Different types of moving estimates you should know about

Moving soon? Then it’s time to plan your moving budget and think about expenses. And what better way to do that then to ask for a free moving estimate. Still, there are different types of moving estimates you should know about. In this article, we’ll cover all three and you can see which one best suits your moving needs.

Different types of moving estimates – what’s there to know?

There are different types of moving estimates you should know about. When you call Golan’s Moving & Storage our team members will be glad to explain each and every type. In this way, you can plan your moving budget in advance. Besides, it may also help you out to see what is the best option for you.

Here are the main difference between moving estimates

There are 3 general types of moving estimates: a binding estimate, a not-to-exceed estimate, and a non-binding estimate. But before you start asking for every single moving quotes Chicago let us tell you more about each one. In this way, you can plan not just your moving budget, but the volume of your relocation as well.

What is a binding estimate?

Binding estimates mean your movers will give you a set price on an approximate weight of your items or shipment. And once your office or residential movers Chicago state the price of your move, you can start moving. In this way, they gave you a price that is fixed, and you have to pay only this price even if your items weigh more (or less) than they previously estimated it would. So, even if something goes wrong, they can not rise up the price. Still, if you want to add more items that you need to relocate, the price can go up. This means they will revise the first estimate before they start moving your items.

Don’t worry, if you deal with professionals, you will most certainly avoid moving scams. So, this means that anything that you agree with your moving company will be in written form. And you wouldn’t trust your money to anyone without a written agreement anyway. So any service they state in written form, they have to provide. Again, if you need or ask for any additional services, you will have to pay for extra services. The good thing is that you don’t pay anything extra if your items weigh more and you will know the price in advance. If you decide to go for a binding estimate, you can maybe ask for multiple quotes from different companies to see which one suits you the most.

What is a not-to-exceed estimate?

A lot of relocation companies out there also offer not-to-exceed estimate – sometimes called guaranteed not-to-exceed or guaranteed price and even price protection. This is a moving quote that people who move interstate or long-distance tend to choose. It’s similar to the binding estimate in a way it does not exceed the price if the weight of your items is bigger than your movers’ estimates. Still, if the weight is less than your mover quoted, you can end up paying less than the original quote. Again, your movers will give you a written agreement with a not-to-exceed estimate too.

What is a non-binding estimate?

Non-binding estimate actually doesn’t give you a fixed price and is later determined on the actual weight of your belongings. This means your movers will give you a quote, but it doesn’t have to be the price that you will finally pay as it can be more – or less – depending on how much do your belongings weigh. In most cases, it is lower than the binding estimate but you shouldn’t hire movers who offer only this type of estimate. It’s best to have more options so you can determine which one is the best for you. Remember, moving companies charge by the weight and not the volume of your items. In any case, always look for red flags if the offer seems “too good to be true” and check prices with different companies.

What can you expect when asking movers to give you an estimate?

Any price that you talk about with any moving company is one thing – and signing the agreement is completely different. With this, any written agreement has to be very clear and you should understand which type of moving estimate are you signing for. If you are not sure if you are opting for a binding estimate, non-binding one, or not-to-exceed estimate, talk to your movers and read the contract carefully before signing it.

In any case, any written agreement should clearly state any moving services they will provide, along with the minimum, maximum, or estimated weight of your inventory. Any additional services have to be clearly stated along with the price for any additional services you need. Again, any professional moving company will have a name, street, web address along with tariffs for miles or hours they work. Your long-distance movers will surely do a great job. 

What else do you need to know about moving estimates?

Moving quotes are one thing – but relocation, in general, is another. This means you may still have to pay more when you move. For example, you may need to pay for packing supplies such as cardboard boxes or glue, storage services, etc. With this, if you have to move at the last minute or during the holidays, the price of your move may increase. In any case, always talk to your movers and ask anything that you don’t understand.