How Are Moving Costs Calculated?

Here are a few things to consider when calculating moving costs:

• The distance between the two locations—interstate vs. local moves
  It makes sense that the greater the distance between the pick-up and drop-off locations, the larger the expense will be. For long-distance moves, moving companies will consider the weight and volume of items you are moving in addition to the distance. If your move is across state lines, additional fees may be involved such as insurance, tolls, or overnight accommodations for the movers. In most situations, moves that are within a 50-mile radius are considered to be local moves. Some moving companies charge a fixed rate for local moves and this will depend on the number of workers needed to complete the job. Other moving companies will charge based on the time that it takes to move you to your new home. Be sure you ask the moving companies providing estimates to explain everything in detail.

• The size and weight of the move
  The bigger the job, the higher the cost. If you have a large home with a lot of stuff to move, you may need a bigger-than-average moving truck, as well as additional help. When calculating moving costs, time is often considered as well. The more stuff you have, the longer your home will take to load and unload, which may require more movers or longer hours to complete the work. To get an accurate estimate for your move, make a detailed list of everything you need help moving. Knowing up front what will be included in the move will help get an estimate of the time it will take, the size truck needed, and what supplies they should bring with them.

• The complexity of what is being moved
  If you are moving delicate or complex items such as pianos, pool tables, or even safes, you may find that additional fees are added in. Large items or heirlooms might require additional materials or handlers to move them.

• Who is packing?
  If you will be doing all of the packing yourself, this will save money. If your moving company will be packing your items for you, this is an additional service that you will be billed for.

• Moving date
  The cost of moving is also impacted by demand. Typically, May to September are the busiest months for moving companies and therefore, the most expensive. The beginning and end of the month are also usually extra busy for moving companies because that’s normally when leases end or begin. Because most people want to move on a weekend, Friday-Sunday is generally more expensive than Monday-Thursday.

The moving professionals at College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving are happy to offer you a free estimate for your upcoming move and explain how we calculate moving costs. We take great pride in being able to offer affordable and transparent moving prices.