The different kinds of moving estimates

Understanding the different kinds of moving estimates can make it much easier to compare moving companies and plan your budget. A quote that looks lower at first may not necessarily mean you will pay less once the move is complete. Moving estimates generally fall into three categories: binding, non-binding, and binding not-to-exceed. Each works differently, particularly when it comes to how much your final bill can change. Before choosing a mover, make sure you know what type of estimate you are receiving, what services it includes, and what could cause the price to change.

What Is a Moving Estimate?

A moving estimate is an assessment of how much your move is expected to cost based on the information you provide to the moving company.

Depending on the type of move, movers may consider factors such as:

• The size of your shipment
• The distance between locations
• The number of movers required
• Estimated labor time
• Stairs, elevators, and long carries
• Packing and unpacking
• Packing materials
• Storage
• Specialty or heavy items
• Additional moving services

The way these factors affect your price also depends on whether you are planning a local or long-distance move.

Local moves are often charged according to labor time and an hourly rate. Long-distance moves may consider factors such as distance, shipment weight, and the amount of truck space required.

This is why comparing only the total number at the bottom of two estimates does not always give you the full picture.

What Are the Different Kinds of Moving Estimates?

There are three main kinds of moving estimates you may encounter:

• Non-binding estimates
• Binding estimates
• Binding not-to-exceed estimates

Here is how each one works.

1. Non-Binding Moving Estimate

A non-binding estimate gives you an approximate idea of how much your move is expected to cost. The quoted amount is not a guaranteed final price.

If the actual move requires more labor, a larger shipment, additional services, or other work beyond what was originally estimated, your final cost may be higher.

On the other hand, the final amount can also be lower if the move requires less than expected.

A non-binding estimate can be useful for initial budgeting, but you should understand exactly how the mover will calculate the final charge before agreeing to the move.

When does a non-binding estimate make sense?

It may be appropriate when the final cost naturally depends on variables that cannot be determined exactly beforehand.

For example, an hourly local move may ultimately cost more or less depending on how long loading, transportation, and unloading actually take.

The more complete the information you provide when requesting your estimate, the more useful that estimate should be.

2. Binding Moving Estimate

A binding estimate establishes an agreed price for the inventory and services included in the estimate.

This gives you greater certainty when planning your moving budget because the price is based on the scope of work agreed upon before the move.

However, a binding estimate does not mean you can substantially change your move without affecting the agreement.

For example, you may need a revised estimate if you:

• Add furniture or boxes
• Request packing services
• Add a storage stop
• Change the destination
• Add specialty items
• Request services that were not included originally

That is why an accurate inventory is important even when you receive a binding estimate.

Do not leave out belongings simply to get a lower quote. Give your mover as much information as possible before moving day.

3. Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate

A binding not-to-exceed estimate places a maximum on what you will pay for the services and shipment covered by the estimate.

If the applicable final cost comes in below the estimated amount, you may pay the lower amount. If it comes in above the estimate without a change to the agreed inventory or services, the estimate serves as the price ceiling.

This combination of price protection and potential savings makes the structure attractive to customers when it is available.

As with any moving estimate, however, changes to your inventory or requested services can affect the agreement.

Binding vs. Non-Binding Moving Estimates

The biggest difference is how much certainty you have about the final price.

With a binding estimate, you agree to a price based on a defined inventory and set of services.

With a non-binding estimate, the quoted amount is an approximation and the final charge is determined according to the actual move and the applicable pricing structure.

A binding not-to-exceed estimate adds another layer of protection because the estimated amount acts as a maximum for the agreed scope of the move while still allowing the final amount to be lower when applicable.

Before accepting any estimate, ask the mover to explain which type you are receiving.

Why Can a Moving Estimate Change?

Even a carefully prepared estimate is only as accurate as the information used to create it. Your moving costs may be affected if the circumstances of the move change.

Common examples include:

• Moving more belongings than originally listed
• Adding packing or unpacking
• Needing more packing supplies
• Moving particularly heavy or oversized items
• Adding another pickup or delivery location
• Changing the moving date or destination
• Encountering access conditions that were not disclosed
• Requesting storage or another additional service

Instead of focusing only on getting the lowest estimate possible, focus on getting an accurate one.

How to Get a More Accurate Moving Estimate

Start by giving the moving company a complete picture of the job.

Go room by room and include furniture, boxes, appliances, garage items, outdoor equipment, and anything stored in closets, attics, basements, or storage areas.

Also tell the mover about anything that could affect access, including stairs, elevators, parking limitations, or a long distance between the truck and your door.

If you plan to use professional packing services, mention this before the estimate is prepared rather than adding the service at the last minute.

For larger or more complicated moves, a detailed walkthrough or inventory review can help the mover understand the scope of the job before moving day.

Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Moving Estimate

Before you agree to an estimate, ask:

• Is this estimate binding or non-binding?
• What exactly is included in the quoted price?
• What could cause my final cost to increase?
• Are packing materials included?
• Are there additional charges for stairs or long carries?
• How are heavy or specialty items priced?
• How will additional services be handled?
• What happens if my inventory changes?
• When is payment due?

You should also know what to look for before signing a moving contract, including pricing terms, additional fees, liability coverage, and delivery conditions.

Watch Out for Estimates That Look Too Good to Be True

Price matters, but choosing a moving company solely because it provides the lowest quote can create problems later.

Be cautious when an estimate leaves out important details about the move or does not clearly explain how the final price will be calculated. Understanding the risks of hiring cheap movers can also help you recognize lowball quotes, hidden fees, and other pricing red flags before you book.

You should also compare the scope of each quote rather than comparing prices alone. One estimate may include services that another mover has excluded.

Price should be only one part of your decision. When finding professional movers online, also check licensing, insurance, customer reviews, and exactly what is included in each estimate.

Local and Long-Distance Moving Estimates Are Different

Another common mistake is expecting every move to be estimated in exactly the same way.

For a local move, labor time can play a significant role in the final cost. The size of the crew, number of hours, travel time, packing materials, and additional services can all affect the total.

For a long-distance move, pricing may also take distance, shipment weight, and the amount of space your belongings occupy into account.

If you are crossing state lines, additional rules apply to interstate household-goods movers, making it especially important to review your written estimate and understand its terms before your belongings are loaded.

Understand Your Estimate Before Moving Day

Learning about the different kinds of moving estimates makes it easier to compare quotes and avoid confusion when moving day arrives.

Whether you receive a binding, non-binding, or binding not-to-exceed estimate, check what is included and make sure your mover has an accurate inventory of everything you plan to move.

Spyder Moving and Storage provides local, long-distance, and interstate moving services and can help you understand what goes into the cost of your particular move.

Get a free moving estimate from Spyder Moving and Storage and start planning your move with a clearer idea of what to expect.