Your Ultimate Moving Service Guide

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The Estimate

What type of estimate is right for me?

There are usually three types of estimates a company will provide on both local and long distance moves.

Non-Binding Estimate of cost -

This type of estimate is an open-ended estimate. There is no guarantee that the final cost will not be more than the estimated cost. We generally do not recommend this type of estimate. Although, if you're moving locally, there is a cap or ceiling price which must be paid in order to relinquish the shipment at destination. Ask your estimator what the maximum to be paid on delivery is. This does not relinquish you from the total cost of the move. However, it means that you are extended a certain period of credit in which to pay the balance. If you're moving interstate, since it is Federal, there is a 10% cap over the estimated cost. You then have 30 days extended credit to pay the balance.

Binding Estimate -

This type of estimate guarantees the consumer a firm price. There is no fluctuation in the price for any addition time, labor, services, or material. You must be given a written copy of the binding estimate describing all the services to be provided by the mover. (There are exceptions to this, be careful.)

Customer Benefit Program-

This type of estimate usually has a ceiling price that it won't exceed and unlike a binding, if the shipment weights less, you pay less. This gives the customer the best of both worlds. It's ensures you pay for exactly what you ship, no more and no less. Some companies do not offer it, but if they do, it's a good option to have. Make sure you get the estimate in writing. (There are exceptions to this as well)

How can the estimator determine the weight of my shipment?

The table of measurements, otherwise known as your cube sheet, is a document containing an itemized list of the most common goods to be found in the average household. This list is categorized by the different rooms in the house. It is very important that all the items be listed on the table of measurements in order to get an accurate weight of your shipment. Make sure that you check your table of measurements very thoroughly because if any items are left off, it becomes YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

The number on the right hand side of the item listed on the cube sheets corresponds to the average cubic feet of the item. When the estimator completes the physical survey, he adds the total cubic feet of each column. When he completes each column, he then adds up the total cubic feet of all columns and comes up with a total cubic feet for the total shipment. Once he has figured out the total cubic feet, it is a standard in the moving industry that 1 cubic ft equals 7 pounds. Therefore, if the total cubic feet of your household is 1000 cuft, then 1000 cuft. X 7lbs = 7000lbs of household goods. The number 7 represents the density of your shipment. Most household goods are within that density. This is how estimators figure out the weight of your goods. In very extreme cases, the estimator may use a different density, instead of 7, to figure out the weight. If you have extremely heavy goods, he may use 8. If you have very light goods, he may use 6. This is not usually done, but feel free to ask your estimator which density he uses.

How can I estimate the weight of my shipment?

Just as an estimator would come into your home and mark down each piece in every room, you can do the same thing. Print a copy of the table of measurements from our website. As you go around the house, mark down all the corresponding items in each room. If you don't see an item listed, you can mark down the item that it most closely resembles. When you are finished listing all the items in all the rooms of the house, make sure not to forget the number of cartons you anticipate on shipping. Use 5 cubic feet per carton as an average cubic foot for each one. Once you have finished, add up all the items and you will get the total cubic feet. *Exception - items that you know the actual weights of for ex. Weights, motorcycles, automobiles, etc. add on after all other articles have been computed. Based on the assumption that each cubic foot equal 7lbs, you should come up with an approximate weight for your shipment. In our experience, people often underestimate the amount of cartons required to perform their move. Please add on a few extra cartons if you have not yet finished packing.

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