In order to plan your move, you need to understand how long it may take to transport all your belongings and how much budget you will need. You can even push back your planned moving date if you realize that you won’t have time to pack everything. But how long do you have to wait for an estimate of your move from professional movers?
If you decide to use the services of moving companies, you can either get a quote the day you contact them, or in 1-2 business days. Quick quotes are due to the use of online calculators, as well as situations where only basic services are required from the movers. More time will be needed if you wait for a company representative to do the assessment, in-home or virtually – this way you will get a more accurate figure for the quote.
There are four main methods of providing quotes.
- Online quote forms or online calculators. Many moving companies offer online calculators on their site, where you input details such as the size of your home, distance of the move, and additional services needed. This method often provides an instant or same-day estimate.
- Phone or email inquiry. To have a quote, you share details with a representative who gives you a ballpark figure within a few hours or a day.
- An in-home estimate is needed for a more precise quote. Movers may schedule a visit to assess your belongings in person, which usually takes a few hours for the assessment. The final quote may take up to 48 hours.
- Video surveys are increasingly common; this method involves a virtual walkthrough of your home via video call, which can yield a quote in a few hours to a day.
There are several factors considered when comprising a moving quote. The size and weight of your belongings are primary determinants. Local moves can have a fixed cost. At the same time, long-distance moves are typically more expensive, with costs calculated per mile. Two factors may increase the quote: additional services such as packing, unpacking, disassembly, or storage, and access challenges – hard-to-reach locations, stairs, or narrow hallways. Also, moving during peak seasons (summer or holidays) or weekends often results in higher quotes because of high demand for movers’ services.
Movers will typically provide a breakdown of costs, including base moving fees, packing materials, labor, and any additional services. This ensures you understand what’s included and can compare quotes from different companies.
