Hidden Moving Costs: What Movers Don't Tell You Upfront
The average moving quote is 15–30% lower than the final bill. Elevator fees, long carry charges, fuel surcharges, and packing material markups are the most common surprises. Here's everything that doesn't appear in the base quote — and how to negotiate.
Elevator Fees and Stair Charges
Most mover quotes assume ground-floor access. If you're on an upper floor, expect stair fees of $50–100 per flight or elevator fees of $50–150. Elevator fees apply even if there is an elevator — movers must reserve it and wait for it, which counts as billable time or a flat surcharge.
Long Carry Charges
Standard quotes assume the truck parks within 50 feet of your door. If the truck must park further away (no loading zone, a long driveway, a large apartment complex), expect long carry surcharges of $75–150 per 75 additional feet. High-rise buildings and gated communities are the most common triggers.
Fuel Surcharges
Long-distance movers add a fuel surcharge that varies with diesel prices — typically 5–15% of the base quote. This is disclosed in the contract but often omitted from the verbal quote. On a $4,000 move, a 10% fuel surcharge is $400 you weren't expecting.
Packing Material Markups
If movers supply packing materials, expect to pay 2–3× retail prices. A box that costs $1.50 at a hardware store might appear on your invoice as $4.50. Buy your own boxes from U-Haul, Home Depot, or free from local stores. Moving blankets can be rented from the truck company.
Last-Minute Truck Shortages
Book your truck at least 2–3 weeks ahead. In peak season, rental companies run out — and the only available option may be a larger, more expensive truck. Upsizing from a 16-ft to a 26-ft truck adds $50–80/day. Switching to a competitor last-minute often means paying a premium.
Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates
A non-binding estimate is not a price cap — it's a best guess. If your actual shipment weighs more than estimated, you pay more. Federal law requires movers to deliver your belongings if you pay 110% of the non-binding estimate, but the mover can charge the full amount afterward. Always ask for a binding estimate on long-distance moves.
Build Your Moving Budget
Use the free moving cost calculator to turn this guide into an actual number — itemized by truck/movers, flights, housing deposits, storage, and contingency.
Open Free Moving Cost Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my final moving bill higher than the quote?
The most common reasons: your shipment weighed more than estimated, stair/elevator fees weren't in the quote, the truck couldn't park close (long carry), or packing materials were charged at retail markup. Get every fee itemized in writing before signing.
Are moving estimates legally binding?
Only binding estimates are legally enforceable as a price cap. Non-binding estimates can exceed the quoted price — sometimes significantly. Interstate moves regulated by the FMCSA allow movers to collect up to 110% of a non-binding estimate at delivery, with the remainder billed after.
Do movers charge for stairs?
Yes — most movers charge $50–100 per flight of stairs. This is often not included in the base quote. Always disclose the number of floors, presence of an elevator, and whether it can be reserved when getting quotes.
What is a long carry charge?
A long carry charge applies when movers must carry your belongings more than 50–75 feet from the truck to your door. Typical charge: $75–150 per additional 75 feet. Common in high-rises, gated communities, and buildings without loading docks.