When it comes to packing up and moving your home, there is much to be considered. From finding a reputable Westchester moving company to packing up your life’s belongings into boxes and preparing for the actual move. With all that goes into the moving process, it is helpful to understand how much your move will cost. There are many moving companies in Westchester and all companies have their own system for providing estimates. When interviewing movers in Westchester it is helpful to have an understanding of the various types of estimates that you may be receiving. This way you will be able to compare the moving services provided by each company and understand how much your move will cost. In our industry, there are various types of estimates and there is quite often confusion when it comes to understanding the differences of each. Some estimates give you an approximate amount of how much your move will cost. Other estimates give you exactly how much you are going to pay. Here’s an explanation and pros and cons of each of those types of moving estimates.
Understanding Moving Estimates
One of the first steps of moving is obtaining estimates from reputable local moving companies. Receiving and comparing estimates is a way for you to know how much your move is going to cost you. But, there are many different ways in which different types of estimates work. But, all of them give you either approximate or final amount that you will have to pay. Based on the number of belongings that you have. They are a great way to plan moving expenses. By knowing, even approximately, how much your move is going to cost, you can better prepare for it. Either by adjusting your budget. Or by decluttering and getting rid of some unwanted or unneeded items.
Estimates Explained
There are different types of estimates. And they work in different ways. But, all of them start the same. Once you find the perfect Westchester moving company, you contact them to arrange for an in-home visual survey. At Al’s Moving and Storage, one of our knowledgeable moving coordinators will come to your home will come to your home and take a look at your belongings. You will tell them what you plan on moving to. And based on their approximate weight they will give you a moving estimate. He or she will give you a much more accurate price for your relocation. Those estimates can either be binding, or non-binding. Depending on your agreement with them.
Different types of moving estimates explained
Now that you are familiar with how moving estimates work, it’s time to talk about the different types of moving estimates. There are three main types of moving estimates:
- Non-binding moving estimate
- Binding moving estimate
- Not-to-exceed moving estimate
Each type of moving estimate has its own set of rules. Both for you and for the moving company. So, make sure you read the relocation agreement. And ask any questions that you might have before you sign any documents.
Non-binding is the first of the three types of moving estimates
Out of all the types of estimates, non-binding is the most common. In this case, a moving agent will come to your home and inspect your cargo. And give you an estimated cost of your relocation. The main thing about this type of moving estimate is that it is not binding. That means that the moving company will not have to stick to that amount. Your actual relocation cost might be a lot higher or a lot lower. Which makes it not binding. And if you have any unusual, sensitive or antique items that can be a problem later.
Pros of non-binding moving estimate
The main benefit of a non-binding estimate is the fact that you have an approximation of your cost. They are usually free of charge and give you a clear picture of what everything will cost. That way you can better plan your moving budget.
Cons of non-binding moving estimate
The bad thing about this type of estimate is that the price is not set. Yes, you will get a clearer picture of the cost of your relocation. But, that can change on a moving day. So, you are not 100% sure that that is the exact amount that you are going to be paying.
The second and third types of moving estimates are binding
Binding moving estimates are usually only given for Intrastate moves (moves over 55 miles within the same state) and Interstate moves (moves out of your current state). They come into play when the charges for your move are based on weight and distance, not on time, as is the case with a local move. The price that you get is the exact amount of money that you will be paying. Nothing more and nothing less. You will sign an agreement that legally binds both you and your moving company to that price.
Another type of binding moving estimate is not-to-exceed estimate. That means that you have a guaranteed price cap. And that you will not pay anything above that price.
Pros of binding estimates
A great positive point about this type of estimate is that you know exactly how much you are going to be paying. Even if your cargo ends up weighing more than they originally thought.
Cons of binding estimates
The negative aspect of this type of estimate is that adding items after the fact can result in the change of the original agreement. You will have to report everything that you’ve added, so it can be entered into a change order. If you fail to do so you risk breaking the agreement. And paying penalties. Binding estimates are also usually more expensive. So they might work in your favor, but they might not.