Are you entirely sure you know how to choose the most favorable moving estimate? What should a moving estimate be based on? Does it depend on anything? Well, typically, a moving estimate needs to be weight-dependant. It can be an actual and speculated weight. What is important is that they match. Sometimes, however, there may be some discrepancies between the two. It is important to keep a record of your items’ weight. Hence do not forget to make an inventory list. Make it as exact and unambiguous as possible.

Distance and additional moving services also affect a moving estimate. Professional packing services, to begin with. Furthermore, the estimated price can increase if items are added later to the shipment. Here are some useful tips on how to choose the most favorable moving estimate.

Choosing a favorable moving estimate based on the items’ weight

So, how to choose the most favorable moving estimates should be weight-related. Subsequently, there are three types of weight-oriented moving estimates you can opt for. Those are:

• Non-binding estimates
• Binding estimates
• Not-To-Exceed estimates

A non-binding estimate

A non-binding estimate depends on how much a moving company supposes your possessions weigh. For this reason, this type of estimate relies on a movers’ professional judgment. But, if the weight is higher than the estimate, that’s a bit of a problem. Eventually, you’ ll have to pay both the original quote plus an additional 10 percent during the delivery.

A binding estimate

On the other hand, the binding estimate is based on a fixed estimated amount regardless of the belongings’ weight. To put it simply, you pay the same price no matter whether the shipment weighs more or less than an estimated amount.

The not-to-exceed estimate

Then again, the not-to-exceed estimate depends on the real shipment weight. If it is lower than the guaranteed amount, you pay less.

Consider inventory when choosing a favorable moving estimate

The crucial local moving tip on how to choose the most favorable moving estimate is to make an inventory list. It is a precise, accurate and detailed list of your items. Moreover, that list shows an exact number of possessions and their measurements. In other words, it is the weight estimate cornerstone. All the belongings are put together and that’s how a moving company make a final calculation. The movers should use specialized calculators of furniture weight. Most of them opt for weight charts and/or weighing systems. Given the differences in household items’ measurements, they will count the average weight values. An inventory list will help you decrease the total items’ number. As a result, the price will go down as well.

Distance as an important aspect of moving estimates  

One of the most significant aspects of how to choose the most favorable moving estimate is distance. A moving estimate cost will depend on the distance between your previous and your future home in terms of a mileage rate. That is to say, if you choose a truck rental, moving companies are going to use a flat mileage rate. It includes the moving truck itself, the fuel expenses together with the time the company’s personnel spend driving it. In a nutshell, the further you move, the more money you’ll spend. In addition, the moving estimate cost related to distance has to do with weight as well. The movers calculate the price when they subtract the tare weight, from the gross weight. The first one is an empty truck weight whereas the latter is a loaded truck weight.

Consider the additional service of professional packing

The most common additional service a moving company may offer is professional packing. It include a variety of ways of protecting your items.  Namely, special custom-made wooden cases, a stretch wrap, soft bags and felt pads. Correspondingly, a moving company will help you keep your high-value possessions such as artwork safe. Besides, they will get down to collecting packing materials for you. Plus, they will cover each item with a tailored moving carton contributing to your items’ safety. By the same token, it is a convenient way of transporting them securely. But, your moving budget fades away. Sometimes a DIY option may save you a few bucks. Selecting the most favorable moving estimate is all about being penny-pinching.

The matter of insurance is a top concern

When it comes to how to choose the most favorable moving estimate, insurance should be one of your top concerns.  There are two types of insurances: released value protection and full-value protection.

Released value protection

This is an integral part of a moving estimate by law. In case anything gets lost, broken or damaged you will get 60 cents per item regardless of an item actual worth.

Full-value protection

On the contrary, full-value protection is based on your estimate of the items’ worth. Movers calculate the cost by taking into consideration approximately 1 percent of your valuation. Practically, if you say your possessions are worth 100, 000$, you’ll get 1000$. Also, movers are responsible for what is in the boxes they packed. If you want to know how to choose the most favorable moving estimate, you should really brush up on the matter of insurance.

In conclusion

To sum up, a long-distance move requires dealing with a plethora of tasks. Consequently, you need to pay close attention to each and every one of them. Even though all of them are important, the budget should be the most important one. In order to carry out a long-distance move, you need to focus on how to choose the most favorable moving estimate. It depends on the items’ weight, distance, and inventory list.  It also has to do with whether you’ve picked professional packing services or not and the insurance coverage. With this in mind, are you ready to tackle the moving estimate complexity?