Austin Moving Blog - Tips, Tricks, and Insider Info
November 27, 2023

Things to Ask When Getting a Moving Estimate

preparing to moveBy Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Moving to is a major deal. No matter whether you're moving next door or a long distance, there's a lot of work and particulars which need to be handled. Hiring a professional mover in Austin can help alleviate much of the strain, but where do you even start in choosing the right local or long-distance moving company to suit your needs? It is important to talk to a number of movers and compare prices before signing a binding agreement with just any moving company in Austin. In spite of this, it usually is more complicated than just giving them a call and requesting what they would charge for your move. Various local moving companies provide numerous tiers of service and various services are incorporated into their customary quote. So, it is very important to analyze each and every estimate and spend some time to understand what is and what is not incorporated into them to enable you to render an “apples-to-apples” comparison. Here are a couple of questions to ask as you're collecting and analyzing moving quotes.

1) What services are extra?

No one likes unexpected surprises when it comes to moving, particularly when those surprises happen to be in the shape of costs on your invoice. A big error that many people make is assuming that everything required is automatically included in your moving estimate. Go over every line of the quote and be sure that you are aware of precisely what is and what is not contained and confirm that your requirements are covered. If perhaps anything you need to have is not included, request for it to be included with the quote. Be certain to repeat this with each and every moving company in Austin you are considering hiring to help you efficiently compare estimates.

2) What is the valuation of the goods?

Let’s face it. Professional movers are human and regardless of their best attempts, accidental damage can take place on occasion. Valuation can help cover the expense of mending or replacing harmed items. Most moving companies offer you various levels of valuation for your move with the least expensive valuation package paying a flat rate per pound for broken items, so make certain you know what amount of vaulation is included in your estimate. It may be beneficial to additionally get hold of your insurance agent to learn if your things may be insured during your move under your homeowner’s policy.

3) Is this a binding or non-binding estimate?

It is advisable to have either an in-person or video quote so the moving company estimator can see your things and determine their weight and the amount of cartons that you'll need. When you obtain a binding estimate, it should contain all charges and should make sure that the total doesn’t go over the quoted total. If it isn’t something you and the local moving company rep have talked about, make sure and ask whether the estimate is going to be binding or non-binding.

4) What about payment?

It is important to understand payment timing and also allowed methods. Make certain and find out if you have to put down a deposit. It isn't unheard of for moving companies in Austin to require a percentage of the full invoice to be paid upon loading with the remainder due after the job has been performed. Additionally, you’ll want to determine what payment methods the moving company in Austin takes. Many companies accept credit cards, but some may require a check or cash. If you're paying by check, ask whether a personal check will be taken or if you need to have a cashier’s check. The last thing you need is to be not really prepared and have to go to the bank at the last minute, in an already hectic time.

We would like you to feel entirely at ease with the selection of moving company, and that's why we welcome you to ask as many questions as you would like. If you are ready to get going on your move, speak to A-1 Freeman Moving Group in Austin right now to ask for a quote.

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