How to Get a Moving Quote Online
Online moving quote tools can be extremely helpful in the planning process of your move. Most large moving companies, including Two Men and a Truck and United Van Lines, offer this service on their websites. Using the tool, you will typically be asked to enter your moving dates, origin and destination address, type of home, number of rooms, etc. The tool will then use this information to create a ballpark estimate of the costs for your move. The tool will also ask questions about your furniture and other items in order to assess their weight and size, as well as how many stairs you have in your home. This will allow the tool to estimate the amount of time your move will take and how many movers you will need.
Once you have completed the online moving estimate, a member of the company may then contact you in order to confirm details and possibly schedule an in-home assessment. The process can vary a little bit from company to company, however, and some will simply require a virtual tour of your space, while others will want a more hands-on approach and an on-site survey.
The most common factors that influence a moving quote are the items you need to move, the distance of the move, and any additional services or options you may be interested in. When submitting your online estimate, be as accurate as possible with the number of items, rooms and stairs, and any other relevant details. The more precise you are, the more accurate your estimate will be and the less likely it will be to change on moving day.
Additionally, if you have the option to donate or sell any unwanted items before your move, it’s always worth doing so in order to lighten the load and reduce your moving quote. It’s not uncommon to find a significant reduction in the cost of your move simply by donating or selling unused items.
Other important considerations for a moving quote are seasonality and the date of your move. Generally speaking, moving companies are in more demand during the summer months and on weekends. This can result in higher costs than other times of year. If you have some flexibility in your dates, opting to move during a non-peak time of the year could save you money.
It’s recommended to obtain at least three moving quotes from competing companies in order to compare prices and services. When comparing quotes, pay special attention to the types of estimates offered (binding, non-binding, and binding not-to-exceed). Binding and non-binding estimates will guarantee a price for your move, while binding not-to-exceed is only guaranteed up to a specific percentage above the original estimate. This will give you some peace of mind in knowing that if unexpected costs arise, you will not be stuck with them. This will make it easier to budget your moving expenses. local moving quotes online