Long Distance Moving Quote - An Ultimate & Complete Guide
                      Long Distance Moving Quote - An Ultimate & 
Complete Guide 
From getting long distance moving quote to comparing and finalizing the 
best from reliable long distance movers, check out this complete guide 
when you are planning to move. 
 
Hiring the best long distance movers can cost you anywhere between hundreds to thousands of 
dollars. Your final moving cost will depend on what kind of moving services you are required 
along with how far you are moving and what all you are planning to move. To get an idea about 
how much does it cost to move, you need to begin with getting a long distance moving quote. 
 
The main motive of comparing long distance moving quotes is to provide you with an idea of 
what your moving will cost you before the moving takes place so that you can be financially 
prepared for it. These quotes will also help you in learning the cost of various moving services 
that you may require for your move, thereby avoiding any surprises on the moving day. Before 
we move ahead, let's have an idea about what kind of moving estimates do movers offer and 
what services affect your long distance moving quote. 
Types of Moving Estimates 
1. Binding Moving Estimates: If your moving company is providing you with binding moving 
estimates, then the final charges quoted on the estimate will not increase or decrease 
even if the final weight of your belongings is greater or lesser than estimated. However, 
this quote covers only the household items and moving services listed on the estimate and 
accompanying inventory. 
2. Non Binding Estimates: A non Binding moving estimate is a just a guess of your moving 
expenses based on the information provided by you. It is just a document and not a 
contract. Non-binding estimates are liable to change depending on the weight of your 
belongings. Your final moving bill may go higher, but a moving company cannot charge 
more than 110% of non-binding estimates. 
3. Binding Not to Exceed Moving Estimates: It is the same as binding estimates, the only 
difference is you are liable to pay less if the final weight of belongings is less than that of 
initially quoted. 
Quick Tips on Getting Long Distance Moving Quotes 
Weight & Volume of your Belongings: Always choose a company that charges you on the 
basis of the weight of your belongings, the moving companies who are legit, always give you 
long distance moving estimates based on the weight of your shipment. Many fraudulent moving 
companies prefer to charge on the basis of the volume of your belongings, usually measured in 
cubic feet. It is quite easy for unethical movers to dupe you if they are charging on the basis of 
cubic feet, which is why it is illegal in many states. The safest way to get accurate moving 
quotes is to choose movers who base their quotes on the weight of your belongings. Along with 
this learn how you can hire cheap cross country movers without getting scammed. 
 
Get in-home Estimates: Instead of online or through the phone, schedule on site surveys, 
although it is easy to get long distance moving quotes online or through phone, but you can 
expect to get the accurate moving estimates only after the moving company representative 
conducts a thorough in-home inspection of your belongings to be moved. In fact, as per FMCSA 
(Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), if you are moving interstate, long distance movers 
are required to base their quotes only after conducting a visual evaluation of your belongings, 
unless you expressly waive this right. You can learn here more about how to choose a long 
distance mover. 
 
Plan your Final Inventory: When you get a long distance moving quote, the moving company 
has to attach the complete inventory list of what they will move. The inventory list is usually 
known as a cubic sheet or table of measurements. Always take a copy of the inventory list and 
check it carefully to avoid any confusion. Ensure all items you want to move are there on this 
list, whether it is a small table or any corner vase. It should also include the approximate 
number of moving boxes required for small items to be wrapped and packed. 
 
Consider Moving Dates: The time of your moving significantly affects your long distance 
moving quote. This is usually because moving costs are higher during the peak season. When 
you get free moving quotes, don't hesitate to ask whether there would be any changes in the 
moving quotes if you change your moving date by a few weeks or days. Also, ask how long their 
moving quote is good for. If you wait too long, you will certainly lose the deal which you initially 
bagged in. 
 
Do Not Sign Blank Agreement: Never trust a moving company who asks you to sign an 
incomplete moving contract or blank document. In case the mover asks you to do so at the time 
of moving, immediately schedule your moving to some other day and hire another moving 
company. A moving company can scam you by having your signed incomplete or blank 
document and they can charge you additional later.  
Additional Moving Costs 
In addition to the charges based on the weight of your stuff, inquire about additional charges for 
any extra services that might be required to finish the moving job. Make sure that the movers 
include charges for every moving service that you want in the long distance moving quote. 
 
Stairs/Flight Charges: If movers need to carry your belongings up or downstairs, then they are 
likely to charge you flight or stair charges. One flight is usually added by default in the moving 
quotes, but this is not always the case with every moving company. If either your new place or 
old place has extra stairs, then make sure to check whether this additional fee is included in the 
long distance moving quote or not. 
 
Long Carry service: If movers need to carry your furniture a long way from your house to the 
moving truck, then you are liable to pay them long carry charges. The written estimate should 
specify the distance the movers can carry your belongings before this fee implies. If it doesn't, 
then ask your movers for hire to specify the maximum distance in written. 
 
Packing Service Costs: Most long distance moving companies offer packing services too. All 
packing material and services has to be clearly mentioned in the estimates. You can choose to 
pack partial items yourself which are easy to pack and leave fragile and bulky items upto the 
movers as well. Some moving companies charge for packing services as per the number of 
belonging, whereas some charge on an hourly basis and few offer flat rate packing. 
Find the Best Long Distance Movers, Compare & Save! 
While hiring the movers, remember to read all the paperwork along with fine print to avoid a 
moving scam or unexpected expense. A simple way to avoid both of these scenarios is by 
choosing movers with the help of a reliable online moving portal like Moversfolder. All the local 
and long distance or international moving and storage companies listed at Moversfolder are 
licensed and insured so you won't need to worry about their being legitimate.