Avoiding Unexpected Moving Charges

Calculating all of your moving charges
You've figured out by now that when you're moving, the charges add up pretty quickly.  If you're on top of things, and have a moving budget worked out, it's a big deal to do everything you can to stay within it. 

This is a list of things you'll want to include in your budget to make sure there aren't unexpected moving charges:

Moving Supplies:  Ask your moving company representative whether moving supplies like boxes, tape, paper padding and newsprint are included in your moving charges.  If they aren't, you'll need to budget for them.  The average 6-8 room house will use around 100-150 boxes— including wardrobe boxes, a variety of large, medium and small boxes and dish pack boxes. You can expect to pay somewhere between $200-$400 for the moving supplies to pack and load an average-sized home.

Some people choose to go the less expensive route with "grocery store" boxes.  Yes, they're free. But, they aren't intended to ship household goods, so damage is more likely…and they often carry insects.

Moving Special Items: If you have any very large, fragile or expensive items, there may be additional moving charges. This can include items like pianos, grandfather clocks, granite, large mirrors, antiques and large screen televisions. Many of these items require special packing and/or crating to ensure safe transit.  During the moving estimate process, make certain to mention any of these items so you aren't surprised by an increased price on moving day.

Outside stairs:  If you're hiring moving labor for loading and unloading, one of the questions you'll be asked is whether you have stairs.  There may be additional moving charges for more than one flight of stairs or stairs more than 10 steps per flight. Since outside stairs can affect your price, it's important to let your MoveBuilder know the correct number of stairs in each flight. 

Distance from the curb to your door (or where the moving truck will be parked):  With MoveBuilder, the first 75 feet is included in your moving cost.  If your move requires a "long carry" (anything more than 75 feet), there is a charge for each additional 50 feet.  So, if it's more than 75 feet from the curb to your doorstep, make sure to discuss charges with your MoveBuilder.

Storage:  If your move requires storage in transit, whether for a few weeks, or long term, make sure to include storage charges in your moving budget.

Adding a full or partial shuttle:  If you're moving from or to a location where a moving truck is prohibited, a full or partial shuttle may be required.  This just means the loaders load your items into a "shuttle" truck and transport them to the service center to load them into the moving truck where they'll move long distance.  There's an additional moving charge for both a full and partial shuttle, so make sure to mention any possible parking issues to your MoveBuilder.

Adding an extra stop:  If your belongings are at more than one location— your home and a storage facility— and you prefer the movers to stop at both locations to load, there may be additional charges.  Most people will consolidate everything to one location before moving day, but occasionally that isn't an option.  If you need an extra stop, make your MoveBuilder aware so the additional charge is added to your moving estimate.

Other additional services:  If your move requires 3rd party services (like disconnecting appliances, piano movers etc), guaranteed transit, additional parking permits, tolls, ferry fees, elevators etc. there may be additional moving charges.  Don't forget to mention any special services/needs to your MoveBuilder for an estimate before moving day.

The space estimate: While many full service moving companies charge based on weight, MoveBuilder charges based on the linear footage your shipment occupies in the moving trailer, or the number of ReloCubes you use.  During the estimate process, your MoveBuilder will ask a series of questions designed to estimate the amount of space your shipment will occupy.  Sometimes this turns into a lengthy conversation, but it's necessary to get the estimate as close to accurate as possible.  It may be helpful to take an inventory of all of the items you are moving and have it handy during the estimate process.

We think it's important to be completely informed of all charges you might expect when you move cross-country.  Get a moving estimate today then call your MoveBuilder representative to discuss any additional services your move may require.