If you have an upcoming home relocation but can’t get a grip on an actual budget for it, you’re not alone. That’s because a lot of factors determine the financial aspect of your move, which can be a bit confusing. However, knowing what to pay before signing any contract with a residential moving company is a step in the right direction. In line with that, here are some determining factors to help you prepare adequately.

How Local Moves Are Priced

Generally, a local move is priced based on the amount of time it will take to transport your properties from your current location to another, plus the transportation costs. Moving companies work with hourly rates, a specific number of crews for the job, and factor in the time it takes to complete the move. When these aspects are considered, the total labor cost for the move is generated. Also, fees associated with fueling for the distance to your new residence will be charged.

How Long-Distance Moves Are Priced

Richmond long-distance movers will consider the weight of the items being shipped for your long-distance or interstate move. You’ll have a professional estimator assigned to take a digitized inventory of all the items to be moved. A mathematical formula helps movers to estimate the total weight of items. The total weight and the carrier’s tariff will determine the cost of moving your items.

Why In-Home Estimates Are Needed

Different types of moves will attract different estimates. Whether you’re moving locally or going on a long-distance move, it’s important for home movers to inspect the items in person. This helps them provide an accurate estimate that is fair to your budget and considers the moving company’s time and equipment usage.

A moving company also needs to evaluate to help them learn if your move will require special circumstances such as limited truck access or extra time required to navigate stairwells/elevators in buildings.

Pricing for Additional Services

Some additional services often lead to more charges imposed by residential movers in Richmond, CA. Extra services like packing and storage will require more manual labor or warehouse space. What’s more, you can expect to pay additional fees for disposable packing supplies provided by residential movers such as tapes, boxes, wraps, etc.

Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates

When an agreement is reached between you and the moving company, it’s time to sign on the dotted lines. Ideally, you should get a binding cost estimate in writing. It will help you properly budget for your move and also offers you protection from extra charges from unexpected issues the moving company may experience while moving your items.

A non-binding estimate does the opposite and gives moving companies a chance to increase the price of some services during a move to cover unanticipated expenses. But such charges are subject to legal limits.

Call Now to Learn More About Our Exceptional Moving Services in Richmond, CA

Are you ready to embark on a move from Richmond? You need a reliable, affordable, and professional moving and storage company like Foster Van Lines. We are a BBB-accredited household moving company and have AMSA ProMover status coupled with an agency with North American Van Lines. That means we’re qualified and well-equipped to make your relocation a successful one. Fill out our online form now to get a free, no-obligation moving estimate. Or call our moving specialists to learn more about our residential relocation services in Richmond, CA.