How to Figure Moving Costs

Moving can be an expensive venture.

The cost of moving depends on many factors, including whether you do it yourself, hire professional movers, the amount and weight of items involved, the charge for moving supplies and packing materials, equipment rentals, and location. Though some costs are fixed, the cost of moving depends upon what type of moving company you hire, what you are moving, and where.

Things You'll Need

• Moving boxes
• Movers
• Packing materials
• Rental truck
• Calculator
• Online calculator
• Internet access

Instructions

Gather Your Possessions

1. Write down what items will be moved. Estimating moving costs largely depends on the items that you plan to move. It's best to develop an itemized list of items that you will move. It helps to see things visually and you may discover that you have more to move than what you thought.

   This takes a bit of planning, but write down all of the items contained in the move --- the estimated number of moving boxes, then heavy items such as pianos, bedroom furniture, mattresses, tables and chairs. The heavier these items are, the more they will cost to move, especially if movers are involved.

2. Contact a moving company for an estimate. It's best to get estimates from several companies for a competitive rate. You'll need to give your itemized, detailed list of items involved in your move in order to get an accurate quote. Generally, moving companies will base a quote on the amount of items you move and the distance.

   If possible, get a written quote, noting what the estimate includes, and how much time is included in your particular estimate. For example, some companies charge more if movers have to go up flights of stairs; there may be additional charges involved if your belongings are not adequately packed when movers arrive. Make sure you determine if the quote is binding or non-binding to avoid additional charges tacked on at the end of your move.

3. Estimate equipment costs, especially if you plan to do it yourself. There are a number of costs involved outside of the actual labor costs involved in your move -- dollies, boxes, furniture pads, packing materials and truck rental.

   If you are moving yourself, you will need to figure these costs in your estimate by pricing supplies and calling for truck-rental costs; if you hire a moving company, typically everything but the moving boxes and packing supplies is included in your moving estimate.

   Add in gas. The cost of gas can be a significant addition to your moving bottom line, especially if you are moving across the country. Factor in the cost to fill up your moving truck and how many trips it will take to move your belongings during a local move.

4. Add labor costs. Unless you plan to gather a bunch of friends to assist with your move, do-it-yourself movers must include labor costs within their estimates. You often can find laborers willing to help you move by posting ads at local colleges or by looking on websites where people are looking for work.

5. Figure moving-day costs. Invariably, other costs will crop up on moving day. There are often other costs that quickly add up. There may be additional food and lodging costs brought on by your move. Don't forget to factor in additional transportation costs, such as airfare, if moving long distances; moving companies can charge a gas surcharge.

Use an online moving calculator

1. Figure your moving costs with an online calculator. The calculator, available on many moving company websites, helps you figure out your costs, or at least get a fair estimate. These sites use your moving locations, the size of your home, and the length you've stayed in your old home to come up with a moving cost and a quote.

2. Use the list of items in your home that you've compiled and add them into the online calculator. Some calculators will ask for a specific number of boxes while others will just ask how many rooms you have in your home.

3. Use the calculator as a guide -- not a concrete figure.

Tips & Warnings

• Hire a licensed, bonded moving company with references whenever possible. Although many would rather skimp on this cost, your possessions are worth it. Avoid fly-by-night operators. If you hire laborers for the day, check their references.

• Invest in moving and packing supplies. The quality of your supplies may determine if your items are broken during your move. Don't use previously used or worn boxes; and invest in plenty of cushioning materials to properly safeguard valuable and delicate items.

• Do-it-yourself moving can save money, but it may take longer to move this way than if professionals are hired.

References

• Moving: Materials
• Moving: Moving companies
• Moving: Online calculators