Long-distance moves are expensive enough without avoidable mistakes adding to the bill. After analyzing thousands of moves, these 9 errors come up repeatedly - and each one can cost $200 to $2,000+. Avoid them all and you could save enough to cover a month of rent in your new city.
The difference between the cheapest and most expensive quote for the same move is typically 30-50%. A move quoted at $5,000 by one company might be $3,500 from another with identical service. Always get at least 3 in-home or video estimates (not just phone estimates, which are less accurate). Use the quotes as leverage to negotiate.
An unusually low quote is a red flag, not a bargain. Dishonest movers lowball the estimate, then hold your belongings hostage for additional charges once loaded on the truck. Verify every mover has a USDOT number, check reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau, and confirm they have adequate insurance. A legitimate mover will never ask for a large cash deposit upfront.
There are three types of moving estimates: non-binding (can change), binding (fixed price), and binding not-to-exceed (fixed ceiling, could be less). Always request a binding or binding not-to-exceed estimate. Non-binding estimates can increase by 10-25% on moving day based on actual weight, and you have little recourse once your items are on the truck.
Basic liability (released value protection) covers only $0.60 per pound. Your 50-lb TV would get a $30 payout if destroyed. Full value protection costs $100-$400 extra but covers repair or replacement at current market value. For moves over $5,000, the insurance cost is a small price for real peace of mind. Consider third-party moving insurance if the mover's rates seem high.
Broken items during a long-distance move are usually caused by poor packing, not rough handling. Use proper moving boxes (not random grocery store boxes that collapse under weight), wrap fragile items individually in packing paper, and fill empty space in boxes with paper or bubble wrap so contents do not shift. Label boxes "fragile" and "this side up" where relevant. One broken item can cost more than all your packing materials combined.
Mistake 6: Moving on a summer weekend or month-end (20-30% premium). Mistake 7: Not decluttering before the move (every extra 1,000 lbs costs $200-$400). Mistake 8: Not creating a home inventory for insurance purposes (you cannot claim what you cannot prove you owned). Mistake 9: Not coordinating move-in and move-out dates, leading to expensive temporary storage ($150-$300/month) or hotel stays ($100-$200/night).
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Get at least 3 in-home or video estimates from licensed movers. The difference between the highest and lowest quote is typically 30-50%, so comparing ensures you get a fair price and identify potential red flags.
A binding estimate is a guaranteed price that will not change on moving day, regardless of actual weight. A binding not-to-exceed estimate means the price could be lower if your items weigh less than estimated, but never higher. Always request one of these over a non-binding estimate.
Yes. Basic liability only covers $0.60 per pound (a $1,000 TV weighing 50 lbs gets a $30 payout). Full value protection costs $100-$400 extra and covers repair or replacement at current market value. For any move over $5,000, the insurance is worth the cost.
