How to compare moving quotes

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Do you know what moving quotes are? More importantly, do you know how they affect your relocation? Finally, do you know why knowing how to compare moving quotes can help you avoid falling victim to a scam? If the answer was no to all three questions then this article is for you. It is no secret, hiring a professional moving company, like Professional Movers Canada, will bring a lot of advantages to your relocation process. However, choosing the moving company that will ensure you do not spend a fortune on the relocation process is one of the biggest advantages you can have. Instead of comparing estimates, this article will help you understand them and know what to choose. More importantly, by learning all of the estimates that exist, you will be able to approach the hiring process of moving companies much easier. After all, this is about your personal money.

To compare moving quotes, you have to know them

A moving quote, or moving estimate, is a process of determining the overall expenses of your relocation process. Most of the time, the price is determined by the weight, complexity, and size of the items you are moving. Logically, the more work movers Oakville, for example, have to put into the process, the bigger your expenses are going to be. Furthermore, we can differentiate three main estimate types:

  • Non-binding estimate
  • Binding estimate
  • Binding Not-to-Exceed estimate

More importantly, when making deals with a certain moving company, the company has to deliver its estimate with precise calculations. Furthermore, the company will have to state which estimate they are providing. In addition, each estimate serves a different type of relocation best. However, some might not be a good choice at all. Every choice you make during this period will affect the price of the relocation in the long run.

Non-binding estimate

As the name might suggest, this type of estimate might not be the most stable and accurate one. Namely, the non-binding estimate allows the moving company to determine the price of the move based on the weight of your items. However, the estimate will not be set in stone. In fact, there is a high chance that the price will change, as the weight of the items changes.

a couple holding cardboard boxes
The non-binding estimate means that the more you carry, the higher the price is; Additionally, the mover can always increase the price

Although it might seem like a solid choice at first, this type of estimate is often what leads to scams when moving. Namely, potential scam artists might try to “lowball” you into an offer by ensuring you receive a too good to be true offer. Later, they can easily impose larger expenses than originally thought and cause stress and financial losses. Again, this might not always be the case, but it is something you should watch for.

Binding estimate

Making deals with a moving company before actually preparing everything might not be a good idea. Especially when this type of estimate is at play. Namely, the binding estimate is the type of estimate that will be set in stone, unlike the one above. Based on the approximate weight of the items you move, the moving company, like moving services Toronto, will determine the price of the relocation.

a couple sitting in a pile of moving boxes before they compare moving quotes
The binding estimate allows the moving company to increase the price with the weight, but cannot lower it than originally estimated

Although it may seem like an offer set in stone is a good choice, this will depend. Namely, if you agree to a certain offer, the moving company will not have the option to increase the price. However, they will also not be able to lower the price, even if you do have fewer items to move. When you compare moving quotes, know that the binding estimate is a great solution for last-minute relocations. Adding items can change the estimate.

Compare moving quotes: Binding Not-to-Exceed estimate

Also known as Guaranteed not-to-exceed, this estimate might be one of the best solutions when moving on longer distances. Consequently, it is also one of the easiest to explain. Namely, upon evaluation, the moving company will provide you with an estimate on your belongings, like with the rest. However, under this estimate, even if you do carry more than originally planned, you do not have to pay anything additionally. Even if you bring fewer items, the price will lower with the weight.

a couple stacking cardboard boxes in their living room
This estimate is a great solution for long-distance relocations as it is the most flexible

Generally speaking, agreeing on this type of estimate will mean that the price can fluctuate depending on the weight you take away, not add. This type of estimate can allow you to change your mind while preparing to move and allows much more flexibility. So, before you contact moving and storage Toronto, make sure that you know what to expect when they come to evaluate your belongings.

Knowing your estimates can save you a lot of stress, as well as money

It is crucial that you enter this process with adequate knowledge. You simply cannot compare estimates without understanding what they do exactly. More importantly, it is these kinds of situations that often lead people into scam artists. Estimate charges are controlled by the FMCSA – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Hence, most professional moving companies cannot afford to play with these estimates or adapt them to fit their needs. After all, hiring a moving company is all about bringing safety into the process. Make sure that you compare moving quotes with care and attention to detail. If you lack experience with relocations, you can always try to find someone that has some experience, to guide you through the process. Again, you can also find a lot of useful information online on what the process should look like.

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