In a city where people hustle hard, there’s no time or money for waste – especially when it comes to moving. There are packing supplies, non-refundable Co-Op application fees, penalties for breaking a lease early, the cost of changing utilities and more to consider, let alone the actual price of hiring full service movers. But even if you’ve carefully planned your move, there are still plenty of hidden costs to consider that can add up quickly.
When evaluating a mover, look for one that offers a flat rate pricing option or a flexible quote that allows you to select the services you need. This can help you avoid overpaying and make a more informed decision.
Most reputable movers will offer an initial estimate based on a visit from a representative who takes a visual survey of your home and completes a rough inventory to understand the scope of work that needs to be completed. The size and volume of your items will also play a role in the final price you pay as well as any special considerations that may impact the moving process like stairs vs elevator access, tight hallways, or difficult furniture removals.
A moving company that’s licensed and insured is a sign of professionalism and trustworthiness. However, you’ll also want to research a mover’s reputation and customer reviews to ensure they can handle your specific situation. A review site like Better Business Bureau will give you insight into whether a mover is legitimate and reliable.
Many movers offer a range of additional services moving services to complement their core offering such as cleaning, storage, and junk removal. These can be useful to those who don’t have the time, equipment or desire to handle these tasks on their own. If you need these extra services, be sure to request a quote from each moving company and compare the prices they are charging.
Some movers will also charge for disassembly and reassembly of heavy or large furniture like beds, sofas, or dining tables. They’ll take this into account when estimating their costs and will likely add an additional cost to reflect the amount of labor required for these tasks.
Some movers will include the price of boxes and other packing materials in their initial quote while others will require you to provide these items yourself. The latter option is often cheaper but it’s important to ask about the cost of packing materials and how much they’ll charge for a box. It’s also a good idea to discuss the cost of storage solutions with each moving company you’re considering as some will offer short and long term storage options as part of their overall moving costs. This can be a worthwhile investment if you have an unexpected issue like a delayed closing on your new home and need to store some of your belongings for a few weeks.