Relocations bring about substantial life changes, but getting there is also a colossal undertaking.
Understanding the hidden costs of moving can help you manage and budget for everything.
No one wants to be put out by their own moving costs!
Things can add up quickly, especially with hidden or unexpected costs.
The trick is to locate a professional moving company that can accommodate your budget and remain transparent throughout the project.
We will uncover the most common hidden costs and show you how to avoid them so you can easily transition to your new home.
Unveiling the True Price of Moving
There is a price tag and general moving costs in Denver, whether you attempt to do it yourself or work with the pros.
However, expenses can get tricky when they exceed your initial estimate or budget.
Many are focused on the apparent costs of moving, yet many things go unnoticed.
Breaking things down in advance can help you avoid any surprises.
Budgeting for an Upcoming Relocation Process
As you approach this new chapter, consider the possible financial implications.
This means booking with affordable moving services and budgeting appropriately for the move.
Not all moving companies will be affordable, and not every company that says they are offering affordable services doesn’t have hidden fees attached.
Understanding how estimates are formulated to evaluate things from every angle is essential.
The process will be much smoother if you can interact with the quote and compare it to your budget.
Looking Beyond the Basic Fees
Nearly every moving company’s cost is formulated using the volume or weight of your shipment and the distance traveled.
Moving locally within Denver is typically done at an hourly rate instead.
While these are the most basic moving costs, things extend beyond the typical fees.
With long-distance relocation projects, there are additional fuel costs, and with local moves, there is often a truck fee.
These things should be fully outlined in any moving quote you receive.
However, these are the bones of your relocation project.
You should anticipate every expense before it shows up.
Understanding things in their full spectrum will give you better insight and control over the process.
The Unexpected Expense of Packing
Packing is one of the most significant components of moving.
It can also be one of the largest expenses for those not paying attention.
If you are planning to hire movers, they will be able to complete the packing for you, or you may choose to do it yourself.
The cost should be itemized on the estimate if the moving crew is packing.
There are options for you to have them pack everything or some things.
There may be a discounted rate when you are requesting a full-pack service.
When packing items yourself, the costs of materials and the amount of time add up quickly.
It is critical to be hyper-aware of how the price of packing can greatly affect the total cost of your move.
Hidden Costs of Moving Services
Not every cost is going to be itemized on your estimate.
Sometimes, there are surprise fees that will bring up moving prices.
The most common hidden costs are as follows:
- Stair fees. Stair charges are a standard cost for apartment moves or anything that requires the movers to travel upstairs before gaining entry to the household. To avoid the surprise, it is critical to ask about what is included with your moving service.
- Long carry fees. When there is an extensive distance between the moving truck and the entry of the home or apartment, additional fees will apply for the length of carry. Many movers will include a certain distance of carry for every move.
- Shuttle fees. When the moving truck cannot safely or legally reach the destination due to the size and weight of the vehicle or set restrictions, this will require a smaller truck at the time of pickup or delivery.
- Elevator fees. There may be additional fees when an elevator is necessary for delivery. Not all movers will charge for this service; however, most do, as it slows down the moving process.
Relocation During Peak Season
If you are looking for affordable out-of-state movers, if possible, remain flexible about the time of year you plan to relocate.
This is because there are higher rates during the Summertime.
It is considered the peak moving season, which means less flexibility in scheduling and higher costs.
This is not something those who do not have experience with moving will often know.
Opting to schedule things during the off-season can help lower the cost of the move.
Storage Fees Can Impact Your Move
Yet another contributing factor to moving is the storage.
Storage is often associated with the process because it may be necessary in the short or long term.
For those still searching for a home or those who need to move out quickly but do not plan on settling down immediately, storage is a necessity.
Whether you are planning for delivery to a unit or are hoping the movers can provide options of their own, it contributes to the cost of the move.
Planning these things out in advance and comparing the options can help to keep the pricing down.
Insurance and Protection May Be a Part of the Hidden Costs of Moving
Protecting your household goods in transit is always going to be a priority.
Good packing is a huge part of protecting your items, and coverage throughout the process is also important.
Moving companies will offer basic coverage, but you may want to consider additional insurance for fragile or items with extraordinary value.
This can be completed with the movers or through a third party.
Most people do not consider it part of the moving costs, but it must be evaluated to keep everything within budget.
Tips for Avoiding the Hidden Costs of Moving
It is expected to focus on the most apparent costs of moving.
However, when planning for a more cost-effective relocation, everything must be considered before booking.
If you are not careful, you may find yourself in a financial situation that is less than desirable.
Below are some of the best tips for avoiding any unexpected expenses.
Request Multiple Quotes
The best way to get your move started on the right foot begins with requesting
You won’t necessarily want to go with your first quote.
Requesting multiple quotes allows you to negotiate and review everything in detail.
You can almost treat this time as an interview process.
Please take your time reviewing every quote, ask questions, and compare it to other estimates you have received.
This will help you to avoid the surprise of hidden fees and a higher price.
Review Your Moving Estimates in Detail
Don’t simply skim through the details as the moving quotes roll in.
The estimate will likely list many different things, from how to prepare for moving day to delivery timeframes.
Every detail is important, especially when it comes to any moving fees or potential fees.
If additional costs are listed, they should be in bold and apparent letters; however, not all of them will be.
Please read through your estimate, and if anything is unclear, talk with your representative to get any lingering questions answered before booking.
Declutter & Downsize Before the Move Date
Since packing and volume are some of the largest contributors to moving costs, reducing the need for these can avoid the fees adding up.
Decluttering the household is essential before any move.
This can help you get adequately organized to receive accurate moving quotes and provide a clearer view of what you will need to do.
Downsizing is the next step!
Go through everything room by room to see what you plan on taking with you and what you can do without.
You can donate, sell, or give away anything to reduce the size of the move.
Consider DIY Packing
To avoid the packing fees, you can take the DIY route.
However, there are still costs associated with purchasing boxes at Home Depot or other retailers.
This is not necessarily unexpected moving costs, but the pricing can get out of hand.
You may need to get a bit more crafty to avoid spending anything on packing.
There are plenty of options, including using local social networking sites and even retailers getting rid of their boxes to score free materials.
You may still need to invest in packing paper, taper, and other things to ensure the security of your belongings.
Commonly Asked Questions Around the Hidden Costs of Moving
Even inexpensive moving companies can come with unexpected moving costs.
With the most intelligent people, you can still be caught off guard by charges you were unprepared for.
Asking the right questions is a great way to get answers.
These are some of the most frequently asked about additional charges and hidden fees.
What are some things my movers may charge extra for?
There are plenty of additional charges beyond the base rate.
If you are looking for cheap moving companies, there are still costs you will need to look out for.
Various circumstances, from packing to dealing with bulky items, will require additional costs on your estimate.
The most common are stair fees, elevator fees, and long carry charges.
However, you need to be prepared for handling bulky items, additional costs if the movers need to stop at two places, and specialty crating.
Just about anything outside of your basic volume, weight, and distance traveled will be another itemized charge on your estimate.
Are there costs for handling my furniture?
The rate your movers assign you should include the handling of your furniture.
This isn’t always true for every company.
The handling should include the following services:
- Disassembly and reassembly. This will be offered on all standard furniture items but is not included for electronics, cribs, bunk beds, workout equipment, etc.
- Protection for furniture. This padding and shrinkwrapping of your furniture ensures a stable and secure environment for the transfer.
- Moving furniture through tight spaces or otherwise. Your relocation crew will handle getting things in and out of the household, even in more uncomfortable spaces.
Can I negotiate my moving costs?
You can always negotiate local and cross-country movers cost.
You don’t have to settle for the first estimate you receive; you can speak with your movers about any budget you have set for the process.
Be clear about your needs and set yourself up for success by discussing any possible hidden costs.
There is no harm in being direct and thorough in the process.
What are the common moving scams I should look out for?
Moving scams are not uncommon, so it is best to know what to look for to avoid them at all costs.
This is most commonly seen with moving brokers who disguise themselves as legitimate movers to book the move at a low estimate and raise the price significantly later.
You can always check the licensing information on any company with the DOT, but keep your eye out for any of the following:
- Low estimates. It is probably inaccurate if you can’t believe the price you are given or if it is significantly lower than others. Everything should be given to you upfront, and pricing should be transparent.
- Large deposits. Brokers like to take unusually large deposits. When asked for more than a couple hundred dollars, this indicates that you may be working with a broker company.
- Lack of physical address. Your moving company should have a precise address listed on its website alongside regular search engines. This should always be something that you can easily verify.
Find Relocation Experts that Avoid the Hidden Costs of Moving for You
If you are looking for affordable movers without hidden fees, you are in the right place!
The Denver Moving Company is locally owned and a family-operated company that provides professional local, long-distance, and cross-country relocation solutions.
Our team is committed to supplying fair and comprehensive estimates without any surprises.
We are dedicated to providing the most comfortable moving experience to our clients.
Contact our professionals to get started on creating your own individualized moving quote!
