When working with a moving company, an estimate is typically the first step in the moving process. An estimate is more than just a final price, it's a complete breakdown of the costs of the service.

As a professional moving company, we have created countless estimates for customers. This article will cover what goes into a moving estimate and what makes up the final price. 

Assess Volume of Belongings

The most significant factor that influences a moving estimate is the volume of items you are transporting. When scheduling an estimate, a mover will take a detailed inventory of all items.

Depending on your belongings weight and size, the truck size and number of movers will vary. From furniture to small boxes, it's crucial that this step is performed accurately to ensure the movers schedule the necessary resources. 

Labor and Time Requirements

Labor costs make up a large portion of the cost of moving. When calculating labor costs, a moving company will estimate how long it will take to load, transport, and unload your items.

For local moving services, this will also include the amount of time needed to go from the old to new destination. Movers will also assess for details like flights of stairs or long walks, all increasing the time necessary to complete the job.

Specialized Packing and Materials

If you hire movers to pack your belongings, this will add onto the costs of the relocation. These costs also include the supplied packing supplies, which can include heavy-duty boxes and specialized packing for things like:

  • Fine Art
  • Family Heirlooms 
  • Fragile Items

Valuation Insurance Options

A moving estimate will also provide an overview of the protection of your belongings in case of damage. By law, a professional mover must provide a basic level of protection to its customers.

However, the protection is limited and full coverage protection is offered at a higher price. It's important to review the valuation insurance options and pick one that best suits your needs. 

Request a Free Moving Service Estimate Today

Thomas Transfer & Storage is a professional moving company with decades of experience. If you are planning an upcoming relocation, don't hesitate to request a moving estimate from our team.

Contact us today to request a quote and learn more about our moving service options. Call to speak with one of our friendly representatives or fill out the online quote form to get started.