How to Estimate the Cost of a Move
There are plenty of costs that come with moving: A down payment or security deposit on a new home, the cost to hire a realtor to sell your old one, and the price of packing supplies are all common expenses. Of course, if you’re planning on hiring help for your move, you’ll also need to factor a moving quote into your budget. If you’re trying to anticipate just how much your move will cost, here are a few factors that will influence the price of hiring movers. Keep in mind, the American Movers and Storage Association estimates the price of the average intrastate move (moving within state lines) to be $1170, based on an average shipment weight of 7,100 lbs. and a crew of four movers.
The flights of stairs.
One thing you might not have considered: Stairs. Stairways complicate a move in a number of ways–it often takes movers longer to maneuver heavy furniture down a closed stairwell, for example, larger pieces may require disassembly, and there’s more physical exertion–all of which can increase the time spent in your home and the price you’ll pay to move out of it.
The distance you’re moving.
Moving across state lines significantly increases the cost of your move. The AMSA estimates that average interstate move costs around $5630, which accounts for moving the same 7,100 lbs more than 1,000 miles.
How many rooms your house is.
This one seems obvious, but it’s important to consider since many moving companies create estimates based on the size of your home: the more rooms your home has, the more money your move will cost.
How many movers you want to hire.
Your costs will vary depending on how much help you think you’ll need. Most moving services will provide two movers at minimum, but you’ll have the option to hire more if you want a speedy move, or would prefer not to do any heavy lifting yourself.
Special items.
There are certain items that go above and beyond what’s considered to be normal household items. If you’re a fine art collector and will require your movers to pack each piece separately, for example, or if you have furniture that’s especially heavy or oddly shaped, you can expect the price of your move to go up.
The time of the month.
Most lease terms begin on the first of the month, followed by the 15th, so moving at these times will naturally be more expensive because there is a higher demand for movers. Weekends also demand higher prices. If you can swing it, moving mid-week or on an off weekend can save you money on your moving service.
The time of the year.
Summer is considered to be “busy season” for moving so, like peak weekends, moving during these months will likely be more costly than waiting until the off-season winter months.
Moving at midnight.
Say what? While an overnight move might seem odd to a homeowner, it’s a common practice for commercial and business moves, as not to interrupt normal employee workflow or cut into business hours. If you’re planning a move overnight, you can expect to pay a premium.
How far away parking is.
Like the number of flights of stairs in your house, the distance a moving truck has to park from your home isn’t an obvious cost factor, but it can play a role in determining the price of your move. A moving truck that’s at the end of a long driveway, for example, will require movers to walk longer distances from the house to the truck and back, which increases the amount of physical exertion and time spent on the job.
How rates are determined.
When you hire a moving service, it’s important to determine if you’ll be paying a flat rate or if you’ll be charged by the hour. If it’s the latter, there is more room for exceeding your budget if your move takes longer than anticipated.
There’s a lot that goes into determining the cost of your move. For a custom quote, contact Orange Movers today.