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What to look for on a moving quote
Moving quotes come in two flavors: binding (price locked regardless of actual weight) and non-binding (price adjusts based on actual weight at destination). Non-binding quotes can double or triple at delivery if movers claim extra weight. A quality quote clearly states binding/non-binding, weight estimate method, and what's included.
Local (under 50 mi, hourly billing), same-state (50–250 mi), long-distance (250–1,000 mi), cross-country (1,000+ mi).
Binding = price locked regardless of actual weight. Non-binding = price can rise based on actual delivery weight. Binding is safer for consumers.
In-home survey (most accurate) vs phone/video vs customer-provided inventory. Companies that quote without seeing your stuff will adjust upward at delivery.
$25–$50 per mover per hour typical. 2-person team standard for 1-BR, 3-person for larger.
$0.50–$0.80/lb per 1,000 miles. Cross-country can be higher.
Full pack, partial pack, or no pack. Each level has separate cost and timeline.
Boxes, tape, padding, mattress bags, wardrobe boxes. Should be itemized or explicitly included.
Time and crew size. Stairs, long carry, narrow doors, or elevator fees should be identified up-front.
How many days between pickup and delivery. Long-distance is usually 3–14 days; storage-in-transit adds cost.
Basic (60 cents/lb) is free but minimal. Full-value protection (1–3% of declared value) replaces damaged items at current value.
If move-out and move-in dates don't align. Typically $100–$400/month plus access fees.
Diesel surcharge varies with fuel prices. Should be itemized.
Red flags in a moving quote
Phone or online quotes always adjust upward on move day. Legitimate companies do in-home or video survey to weigh accurately.
Reputable movers require small deposit or none. Large upfront deposits ($500+) before the move is a common scam pattern.
Some rogue carriers give very low non-binding quotes, then load your items and demand 2–3x the quote for delivery. Always require binding or "not to exceed" quotes for long-distance.
Interstate movers must be registered with FMCSA. Check at fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move before signing. No USDOT = unregulated mover (likely scam).
Read the valuation fine print. Some "full value" coverage has per-item deductibles that exclude common damages. True full-value replacement is rare; most protection has limits.
Requesting cash at delivery (instead of credit card) prevents dispute. Scam movers often demand cash to lock in the hostage pricing.
Quotes should include likely add-ons (stairs, long carry, packing materials). Surprise fees on move day are standard scam practice.
Every piece should be inventoried and labeled at pickup so you can verify what's delivered. No inventory = no proof when items are damaged or missing.
Common hidden costs and change orders
These items are often missing from the initial moving quote and show up later as change orders or surprise fees. Ask about each before signing.
- Stairs or elevator fees ($50–$300)
- Long carry (over 75 ft) ($50–$200)
- Shuttle service when truck can't reach home ($300–$1,500)
- Storage in transit if delivery window missed
- Additional packing materials beyond estimate
- Valuation coverage upgrade
- Piano, safe, or special-handling items
- Disassembly/reassembly of furniture ($50–$200 per item)