Even though some people are able to handle much of a residential move on their own, many hire local movers to save themselves time and stress and to ensure that their move is managed professionally. If you’re planning to move, there are so many details to consider, not least of all the cost. Numerous things can affect moving company prices, like starting and ending locations, total distance being traveled, extra stops, and specialty items. 

Moving company cost is largely dependent on the size of your home, how far you are traveling and how much work you are doing on your own. The amount of personal property you are moving is another aspect that will affect moving company prices, as is the number of fragile items or anything excessively heavy, like a piano or a safe. 

The average cost for a one-bedroom local move — no more than 50 miles — is roughly $500. A long distance one bedroom move of about 1,000 miles averages $1,000-$3,000. But it is hard to come up with a accurately estimate because there are so many variables to consider. That is why getting a thorough in-person estimate is critical when it comes to budget for a move.

What To Consider When Comparing Moving Company Prices

The American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) sets guidelines many moving companies adhere to and is also a licensing and certification authority for professional movers. When considering what to pay for a local move, it is important to ask a lot of questions about what is included, what is extra, and what is prohibited. 

Some items you might want moved are actually dangerous or illegal for a moving company to transport. Hazardous materials, for example — explosives, flammable gases, toxic substances — are governed by federal, state, and local laws. The transportation or disposal of these items are closely regulated.

When trying to determine if an item is movable, consider whether it can be disposed of in everyday household trash. If the answer is no, then it probably is not something movers will be allowed to transport. 

Here are some items the AMSA prohibits most moving companies from transporting:

  • Car batteries 
  • Propane tanks
  • Lighter fluid
  • Nail polish remover
  • Bleach
  • Pool chemicals
  • Ammunition 
  • Fireworks
  • Paint
  • Pets
  • Plants
  • Perishables
  • Medications
  • Cash, checkbooks, credit cards
  • Fine jewelry

 

How To Determine Local Movers Cost

When it comes to determining exact moving company cost, you will need a comprehensive estimate from a professional moving company. But here are some things that will cost you extra on top of the overall moving cost. When getting an estimate, be sure to ask about these specifics that usually cost more: 

  • Location. If you live in an apartment building with a lot of stairs or a lack of parking, that could cost you extra. The moving company cost could include a surcharge if the movers have to park over 100 feet from the move.
  • Extra stops. If your move includes more than one stop — like to drop something off at another location or pick something up from a storage unit — that could also cost extra. 
  • Specialty items. Large, heavy or bulky items — pianos, flat screen televisions, safes, aquariums, heirlooms — generally cost extra to move. These types of belongings could also cost extra to insure. Mattresses, too, are also considered specialty in most areas because of sanitation requirements like a special bag or plastic mattress cover.
  • Your home’s size. The more square footage a home has, the higher the moving company cost will be.

 

Hire Local Movers For Your Dallas – Fort Worth Move

Planning a budget for a local move can be overwhelming and time consuming and it’s hard to know what company to trust. Non-binding estimates, false advertising, hidden costs — the entire process can be confusing. 

One way to ensure you are getting the best moving company cost is to get at least 3-4 estimates from reputable moving companies. When it comes to estimates, local movers cost can vary from one company to the next, sometimes by quite a bit. Plus, prices are always changing for a variety of reasons, even according to the season.

It is also important that you get estimates that are comparable — apples to apples. Make sure companies outline the same details in the same manner so you can make accurate comparisons. 

 

Different Types Of Estimates For Moving Company Prices 

When it comes to moving company cost, it helps to have some understanding about the different types of estimates. It is never smart to agree to a moving quote or sign a contract without thoroughly knowing what type of estimate is being offered.

There are basically three different types of moving estimates — non-binding, binding and binding-not-to-exceed. Here is an overview about each:

  • Binding. When you get a binding estimate from a moving company, that means that they are required to stand by the quoted price unless you change something on the inventory sheet. 
  • Non-binding. This type of estimate is the moving company’s best idea of what the cost will be. The ultimate price will depend upon the weight of your belongings and what services you hired the moving company to provide. A moving company generally cannot charge you more than 110% of the estimate at the time of delivery, with the rest paid at a later decided-upon date.
  • Binding-not-to-exceed. Just like a binding estimate, a binding-not-to-exceed estimate is not exact. In this case, you will pay less than the estimate if your items weigh less than what was originally quoted.

 

Dallas Fort Worth Moving Company Cost 

When you are planning a move, call a local DFW moving company. Local movers know the neighborhoods and will know about: 

  • One-way streets
  • Parking regulations
  • Loading/unloading zones
  • Building codes and requirements

A local moving company is also more likely to have more competitive prices than a national chain. A local crew knows the area and will have a unique understanding of the lay of the land.