Tips to Calculate Moving Cost Before You Move

We all will have to move one day to a new home. And it takes its toll – physical, emotional, and financial. For physical and emotional aspects, you cannot do much. But to reduce financial stress, we can do many things. Here, we discuss certain tips to help you calculate the moving cost before you move. The moving budget should be realistic and your ability to fit into it makes moving a stress-free task.

What is the Average Cost for Moving?

According to The American Moving and Storage Association, in the USA, the average cost to move a house locally is $2,300, while to a long-distance move; it can be approximately $4,300. This is calculated on the basis of 7,400 pounds as average moving weight.

Should You Move Yourself or Hire a Professional Moving Company?

Before deciding to move, consider these questions:

Do you have the time to pack all of your belongings?

Do you have the expertise to pack your fragile items?

Do you have an idea about the moving truck size?

D you know how many trucks would be required

Only if you have answers to these questions, you should consider moving. Otherwise, go for a moving company.

How Much is the Stuff?

Before hiring the mover, you need to have an idea about the stuff that is to be moved. The more the luggage, you will need to shell out extra. Here’s an idea to cut down the luggage. Give away those items that you feel are not that important to be taken with you. It would be surprising to note that about half of the items at home will not be worthy enough to be taken to the new place.

What’s Your Destination?

The moving quote for long distance will always be higher considering the mileage, fuel, and license the moving company should have. Do not expect a mover to give the same quote for both. You should be more realistic.

Do You Have Special Items at Home?

While calculating the moving cost, you need to consider the special items at home. You know why? Handling them requires extra training and this can shoot up the moving cost. Special packing materials, extra attention, and value of the items are considered while raising a quote.

Some of the special items at home are:

Piano/guitar/violin

Glassware

Aquariums with fish

Books

Idols and statues

Does Moving Insurance Influence Moving Cost Calculation?

There are multiple options available to protect household goods. A moving company takes the responsibility of the belongings in case of damage or loss. Under Federal law, interstate movers should offer two different liability options: Full Value Protection and Released Value. Apart from that, you can also obtain separate liability insurance from the third party, which is regulated by state law. If you are opting for insurance, it needs to be considered while calculating the moving cost.

Time to Move and its Impact on Moving Cost

Do you know that the cheapest moving period of the year is from late September to April? During this time, both short-distance and long-distance moving quotes will be attractive as it is the lean period. Try to plan a mid-month and mid-week time frame. During the summertime, holidays, and weekends, moving can be a costly affair.

Are Negotiations Possible?

Obviously yes! You need to have multiple moving quotes while approaching a company. This will work on your side to bargain on the price factor. And you should also prove your negotiation skills. You will get a handsome deal.

It’s not that moving is always expensive. Several factors decide the moving cost and you need to be aware of them. Playing the game much fairly will help you relocate to your new home comfortably at a reasonable cost. The moving cost should be calculated realistically and you need to plan everything in advance. The rest will be taken care of.