Factors that Affect Your Moving Estimate

If you’re moving, you most likely have a lot of unease—and a lot of expenses. The last thing you should have to worry about are surprises when it comes to your moving estimate. That’s why you need the assistance of an experienced and trustworthy moving company who will help you to findways to lower your moving expenses, and who will provide you an accurate estimate of what those expenses will be.

How to Find a Great Company for Your Move in Little Rock

 

For starters, you need to know not all moving companies are identical. Some are seasoned, knowledgeable and honest—others aren’t. Per Consumer Reports, for example:

“Some moving companies quote lowball prices and then, once the move is underway, hold their customers' property hostage until they pay much more. Others demand substantial deposits and then don't show up, says Katherine Hutt, a spokeswoman for the Better Business Bureau.”

The good news is that you can discover the best company to help you move by simply doing a little homework. You can, for starters, certify their credentials (including their carrier number from the Department of Transportation) and read online ratings and complaints.

You should also check out their website—the best movers are often recipients of prestigious awards—like the Pinnacle Mover Designation Award and the North American Quality Award—and will often post these awards on their site.

How to Comprehend the Factors of Your Moving Costs in Little Rock

Many elements go into the cost of your move. For instance, what you pay will be based in part on components like the total weight of your possessions and the mileage to your new residence. There are several other factors, however, which will affect the total of your moving estimate, including the following 6:

1. Packing and crating costs: Remember, you’re paying the moving company for their time. Definitely, they’ll require more time if you ask them to pack your things. You can save money by packing some or all of your possessions yourself. You can decrease costs further by taking apart large pieces of furniture instead of having the mover do it for you. Also, you’ll be billed more for specific kinds of packing and handling. For example, if items like artwork or a grandfather clock require crating, your cost will be higher.
2. Poor access to your pick-up or drop-off location in Little Rock: If your current or future place of residence is in a location which prevents access for a large truck (for example, because of a narrow road or a weak bridge), your movers must find secondary way to get belongings from your old home or to your new one. For example, they may need to use smaller vehicles to gain access. In this event, you’ll need to pay the mover a shuttle fee.
3. Stairs or long walking distances: The total of your move will also be more if there are very long stairs (or multiple stairs) which they need to maneuver your belongings up or down. You could also have to pay a long-carry fee if the span from the moving truck to the entrance of your residence is greater than 50 feet.
4. Narrow doors or hallways: If some of your items don’t fit through the door or down narrow hallways, a rigger may be required to hoist them through a window. In this case, you could be assessed a hoisting fee.
5. Storage fees: This is one of the more prevalent reasons for increased costs. If you have to store some or all your possessions at the carrier’s warehouse because your new residence is not ready for you, you’ll have to pay an additional storage fee.
6. Time of year: Summer is the busiest moving time of the year, which means that moving in the summer will be more expensive. You can save money if it’s possible to execute your move from September to May. You will also pay more if you move on a national holiday or on the first or last day of the month (this is because rental agreements typically expire at these times, which means more people move then).

Conclusion

Moving companies don’t get a reputation for honesty, accuracy and trustworthiness by mistake—they earn it by helping their clients, giving them guidance and working hard to secure that trust. The most important thing you can do to have a safe move and lower your costs is to identify the kind of moving company which cares about you and your family and will work hard to ensure your complete satisfaction.

To find out more about our residential, office and corporate relocation services, contact us today.