Planning the budget for the relocation is not easy since every moving situation is unique. A reliable moving company can help you save money and valuable time. If you need help with packing, the moving company can help you with that, too. Before you start to pack, make sure to keep reading this article. It will help you understand the costs of moving from Chicago to Toronto. Canada might be more affordable to live in than the USA. However, a moving process has some costs that go with it. Make sure to think about your financial situation on time and try to write down all of your costs.
In which period of time do you think that relocating is more prized? During the summer or winter? Moving is already a huge assignment logistically. Besides that, planning for it can be even a bigger burden. That depends on how far your move will be and how large your home is. Use our moving cost calculator and get in-house estimates for your relocation.
Getting estimates
The movers arrive at an initial price after the cautious examination of the house
When you narrow your choices down to two or three movers, you should call them to give you in-house estimates.Getting in-home estimates that the companies will write and sign is of high importance. This way, there won’t be any disagreement later about what the terms of your agreement have been. Get estimates from at least three different companies. That way you can also compare their services and prices.
If a mover you want to hire is refusing to give you an in-home estimate and claims he can provide an exact estimate online or over the phone without even seeing your items, just choose another mover. Moving consultants are trained to identify any issues with stairs, low hanging tree branches, or other barriers. The mover can offer a more accurate estimate through a visual search.
Be cautious when choosing a moving company
When it comes time to choosing a moving company, you’re going to have to request moving estimates from a bunch of different companies. You will have to compare their quotes and the services they offer. That way you will find the one that best suits your move. In the course of this procedure, you’ll see that the movers are giving you two options – two different ways that they provide possible customers with estimates for their move. Those two ways are over the phone and in-person.
Choose the in-person estimate and opt for best choice
Let the movers to fully weigh your stuff, so they can give you a fair estimate
The best way possible, in most cases, is choosing an in-person estimate where the moving company comes to your home to gets to value your things. This will allow them to provide you with the most accurate estimate. In-home estimates are recommended in most cases unless you’re making a last-minute move and are on a tight schedule.
You should give the movers a list of things that you will be moving when they arrive at your home. Also, allow them to fully assess your belongings so that they can give you a fair and accurate estimate. You don’t want any surprises on the moving day, which can only work against you. And this will usually make the mover to raise their price.
How to get a reliable in-house moving estimates
The best possible way to obtain a positive and reliable estimate is to have the mover come to your house. Then, they must record every single thing that needs to be moved. With in-house moving estimates, the moving company sends a surveyor to your home. The surveyor then makes a list of all of your possessions. This way the moving company knows exactly what you need to move and how to do it. Then, the moving company should have a plan and tell you precisely how much your move will cost you. In that moment they will be able to give you an exact and precise estimate.
If you prefer the in-house moving estimates, you should try to make it a binding price in the moving contract taht you will get. Be wary of moving based only on a moving quote. This could be a possible moving scam of fraud. Another possibility is that the moving company charges you hidden fees at the end of the process.
How in-house estimates work?
In-house estimates usually are more organized than those that you get over the phone. Also, they are much more accurate. That’s because moving companies can’t always get the full picture of what needs to be moved over the phone. Give the mover a list of your moving needs and with a specific description. However, even then it’s hard to get a firm grasp of the full expanse of the job unless you study it in person.
In-house estimates are typically carried out in next ways:
A customer will call up a moving company to request a quote. The sales agent on the phone will then set up an appointment. He will tell when the movers can come out to the customer’s house. The first time they’ll come to take a look at the items that will move.
When the movers arrive at the client’s house for the estimate, they will do a checking of each area very meticulously. Usually, they will write down everything that is a part of the move. They will estimate the total weight of your inventory as well.
After they carefully examine the house, the movers will let you know the price. They will charge you according to all the elements that are involved. There are three different types of estimates: a binding, non-binding, or binding not-to-exceed estimate. These are the options that you will have to debate with the movers when the time for that comes.
Top Questions that you have to ask a mover
When the movers arrive at your home to provide you with an estimate, it’s also an excellent time to ask the movers any questions. Maybe you have some questions about the estimate or moving process. Here are the most important questions you should go over with the movers:
What kind of estimate will I be receiving? A binding, a non-binding, or a binding not-to-exceed estimate?
Will the estimate be provided in writing after the assessment of the move and my belongings?
Are there any other fees or charges that I should know about? (e.g. extra charges for long carries, stair carries, etc).
Ask if there will be any extra charges
Do you have a US DOT number? Can you verify your license and insurance?
How long has your company been operating for?
How will you handle my goods during the move? What kind of safety precautions do you take to ensure that my belongings are moved safely?
Do you have a claims process for any lost or damaged items?
