With all the planning of moving to a new house, we may forget that we also have to hire movers. And the costs of moving quickly add up, which is why it’s imperative to keep tabs at every turn. You need to know when movers start charging, when your last payment is expected, and what they will charge for along the way. This way you can plan your budget and you won’t have to face any unexpected costs.
What to Expect When You Book Your Move
As with many service providers, an initial payment will be expected when you book your move, in order to secure your booking. Most movers will provide you with a refund if you cancel the booking in advance, otherwise, if you cancel at the last minute, you might lose your deposit–understandably. Your second payment is likely to be your last, and this is usually due on the day of your move unless otherwise stipulated in your contract. Each moving company has its own way of doing things, so it’s best to find out in the beginning so you don’t get caught with an upcoming payment you hadn’t expected just yet. Ask the mover about payments, or check the terms and conditions.
The Hidden Costs of Moving
Movers charge when you book your move, but after that, you could be in for more than you bargained for if you’re not careful. Professional movers are more thorough with going through the fine print and double-checking which services you want, and quoting you for those services. Still, now and then something may slip through the cracks.
Double-check that your quote includes or excludes these costs as necessary before you commit:
- Packing up of your belongings into boxes
- Packing material required to pack and wrap your belongings
- Wrapping your furniture
- Loading and unloading of your belongings
- Unpacking your belongings if need be
- Moving and wrapping delicate items such as artwork and musical instruments
- Temporary storage if necessary
How Most Moving Companies Charge
You’ll find that most moving companies have a super speedy calculator on their websites to give you an instant quote. These calculators are great because they base these calculations on their professional experience and their own rates. They have estimates on the cost of the time it takes to move the contents of homes of every size. They quote based on the number of belongings you have to move, the distance you are moving, and the moving services you require.
There may be other variables which the moving company will take into account such as access issues if you live in an apartment block or a double-storey home. Climbing stairs is time-consuming and moving large heavy items down and up stairs is also precarious. If your movers run over time, they will probably charge for their extra time, depending on your contractual agreement.
Don’t let the cost of your move spiral. Speak to our advisors, get the right advice, and get the right quote for your needs, without the pressure to accept the quote immediately.
