Understanding A Moving Quote

If you contact a moving company to get an estimate of what it will cost for them to help you relocate, one of the first things that will happen is that you’ll receive a moving quote. As a best practice, you should always get a moving quote presented as a document rather than a simple number that’s quoted to you over the phone. This process works this way so that you have a clear understanding of the costs and potential overages, as well as so that you can compare it to the quotes you receive from other companies.

Understanding A Moving Quote:

Understanding a moving quote is not necessarily complicated; there are some things you should know about them to help you have a more complete understanding of the information they contain so you can make the most informed decision possible.

Different Names for the Same Thing

A moving quote can be presented in different ways and go by different names, but they generally all mean the same thing. Terms you may encounter that mean the same thing as a price quote include the following: moving estimate, order for service, and moving contract. While these all essentially mean the same thing, there are different types of moving quotes as well, which we’ll go over in the next section.

Non-binding, Binding & Not-to-exceed Estimates

A non-binding estimate is a type of general estimate that is usually based on the weight of the items you need moved. It is not a fixed estimate since the actual cost will vary based on the specifics of your move since it’s based on general information. A binding estimate, by contrast, has a fixed price that is more precise and not likely to vary much from the number you are quoted. A not-to-exceed estimate is one that has a set upper limit, which means you won’t pay more than a certain amount that’s quoted based on your moving needs.

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Components of a Moving Contract

Customer information & moving dates – The first part of a moving contract should include your name, contact information, agreed-upon moving and delivery dates, as well as the addresses you’re moving to and from.

• Services & Charges This section will include the specific services you’ll receive, as well as the associated cost of each. This is a section you should pay careful attention to since it reflects what services you’ll receive and the amount you’ll be paying.
• Estimate Type – This section will specify the type of moving estimate, which are the three we covered in above: binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed quote.
• Valuation & Liability – Outlines the amount of responsibility the mover has if something is lost or damaged during a move. For long-distance moves, you can select a higher valuation, which essentially places more financial liability on the movers—something that is suggested if you’re moving anything of high value.
• Method of Payment – If the moving company requests payment by a certain method, it will be outlined here. In most cases, standard methods of payment that you’d use to buy anything else will apply.
• Contract Terms – The finer details of the contract will be covered in the section at the bottom of the contract, typically explaining the process of what happens if something is lost or damaged, penalties for non-payment or late delivery, and other details not covered elsewhere in the contract.

what is a moving quote