Moving Tips

Your Local Moving Estimate - How to Understand It!

When you obtain a Moving Estimate or Quote for a Local Move,* it's important to understand what your estimate includes and what it really means. You can't compare quotes from competing movers unless you understand your quote fully and can be sure you are truly comparing apples to apples.

Local Moving Estimates - How Movers Charge

Local moving estimates are not bids or contracts. Instead, the estimate is an approximation of the cost of your move based on the mover's survey of the items to be moved. This estimate is based on time: The number of hours it takes to move and the travel time between your origin and your destination.

There will be an hourly charge given. The hourly charge is based on the number of men and amount of equipment (moving trucks) used for your move. Very importantly, you will be billed based on the actual time your move takes. If your move takes longer than estimated, you will be billed more, if it takes less, you will pay less.

If your local move is quoted as a "Minimum"

The exception to a straight hourly charge is what is called a "minimum". Like plumbers or other contractors who charge for a service call, it is common for movers to charge a 2-4 hour minimum, depending upon the time of year. For instance a 4-hour minimum usually includes an hour of travel time, plus 3 hours of moving with a driver and an additional man. If you have a very small move, it may take less than 4 hours, but you will still be charged the minimum.

Local Moving Estimates - How The Moving Consultant Creates An Estimate

To get an accurate estimate of your moving costs, you will need an in-house pre-move survey conducted by a professional Moving Estimator. During the pre-move survey, you show the Moving Estimator the items you intend to move as well as those you do not plan to move. He or she will then prepare an estimate of what those items will cost to move based on how long he believes it will take. How good your estimate is depends upon the skill and experience of your estimator, and how accurate you are in telling your estimator which items you plan to take and which you will not. Ask your Moving Estimator how long they have been estimating moves and this will give you an idea of how reliable their estimate might be. Diggins & ROSE offers free, no obligation pre-move estimates. 

Things That Can Throw Off Your Local Moving Estimate

If you plan to give your dining room set to Aunt Tillie, and never get around to it, this will throw off your moving cost estimate considerably! Also if you plan to do "all" your own packing, but run out of time, your 4 hour move could turn into an 8 hour move before you know it. Be sure to keep accurate notes of what your plan to take and what you are not planning to take with you on your move. If this changes, be sure to give your mover plenty of advance notice to either send more movers or send you some packing help. Don't forget the items on your walls, like artwork and mirrors, or items like lamps and small appliances. These easily-overlooked items must all be properly packed. Refer to our step-by-step videos on how to pack. 

Comparing Estimates From Different Moving Companies

When you are comparing moving cost estimates from different moving companies, do not be misled by a "low ball" estimate, meaning that mover has shown a lower moving cost by quoting fewer hours or fewer moving men. There should not be a big difference. If there is, you should question why. Did one mover allow for the extra time to carry items an extra distance because of extra stairs or elevators? Don' t just look at the bottom line of the estimate. Remember, if your move takes longer than estimated, it will cost you more.

diggins & ROSE Offers Free Local Moving Estimates

Diggins & ROSE has been serving NH and MA since 1955 offering local moves as well as long distance and commercial moves. For a free local moving cost estimate, simply request a quote. For questions about moving, contact us anytime.

*A Local Move is within the same state and moving under 50 miles. Moves over this distance, even within the same state are consider "Intrastate Moves" and the rules for these are different. Intrastate Moves are priced based on weight and mileage, the same as Interstate Moves.

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