How much does it cost to move house?
The cost to move house is different for everyone. But the last thing anyone wants is an unexpected increase to the fee. This article provides a guide to moving costs, so you know what to tell your moving company when you ask for a quote. Moving comes with many headaches. Getting an accurate quote removes one of them straight away.
Always ask for a moving quote
No two moving companies are the same, so it’s important to find out what you’re getting for your money. A reputable moving company will give you a quote which outlines exactly what services you’ll receive. The quote should also detail what services come at an extra cost, so you don’t get any unpleasant surprises.
Good movers will also give you advice about how to reduce moving expenses and ask the right questions about the details of your move, so you get an accurate quote. Let’s look at the extras that can bump up the fee.
The variables in moving costs
Size of the load, weight and distance
All of the above affect your moving cost. Bigger loads need bigger trucks and more movers to carry your belongings. Transporting items over a long distance adds to the cost, and often you’ll need to factor in the cost of temporary storage too.
Packing
We’ve posted many articles about the benefits of professional packing services. They come at a cost, so you’ll need to weigh up whether you want movers to manage the packing or do it yourself.
Make sure you ask your moving company to detail what you’ll get as part of any packing service. Does it include furniture disassembly? Do they need to know about any special items that may need specialised packing materials? Does the packing service include unpacking and furniture assembly at the other end? Will they take the packaging materials away?
Access
Packing costs are affected by where your moving company can park the truck and the type of access to your house. Narrow pathways, obstacles and stairs all increase moving costs, as it increases the time and difficulty of moving items from your house to the truck.
Make sure you discuss access and where they can park the truck as part of getting your quote. Some movers will charge extra fees, often called long-carry fees, after the fact if the move is more challenging than outlined.
Special items
Special items can also have an impact on your moving cost, so make sure you mention any large, heavy or special items, like pianos or oversized furniture. This includes large fragile items, such as mirrors, paintings and appliances with specific moving instructions.
As a moving company, we pride ourselves on getting quotes right, so you have the peace of mind that your move will cost exactly what it says on the quote. We’re here to make your move easier, and that starts from the time you give us a call.
