Your move across the miles can be intimidating. But it may not be just the distance that plays on your mind; it’s the cost of your upcoming move that can really worry you. A big bill can be challenging to handle on top of all the other work that comes with relocating.
Understanding where these costs come from helps you spot legitimate expenses that belong, and which ones do nothing but inflate your bill.
To help you become an informed judge of your next move, take a look at the list below. It outlines the most common factors that impact your costs, so you can find affordable long distance moving companies that fit your budget.
Distance
Generally, the farther you have to go, the more expensive your move will be. That’s because travelling a greater distance means more work for long distance movers. Their team of movers have to be available for more time, their trucks are on the road and burning through more fuel for longer, and — if you end up moving by rail — they may have to incorporate freight charges.
Your Belongings
How many items you have to transport is another big factor in the cost of long distance moving. When you own a lot of things, companies will need to send out more movers, and they may take longer to transport everything safely. The longer they take, the more you can expect to pay, especially if your long distance company charges an hourly rate.
While some disreputable businesses will try to milk a job to earn more money, you can trust award-winning long distance movers to be honest. Make sure you get an on-site estimate to give you a good idea of how much time your move will take.
Additional Services
All-in-one movers provide a variety of services for their customers. They can be your hired muscle, working simply to move you from point A to B. But they can also help you at every step of your move, including packing, unpacking, and storage. These may affect the cost of long distancing moving. There may also be additional fees for handling specialty items.
Insurance
The best long distance moving companies will have industry-standard liability and cargo insurance. Your overall rate should include this base coverage. However, you may opt to purchase additional insurance to protect your most valuable belongings against damage or theft. How much it costs depends on how many items you need insured, whether any of them are specialty items like a piano or valuable art, and how far you’re going.
Moving Date
Last but not least, the time of your move may have an impact on the rates you pay. A mover’s busy season tends to be the summer and the start of a new school year, or, if they’re stationed in Quebec, it’s a singular day: July 1. More people are moving during these peak times, so you can expect to pay more to join them.
Compare These Fees to Find the Best
While these costs may be common items on your bill, each mover may charge a different price for these services. That’s why it’s important you comparison shop before you lock into any contract. Take the time to review rates and watch out for hidden fees — everything you pay should be plain and clear in your contract!
