The first step in determining the cost of your move is to know how much the storage and moving companies will charge. If the estimates are too low, you will have to pay the difference. Moving companies will not unload your possessions if you are not satisfied with the estimate, so you should always ask for a written estimate. A binding estimate is a great idea if you're moving from one level to another or if you're worried about the weight of your shipment. local moving companies reviews
Make a list of everything you own so you can accurately estimate the total cost of the move. A detailed inventory of your possessions helps you choose the correct amount of storage and the total amount you'll pay. Remember to add up all the cubic feet so you can compare what the moving companies estimate to what you actually need. You can also make an inventory list of everything you're going to store. Make sure to include where everything is, in what condition it is, and how you'd like to arrange it in the new apartment.
In addition to estimating the total cost of moving and storage, you should factor in your time and distance. It can take anywhere from 7 to 21 days to drive between two locations. Also, make sure that you inform the movers of your moving plans, as it will affect your total cost. Depending on the distance, a long-distance move may already include up to 10 days of storage. To be on the safe side, you should avoid hiring a moving company that doesn't charge extra for stairs or restricted elevators.
When estimating the total cost, keep in mind that long-distance moves are complicated. While formulas for short-distance moves can be used to estimate the total cost, long-distance moves are more complicated. A four-bedroom house will cost significantly more than a studio apartment. Make sure you get quotes from multiple companies before making a decision. These estimates may differ by several hundred dollars or more.
If you have the time, you can even factor the cost of a storage unit into your total moving budget. You will have to pay between $50 and several hundred dollars per month for storage, depending on the size of your move. The costs will vary according to the type of storage unit you choose and any add-ons you opt for. You should also get at least three estimates, because a single company might charge more than three hundred dollars for storage in transit.
In addition to storage costs, you should know the cost of specialty items. For example, a piano, grandfather clock, or delicate antiques need to be moved. If you have these items, you should know the cost of insurance for them. You should also consider the extra time and effort it takes to move these items. Many moving companies have specialized staff members who can handle special items, but these can be difficult to price.