Quickly Compare Movers & Quotes ->
Over 2,200+ Moving Companies Analyzed
Connect with Trusted Movers Serving Your Route at Competitive Rates

Getting Professional Moving Quotes

If you are planning a relocation and looking for pricing, understanding how moving quotes work will help you avoid surprise fees and secure the best rate.

Types of Moving Quotes:

Moving quotes come in four main types: instant ballpark quotes (automated online estimates for a quick baseline), binding (a fixed, guaranteed price), non-binding (an estimate based on actual weight, capped at 110% at delivery), and binding not-to-exceed (you pay the lower of the actual cost or a set maximum ceiling).

Instant Ballpark Quote (Automated Estimates)

How it works: These are instant calculations generated online or over the phone based on basic metrics you provide, such as the number of bedrooms, square footage, zip codes, and a rough guess of your belongings.

The Reality: This is not a binding contract or a final price. It is usually used to give you a very rough idea of affordability.

Pros: Fast, convenient, and allows you to quickly screen out companies that are way over your budget.

Cons: Highly inaccurate. They do not account for heavy items, stairs, parking challenges, or actual inventory weight. Never book a serious move based solely on an instant ballpark quote.

Binding Estimate (The Fixed-Price Contract)

How it works: A binding estimate guarantees a fixed price for your move based on a strict, written inventory list. You and the moving company agree on the exact items being moved ahead of time.

The Reality: Under federal and state regulations, you pay the exact quoted amount—even if the move takes longer, encounters traffic delays, or your items happen to weigh more than expected.

Pros: Total budget certainty. You won’t face surprise charges on delivery day for structural or time overruns.

Cons: Inflexible. If you forget to list items and add them on moving day, the company can refuse to take them or require a revised, more expensive binding estimate. Conversely, if you get rid of items and downsize after signing, you still pay the full fixed price.

Non-Binding Estimate (The Weight/Time Approximation)

How it works: This is an informed approximation based on the mover’s estimate of your shipment’s weight (for long-distance) or hourly labor (for local moves). The final cost is calculated only after your items are actually weighed or the work is completed.

The Reality: Your final bill goes up if your items weigh more than estimated or the move takes longer. However, for interstate moves, federal regulations (FMCSA) protect you with the “110% Rule”. The mover cannot demand more than 110% of the estimate at the time of delivery to release your goods; any remaining balance must be billed later.

Pros: Often features a lower initial starting price because movers don’t need to pad the quote for unknowns. If you successfully declutter and your load weighs less than expected, your bill goes down.

Cons: High risk of unexpected budget overruns. It is a favorite tactic for unethical “lowball” brokers who quote low to win the job and inflate the price later.

Binding Not-to-Exceed Estimate (The Gold Standard)

How it works: This is a hybrid structure combining the best features of both binding and non-binding options.

The Reality: The quote acts as an absolute price ceiling. If your move weighs more or takes longer than estimated, you still only pay the quoted cap. However, if your move turns out to be lighter or faster, the final price drops, and you pay the lower actual amount.

Pros: Ultimate consumer protection. You are shielded from overcharges while keeping the benefit of potential savings.

Cons: Not every moving company offers this option, and it is more commonly available for long-distance weight-based moves than local hourly jobs.

Tips for Accurate Quotes

Get 3 to 5 Estimates: Compare quotes from multiple licensed and insured carriers.

Request a Virtual or In-Home Survey: Walk through your home with the mover (via video or in person) so they can accurately assess bulky or heavy items.

Disclose Access Challenges: Let movers know about flights of stairs, long hallways, or tight parking, which can trigger extra fees.

Hidden Moving Fees to Watch Out For

Many unexpected costs appear on moving day because they weren’t explicitly detailed in the initial estimate. Review your quote for these potential surcharges:

Long-Carry Fees: If the moving truck cannot park within a certain distance (usually 75 feet) of your entrance, movers may charge extra for the distance they have to walk.

Stair and Elevator Fees: Extra flights of stairs or tight elevator scheduling windows often trigger added labor charges.

Shuttle Service Fees: If your new street or driveway is too narrow for a massive semi-truck, the company must transfer your items to a smaller “shuttle” truck, adding an extra fee.

Bulky/Specialty Item Surcharges: Items requiring specialized handling—like pianos, hot tubs, heavy safes, or large pool tables—are almost never covered under base pricing.

Fuel Surcharges: Some quotes fluctuate based on regional fuel and diesel index prices. Always check if fuel is bundled or billed separately.

Critical Questions to Ask Before Signing a Quote

Never rely on a single lump-sum figure. Ask your moving coordinator these direct questions to protect your budget:

“Is this estimate binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed?” (A not-to-exceed quote is ideal; it guarantees your price won’t go above a specific cap, but you pay less if the actual weight/time is lower).

“Does this quote include a detailed, itemized inventory list?” If a company gives you a quote without checking what you own, it is a major red flag.

“Are packing materials and labor bundled in, or billed separately?” Clarify if boxes, tape, and wardrobe cartons are priced per item or at retail markup.

“Do you use subcontractors?” Some major booking brokers farm out your move to third-party local drivers on moving day, which can complicate accountability if items are lost or damaged.

Understanding Moving Insurance & Liability

By federal law, interstate movers must offer two types of valuation coverage. Make sure you know which one you are agreeing to:

Released Value Protection (Basic Liability): Provided at no extra cost, but it only covers your items at a minimal rate of 60 cents per pound per article. (For example, if a 50-pound flat-screen TV worth $500 is destroyed, you would only legally receive $30).

Full Value Protection: This comprehensive option means the mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged items. It costs extra upfront, but provides true security for high-value belongings.

Third-Party Insurance: If you have exceptionally expensive electronics, artwork, or antiques, you can purchase an independent policy through a specialized third-party insurance provider.

Get Free Moving Quotes from Moving Companies that Match your Route

Get Free Moving Quotes
packing and moving

How It Works

Request Quotes

Fill out our quick online form. We’ll match you with top movers—or movers for your route—based on your move size.

Compare Services

Review personalized quotes and service details from each mover. Ask questions, compare options, and find the best fit for your move.

Hire When Ready

Choose the mover you like best—only if you’re 100% satisfied. There’s no pressure and no obligation to book.

Moving Companies Listed by State

• Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • DC • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming •