Long-distance moves often signal the beginning of something new! However, it is critical to understand the costs connected with a long-distance relocation in order to develop a realistic moving budget with as few surprises as possible. Because of the numerous activities required in a long-distance relocation, many of which can be physically demanding, hiring a professional moving company like safeboundmoving.com is typically the best choice.
Price Influences & Quotes for Long-Distance Moves
While local moving prices are normally calculated on a “per hour” basis, long-distance moving costs are mainly based on three factors:
- The amount of weight being transported
- The move’s distance
- Additional fees for additional services
Requesting in-home moving quotes from three or four long-distance movers you are considering employing is the best approach to discover the most accurate projected cost of the weight of your possessions. Moving firms can provide you with a non-binding or a contractual estimate of the expected weight cost. The final weight cost may surpass the estimate if it is a non-binding estimate. You must be supplied with a free non-binding estimate. A binding estimate, often known as a “not to exceed” estimate, is a more detailed agreement between two parties.
A binding estimate sets a maximum fee that the moving firm commits not to surpass, even if the actual cost may fluctuate if you add additional items to the move later. Keep in mind that certain movers may charge a fee for providing a binding quotation.
Moving firms calculate the expected weight of the goods based on the average weight of items in houses comparable to yours when producing an estimate. The moving company then calculates the actual weight of your belongings on moving day by first weighing the empty moving truck and then measuring it again after your belongings have been loaded.
Typical Long-Distance Moving Costs
Long-distance relocation costs between $.50 and $.70 for every pound of goods transferred 1,000 miles from the original site, according to a conventional rule of thumb. For instance, the average weight of items in a one-bedroom apartment is roughly 2,000 pounds, resulting in a moving cost of $1,000 to $1,400.
In comparison, the weight of products in a typical three-bedroom home is over 9,000 pounds, equating to an estimated cost of $4,500 to over $6,000. If the distance traveled is less than or more than 1,000 miles, costs may increase or decrease.
Moving firms often charge a “per-mile” fee, with tolls and fuel expenses as additional fees. According to the American Moving & Storage Association, the average cost of a 1,200-mile interstate relocation was over $4,300 in 2018.
Other Long-Distance Moving Costs
Additional services that may be linked with a long-distance move are usually charged by moving firms. The actual packaging and unpacking of your items is the most expensive additional fee. Again, three to four moving firms should be invited to make in-home estimates of projected packing expenses depending on the number and types of belongings in your house.
Other fees that may be incurred include:
- Managing goods that are heavy, big, or delicate, such as pianos and swing sets
- Transporting belongings from the house to the moving truck across great distances (over 75 feet)
- Dismantling furniture and unplugging appliances
- Using the stairs or taking the elevator
- Putting things away before the move
Buying full-value protection insurance is another aspect that might impact the expense of a long-distance move. Most movers provide free standard released value protection insurance. However, it only covers a minimum of $.60 per pound per item in the case of damage or loss.
Finally, the timing of your long-distance move has a significant impact on the cost. Moving businesses’ busiest season is from May to September. Therefore, they may raise their costs and fees by up to 20% during this time. Holidays, weekends, and even the beginning and end of each month all have greater moving charges.
Don’t Go Cheap With Long-Distance Moves
When it comes to the prices of hiring a moving company for a long-distance move, the cliché “you get what you pay for” frequently applies. Working with a competent, reputable moving company saves you time, reduces stress, protects you from bodily harm, and assures the protection of your most valuable things.