Moving can be both an exciting and stressful experience. One of the most daunting aspects is managing the costs associated with it. Whether you’re relocating across town or moving interstate, knowing how to estimate moving costs is crucial to avoid surprise expenses that can quickly blow your budget. Understanding the factors that influence the price of your move will help you plan better and make informed decisions about the services you need. In this blog, we will walk you through how to calculate your moving costs and break down the key factors that can affect the overall estimated moving costs.
How to Calculate Moving Costs?
The best way to calculate moving costs is to use a moving cost calculator. You need to fill it out with details like the size of your move and pick-up and drop-off location. The calculator then gives you the moving cost estimate so that you know and get the precise moving price of your move. Remember the following points to make the calculation easy –
Make a list of all your belongings so that the movers will have a clear idea of how much space you will need.
- Distance between your current home and the new one.
- Get multiple quotes from the moving companies.
- Don’t forget the additional costs that can affect the overall moving costs.
Factors Affecting Moving Costs
What are the factors you need to keep in mind while calculating the moving costs? Let’s find out in detail –
Distance of the Move
The distance between your current home and the new one plays a significant role in the moving cost estimate. In the case of long-distance move or interstate shifting, the factors affecting the moving costs are labor charges, the weight of the items, and the distance between 2 destinations. On the other hand, most companies charge on an hourly basis in case of a local move it depends upon how much packing they have to do and labor charges. You can use a moving cost calculator for more precise pricing, especially for long-distance moves.
Size and Weight of Your Belongings
The more belongings you have to move, the more expensive it is going to be, as it requires more labor and larger moving trucks. If you want to save on moving costs, declutter your home. Donate or sell the items you don’t need anymore. Professional movers measure your belongings by cubic footage, which means the space your stuff takes up in the moving truck.
Type of Moving Service
Types of moving services range from DIY moving, full-service moving, and hiring professional movers. It impacts the overall expenses when it comes to how to estimate moving costs. DIY moving services are comparatively less expensive than hiring professional movers. But it requires you to do all the heavy lifting and packing by yourself. You can even rent a moving truck and make a move yourself. Hiring moving experts is undoubtedly costlier than DIY moves, but you will be saved from all the hassle as flat-rate movers will take care of packing, loading, unloading, and transportation.
Timing of the Move
The next on the list of how to estimate moving costs is the timing of the move. If you are moving in peak season, the cost is going to be higher. While, making a move in the off-season reduces the moving cost. Summer is usually the peak season for the moving industry, which is from May to September. Many moving companies may charge a premium for their services at this time due to high demand. Whereas off-peak months are from October to April, which offers lower rates. Also, weekend moves are pricier than weekday moves.
Additional Services
While moving is already costly, additional services can cause expenses to rise further. Here are some of the most common add-ons –
Specialty items
Estimated moving costs for specialty items like pianos, antiques, hot tubs, pool tables, or other bulky items tend to be more expensive and, hence, will increase your overall moving cost.
Packing supplies
If professional movers bring their own packing supplies like bubble wrap, packing papers, mattress covers, or any other packing supplies, they will charge you more; thereby, the moving cost estimate will be higher.
Packing and unpacking services
Professional moving companies provide packing and unpacking services. So, you can take their help for packing your belongings and then unpacking them at your new home. You need to pay an extra fee to get these services, which will add to the estimated moving costs.
Storage
Many people need storage services before, during, or after the move. These storage services are chargeable and increase your relocation estimate.
Moving Insurance
Moving insurance is an important factor while thinking about “how much will my move cost”. Many professional moving companies offer insurance coverage services for your valuables. Also, ensure that the moving company you are hiring has a certificate of insurance with them. It acts as a double-edged sword in protecting your valuables during transit, and your moving claim will take less to complete if something unfortunate happens.
Conclusion
Estimating your moving costs accurately is crucial for budgeting and avoiding last-minute surprises. Take the time to get multiple quotes, declutter, and consider off-peak moving times to reduce costs. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to stay within your budget and enjoy a stress-free moving experience.
Big Apple Moving promises to ensure a stress-free moving experience, as our primary goal is to move and store your items efficiently and professionally. We have an expertly trained staff to look after your every moving need, including specialty services, and let yourself be our happiest clients ever. Moving can never be this easy with Big Apple Moving. Get a quote and visit our website for more information.