While cost can be influential in choosing a trusted professional mover, you’ll also want to consider experience, reputation, customer service, hidden fees, and other important measures. As you prepare for a move in the Dayton or surrounding areas Lewis & Michael is a trusted professional moving company with over 70 years of moving experience. Read on as we help you navigate estimating moving costs and or receiving a free moving company quote for local and long distance moves.
Why Estimating Moving Costs Matters
Estimating moving costs matters to set expectations for both parties. Since local and long distance moves are not billed until the job is complete in most cases, you’’ rely heavily on the estimate you receive upfront. For local moves that are billed hourly, being off by as little as a few hours can significantly change the estimate. While estimates are subject to change, between you and the moving company of choice can walk through the information needed to accurately estimate moving costs.
6 Main Factors That Affect Moving Costs
To help you understand moving cost estimates, we’ve done the heavy lifting and broken down the 6 main factors that can affect moving costs.
Distance of the move (local vs. long-distance)
The distance of the move can impact the cost. For local moves, distance can be calculated into the hourly rate charged. It may be listed as drive time, and may not be as simple as the minutes it takes to get from point A to point B. For example, drive time may be time and a half. Moving companies consider gas, mileage, and other factors. They can also consider the time it takes to arrive at the job, even though there’s usually no direct charge for this. Both of these considerations can explain why distance can impact the cost of the move. Long distance moving costs on the other hand are usually based on the weight of belongings and distance of the move, rather than an hourly rate.
Size of the move (number of rooms, amount of furniture)
Reasonably so, the size of the move can impact the cost. Factors such as the number of rooms, large household items, garage, amount of furniture, and so forth can influence moving costs. For local moves, the more items, the longer it takes movers to finish the job. As a result, you’ll be charged more hours. For long distance moves, more belongings can translate to more time or more importantly a heavier weight. Moving estimates for long distance moves can include the weight of belongings as opposed to an hourly rate.
Time of year (peak vs. off-season)
Moving is a heavy lift – even with professional movers by your side. Therefore, factors such as break from school or ideal timing spaced from holidays can impact the demand of moving. The peak moving season is usually during summer time. With more demand, moving companies are still just as willing to help as long as they have the bandwidth. During off-seasons you may be able to obtain moving services on shorter notice or take advantage of promotions.
Accessibility (stairs, elevators, long carries)
The accessibility of the home or unit can come into play when estimating moving costs. For example, if you live in a condo with a lot of stairs, it will take longer to move belongings from your home to the moving truck. In addition, if you have stairs this can require more effort and time. For local moves you probably want movers to get the job done as quickly as possible to cut down on the hours billed. However, ensuring your items arrive safely is just as important. As you evaluate offers, be realistic about the accessibility and level of effort required. Think about taking groceries into your home, and then multiply the effort for that as you consider the effort required by your moving team.
Packing services (DIY vs. professional)
Moving companies can offer a variety of services including packing services. That’s right – our team at Lewis & Michael will pack your entire home and move it. For some, this may sound ideal while some others may prefer to pack their own belongings. In either decision, there are costs associated. For professional packing services, you can obtain an estimate for professional packing services, For DIY, you’ll want to consider the supplies needed and time to pack your belongings. Supplies can include bubble wrap, boxes, moving tape, mattress bags, shoe containers, and more. The upside to packing on your own is it can encourage you to get rid of belongings you don’t want or need. However, it can also be quite time consuming and exhausting. Packing belongings safely can prove harder than anticipated.
Specialty items (pianos, antiques, large appliances)
Heavy or specialty items that require even more caution can increase moving estimates. Items such as pianos, large appliances, grandfather clocks, and more can be considered specialty items. During the process of obtaining a moving estimate, the moving company will likely ask about specialty items and help you define what they are.
Local vs. Long-Distance Moves
Lewis & Michael can assist with local and long distance moves in Dayton and surrounding areas. The services requested can impact the cost of local and long distance moves. Let’s compare the two and how costs can vary.
Local Moves
A local move is typically under 50 to 100 miles. Local moving costs are generally based on an hourly rate, including drive time.
Long Distance Moves
Moves that exceed 100 miles are considered long distance moves. Long distance moving costs are typically calculated based on the weight of your belongings and the distance of the move.
How to Get an Accurate Moving Quote
The best way to get an accurate moving quote for local and long distance moves is to contact a professional moving company. While you can use a moving costs estimator, it might not capture everything to generate an accurate estimate. At Lewis & Michael, we want to help set you up for success with your next move. One of our team members can consult with you to provide a free moving estimate based on a series of questions.
Extra Costs to Consider When Estimating Moving Costs
- Packing materials and boxes
- Storage fees
- Insurance/valuation coverage
- Fuel charges or travel time
- Last-minute changes or delays
Tips for Saving on Moving Costs
When it comes to moving, estimates are provided upfront with a final amount due once the job is complete. While jobs may share similarities, no two moving jobs are the same. Factors such as the organization of the customer, services requested, preparation, and more can impact the total cost of moving. To help you cut down upcoming moving costs, here are some tips.
Declutter before your move
As you start to pack your belongings, you may be surprised by how much stuff accumulates over time. Get rid of items you don’t need or want as you pack up to reduce the number of belongings hitting the road with you. This can reduce the number of boxes and or furniture to be moved, which can contribute toward a lesser cost of moving.
Pack what you can yourself
Preparing for your move can help movers get the job done faster. If you wish to hire movers to pack for you, you can enjoy less work in exchange for a price. However, if you pack your own belongings, pack what you can and have it ready to go for the movers. Including details such as where the boxes are to go at the new location can also help expedite the move. If you are able, you can also move boxes or small/manageable items prior to reduce the required labor from movers.
Be flexible with your moving date
Ideally movers want to stay busy. Being flexible with your moving date offers them the opportunity to fill a less demanded time. In exchange, they may be able to offer a discount.
Book early, especially during peak season
Booking early can help ensure you secure the date you need. It can also help ensure the moving company has resources available. Requesting services close to your move date, especially during peak season, can cause conflict for the moving company. In some cases, they may have to outsource the job.
Get a Free Estimate from Lewis & Michael
Our team at Lewis & Michael is committed to making moving as seamless as possible. From accurate estimates to above and beyond customer support, we are willing to go the extra mile.
