (and you almost definitely will) you will still be charged to move it, it just won’t show up on your initial estimate.
- Check for any costs associated with packing or wrapping of furniture or belongings. Although you may have done most of the packing there are other considerations like pictures, lamps and other miscellaneous items that although you didn’t pack because you didn’t think it made sense, the movers won’t move without them being in boxes. So they will charge you for materials and labor. Also some movers will charge you for usage of blankets and tape for wrapping furniture like tables, desks, chairs, etc.
- Be careful if moving trucks can not park close to your home which may result in a “long carry” fee. This can happen either because a driveway is steep, has sharp turns or a low hanging tree or may apply in apartment or condominium parking areas or structures because of accessibility issues or restrictions. Even when a “long carry” fee does not apply it will take the movers more time to carry items from your house to the truck so you will pay significantly more when paying by the hour.
- Know that stairs or elevators which both add time also add fees from $50 to $150 per flight of stairs or for the elevator ride.
- If you have to make an extra stop at another house, storage facility or anywhere else, be sure to tell the mover upfront. There will probably be a flat fee plus any additional mileage or time related fees.
- Be sure to inquire about fees related to disconnecting of utilities such as washers and dryers or dismantling other items of furniture that may be required as a routine part of your move.
Ultimately, many of these charges can typically be avoided by having a moving company come to your house to perform an in home survey of your move but sometimes an in home survey is not an option. In the end, no matter what the moving company may have told you over the phone, make sure the moving company provides you with a final estimate when they come to your house on moving day. Then review this in detail and ask specifically about any or all of the issues above you think might apply.
