How To Quote A Move (Tips for Quoting a Move)

Darion Pugh • February 3, 2022

GET A FREE

QUOTE

Contact Us

If you’ve ever found yourself behind the wheel of a familiar orange and white box truck, loaded to the gills and bumping down the road at a break-neck 55 miles per hour, then you’ve likely moved. It’s an undoubtedly laborious process and if finding a new home wasn’t difficult enough, figuring out how to get there presents an even greater set of challenges.


Luckily, there are a lot of options when it comes to moving your life from one town to the next. It depends on how much or how little work you want to do yourself, from a complete DIY operation to a fully executed move with a service, the overall cost of your relocation can range widely.


Before we delve into the process of obtaining a quote and the best way to approach getting one, let’s first look at a few common types of movers to get the full scope of what services are out there:

Local Movers

These “Mom and Pop” operations are available in just about every town or city and if you’re looking at an easy, short distance relocation, a local mover could be just what you need. To elaborate on a short distance, these types of services aren’t viable if you’re going more than 100 miles in any direction – operationally, it could be impossible for the mover and would almost certainly cause undue stress on your wallet.

Typically, local movers charge for their services by the hour, and the premiums range depending on what each company offers, but you should expect to pay between $30.00 and $40.00 an hour per mover assigned to your job, on average. Meaning, the final cost of your relocation will be determined by the number of work hours it takes the moving crew to load and offload their moving truck (generally supplied by the mover) and the drive time between both locations.


A Quick Moving Tip:

Some movers will offer to pack your things at an additional cost, but if you want to maximize your savings, consider the following:

  • Get your boxes packed ahead of time.
  • Tape or tie long items like bed frames, or curtain rods so they aren’t loose.
  • Arrange your boxes and furniture in an easily accessible location so the movers have a clear, quick path in and out of your home.
  • There are several apps available to help you inventory your belongings which can help you quickly organize your things as they come off the truck.


Long-distance Movers

If you’re moving long-distance, it’s likely that you’re moving interstate, which means a more robust service will be necessary to get you from point A to point B. Long-distance moving companies don’t usually charge by the hour the way your local movers would. For this type of service, think of your belongings as a shipment, and the cost of moving them is predicated on the overall weight and distance they’ll be “shipped.”


Each company will offer a different range of services to make your move even easier, and you can certainly upgrade your relocation process, but be careful, addons can increase the overall cost of your job dramatically. When planning a long-distance move, consider tackling as much of the at-home work as possible to keep your costs low.


We’ll cover more details about getting moving quotes soon, but in the case of long-distance or international moves, it’s highly recommended to ask three or four reputable movers for in-house estimates to get an accurate quote as you may be able to leverage the pricing of one service over another to get the best deals.


International Movers

Moving to a new country might not happen often, but it certainly does happen. Work-related moves can take you just about anywhere, or perhaps it’s time to relocate to the home country of a spouse. Whatever the reason, an International Move comes with a unique set of challenges and operational requirements which are charged differently than a normal move.

You’ll need the help of a company that specializes in International Relocations and is not a stranger to the heap of paperwork required to get you to your new home. You must consider that a move overseas is subject to a long list of things, such as:


  • Compliance with Customs Rules and Global Regulations
  • Selecting Air or Sea Shipment
  • Import restrictions
  • Proper insurance


Due to the complexities of a project like this, you would be better served to let the service handle your move from end to end. Similar to long-distance movers, consider the transportation of your belongings like a shipment, but due to the nature of the shipment by sea or by air, the costs are based on the volume of your belongings measured in cubic meters or feet as they will be packed away in shipping containers.

Now that we’ve covered everything from in-town moves to relocation overseas, let’s take a quick look at the level of service available within each of these options and how to get a quote for all of them.


Full-Service Move

Full-service movers shoulder all the work of a move from end to end. If you have the coin and would rather not disrupt your already busy life, a full-service mover will pack your things, load them, transport them and unload them at your new address. Good ones will even assemble your furniture and install things like wall mounts and mirrors.


Paying a little extra and opting for a moving company to provide you with full service is your most convenient option. Not only do they manage the physical move and execute it efficiently, but they will also assume liability if anything happens to your belongings while in their possession.

This will save you a lot of time and effort, and while it is the most expensive option available, it will give you the peace of mind that your things are protected and that you’ve eliminated the disruption inherent in a move from your life.


Partial Move

Most moving companies, whether local or long-distance will have addon options, like the previously mentioned full-service selection, available for you to choose from, ala carte. Typically, you will have the option to add services during the process of obtaining a quote which will often include:


  • Packing your home: If assembling boxes, packing away your things, taping them up and labeling isn’t your thing, you can request a professional packing service with the moving company you’ve selected. Set aside a date and time and they will come to your home and start the process.
  • Loading and unloading: If you’re concerned about lifting heavy or oddly shaped items and don’t want to risk injuring yourself or damaging your things, you can also request a loading and unloading service. In this case, a team of movers will load your belongings into a truck that you have packed and will transport.
  • Delivery services: If you don’t mind packing and loading your belongings into a moving truck, but driving something larger than a Toyota seems daunting, you can opt to hire movers to transport your belongings. Typically, at this point, you can also select to have the movers unload your things.
  • Storage Services: You will often see moving companies coupled with storage facilities. This happens to be an excellent combination as sometimes you may need your things stowed away until your move can be completed.



Auto transportation

Some movers will also offer auto transport, whether it’s simply providing the towing equipment, or loading and moving your vehicle for you, it’s an important thing to note if you don’t want to put unnecessary miles on your car during your move.


Now that you have a better understanding of the types of movers available and some of the services they are equipped to render, let’s review some of the best ways to approach obtaining a quote and securing a commitment from a moving service.


Start obtaining quotes as soon as you know you’ll be moving.

Preparedness is your ally in a move, meaning as soon as there is a whiff of relocation in your life, you should be researching the team who will get you from point A to point B. There are a lot of reasons to be johnny-on-the-spot in the early stages of a move, but not the least of which is ensuring your move date is secure.


Roughly 80% of all moves happen during the summer, which means prices tend to skyrocket during those months. If you know your moving with enough notice and secure a move date in the off-season, you stand to save yourself a decent amount of money. It’s like booking a flight, the closer you buy the ticket to your departure the more it will cost.


Additionally, collecting quotes early for your move will provide you wider access to movers with unclaimed time during the period you’re looking to move in.

The rule of three: obtaining multiple quotes.


You’ll need to fight the urge to click, call and book the first search result for movers on Google for the sake of getting it all over with. There’s no worse feeling than spotting a bargain after you’ve already spent the barn, which is why it’s important to aggregate at least three options and get an idea of what the industry charges for your moving job.


But before you pick up the phone you should know the difference between a “binding moving estimate” and a “non-binding moving estimate”.


Binding Moving Estimate

A mover might provide you with a binding estimate which means that they must honor the price they provide you, so long as nothing changes between the time of the quote and the day of the move. Meaning, if the items you confirm on an inventory list are what gets moved, the price should match the quote.

Whether a binding estimate is provided to you in person or over the phone is up to the mover, but we’ll get into that piece in a moment.



Non-binding Moving Estimates

A mover might also provide you with a non-binding moving estimate, which simply means that the quote is the mover’s ballpark estimate based on what information you’ve given them. The final cost of the move could likely be much higher depending on the weight and volume of what you’re moving, meaning you may be billed for the difference beyond the non-binding quote in whatever manner the mover decides to use.


What To Ask During a Move

Now that you’re aware of some of the industry jargon, there are a few questions you should template and have ready to ask every moving company you contact. Don’t be shy to ask the hard questions, after all, it’s your hard-earned money:


  • Can you provide an in-house binding estimate? This is truly the only way to not only get the most accurate estimate for your moving costs but to protect yourself against undue charges from a moving company. But don’t forget, it’s also a good opportunity for the moving company to get their arms around the task at hand and plan for an efficient move.
  • Are there any discounts available? It’s like the old saying goes, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take and as mentioned before, leveraging moving estimates from other companies could also secure you a better rate. There’s no need to throw lower prices in anyone’s face but having a negotiation chip in your pocket is never a bad thing.
  • What is the time frame for completion? You have a busy life, and timing is everything. Asking your selected moving company how long it will take them to complete the job of your move is the last box to check. Pricing is no doubt the primary aspect of choosing a moving company but doesn’t compromise your move date for a better price.


In-home vs. Over the Phone

This is an important part of gathering quotes and works into the binding and non-binding estimates conversation nicely. Taking an estimate over the phone will likely never end in a binding estimate which is the goal.


  • In-home estimates mean a representative of the moving company will come to your house and assess the scope of the project to provide the most accurate quote. In this instance, you are far more likely to gain a binding estimate.
  • Over-the-phone estimates might be second nature to us now in 2022, we’re already on our devices and computers, however, obtaining an estimate by way of phone is the least accurate way to secure a price for your move. If you don’t have the option to do an in-home estimate, be sure that you have an inventory list of all the items and preferably, the dimensions of the items you will be moving. This could potentially save you money, however, the risk of hidden fees or additional billing remains present.


Ultimately, you will want to do what you can to get a moving company at your house, especially if you have more than 1 room to move, a garage, or any vehicles. Getting an accurate quote is more important than getting a cheap one.


Understanding your insurance

It’s incredibly important to understand how your things are protected, or not protected during a move. While there are measures in place to ensure that your selected moving company has some amount of liability for the conditions of your belongings while they move them, there is still more to know. For example, moving insurance comes in handy and is highly recommended for your protection.


As mentioned before, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association requires that all transportation firms, like a moving company, are liable for your things while in the care of the company.

But this is simply not the same thing as an insurance product. There are two types of basic liability that moving companies are required to offer:


  • Full value
  • Released value


Full Value Liability means that the mover is financially responsible for the value of all your belongings, but I will come at an extra cost. Whether you obtain your quote through an in-home estimate or over the phone, you should be sure to inquire about moving insurance or to know the additional cost of Full Value Liability as this is the only way to truly protect your things.


Released value means that the company is only responsible to pay 60 cents a pound per item damaged in the move. For example, if it takes movers multiple days to get you to your location, and the box containing your belongings is water-damaged due to leakage (more common than you would hope) the moving company will only cover you for pennies on the dollar.


Don’t rely on your Homeowners Insurance without doing a little research, make sure that any products you add to your policy are comprehensive and don’t only cover damage to your belongings as a result of collision damage.


Final Thoughts When Thinking About Moving

Keep these things in mind when it comes time for you to pack your bags and head to your next home. Whether it’s down the road, across the country, or over the ocean, these tips for obtaining a quote for your move may likely save you hundreds, hopefully, thousands of dollars.


InNout Movers: Your Texas Relocation Experts

Pack Fragile Items Like a Pro

By Darion Pugh • August 18, 2025
Moving can be an exciting new chapter, but the thought of packing fragile items often brings a wave of anxiety. Will your cherished glassware survive the journey? How do you ensure that an antique vase arrives in one piece? The good news is that with the right techniques and materials, you can significantly reduce the risk of breakage. This will walk you through everything you need to know to pack fragile items safely, ensuring your delicate possessions are well-protected from start to finish. At InNout Movers, you can trust our tailored packing services to handle everything with the highest level of care, we understand the value both monetary and sentimental of your belongings. We've seen it all, and our expertise comes from years of helping people move their most precious items without incident. By following these proven methods, you'll gain the confidence to pack even your most delicate pieces with peace of mind. What Supplies Do You Need to Pack Fragile Items? To pack fragile items safely, you'll need a specific set of high-quality packing supplies designed to provide maximum protection. Having the right materials on hand before you begin is crucial. Here’s a list of essential supplies: Sturdy Moving Boxes: Opt for double-walled boxes for extra strength, especially for heavier fragile items. Dish pack boxes (sometimes called dish barrels) are specifically designed for kitchenware and offer excellent protection. Packing Paper/Newsprint: Unprinted newsprint is ideal as it won't transfer ink onto your items. Use it for wrapping individual pieces and for crumpling as void filler. Bubble Wrap: A must-have for cushioning. Choose between small bubble wrap for individual items and large bubble wrap for filling gaps or wrapping larger pieces. Packing Peanuts: Excellent for filling empty spaces in boxes and providing an all-around cushion. Packing Tape: Strong, reliable packing tape is essential to secure your boxes. Avoid masking tape or duct tape. Markers: For clearly labeling boxes as "FRAGILE" and indicating their contents. Scissors/Box Cutter: For cutting tape and packing materials. According to a survey by the American Moving and Storage Association, proper packing supplies are cited as a key factor in preventing damage during moves, with professional packing services often utilizing specialized materials to ensure item safety. inNout movers provides reliable, efficient furniture assembly services that make setting up new furniture simple and stress-free. How Do You Prepare Fragile Items Before Packing? Proper preparation is the first critical step in ensuring your fragile items are packed safely and securely. Before you even reach for the packing paper, there are a few important steps to take. Clean and Dry: Ensure all items are clean and completely dry. Moisture can weaken packing materials or damage certain items over time. Disassemble Where Possible: If an item can be safely disassembled (e.g., a multi-piece sculpture or lamp), do so. Wrap each component separately. Keep all screws and small parts in a labeled plastic bag and tape it directly to the main component or the outside of the box. Inspect for Existing Damage: Before packing, take a moment to inspect each fragile item for any existing chips, cracks, or damage. Document these with photos. This is important for insurance purposes and to avoid disputes later. What is the Best Way to Wrap Fragile Items? The key to preventing breakage lies in proper wrapping techniques, creating a protective barrier around each item. Individual wrapping is paramount when learning to pack fragile items.

How to Downsize From a House to an Apartment: Your Ultimate Guide

By Darion Pugh • August 12, 2025
Are you considering making the move from a spacious house to a cozy apartment? Downsizing can be an exciting yet challenging transition, requiring careful planning and strategic execution. This will walk you through the essential steps on helping you navigate the process with ease and efficiency. The thought of decluttering years of accumulated belongings can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it's entirely manageable. We'll delve deep into the best practices and local moving tips , including a handy checklist and insights into cost factors. Whether you're seeking a simpler lifestyle, reducing your carbon footprint, or cutting down on expenses, downsizing offers numerous benefits. Why Should You Consider Downsizing from a House to an Apartment? Many people choose to downsize from a house to an apartment move for a variety of compelling reasons. Often, this decision is driven by a desire for reduced maintenance, lower living costs, and a more streamlined lifestyle. A smaller living space means less to clean, fewer repairs to manage, and typically lower utility bills, which can free up both time and financial resources. Beyond the practical benefits, downsizing can also lead to a greater sense of freedom and flexibility. It encourages a more minimalist approach to living, prompting individuals to evaluate their possessions and keep only what truly adds value to their lives. When Is the Best Time to Start Downsizing? The best time to start downsizing is as soon as you know you'll be moving to a smaller space, ideally several months before your actual moving date. Beginning early allows you to tackle the process gradually, preventing last-minute stress and rushed decisions. Giving yourself ample time ensures you can thoughtfully go through your belongings, decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard, and avoid feeling overwhelmed. How Do You Begin the Downsizing Process? You begin the downsizing process by creating a clear plan and breaking down the task into manageable steps. Start with a realistic assessment of your current belongings and the space available in your new apartment. A good first step is to categorize your items and decide on a systematic approach for decluttering each area of your home. Here’s a structured way to begin: Create a Floor Plan for Your New Apartment: Understand the layout and dimensions of your new space. This will help you visualize what furniture and items will realistically fit. Set Clear Goals: Determine what you want to achieve with downsizing – is it purely about space, or also about financial savings or a simpler lifestyle? Gather Supplies: Have plenty of moving boxes, labels, markers, packing tape, and cleaning supplies ready. Establish a "Keep," "Donate," "Sell," "Discard" System: Use designated areas or bins for each category to keep things organized. What's the Most Effective Way to Declutter Room by Room? The most effective way to declutter room by room is to tackle one area at a time, moving systematically through your house. Start with less emotionally charged rooms or areas, like a guest bathroom or laundry room, to build momentum and practice your decision-making skills before moving to more personal spaces like bedrooms or the living room. For each room, follow these steps: Empty and Assess: Take everything out of closets, drawers, and shelves in that specific area. This allows you to see everything you own. Categorize: For each item, immediately decide if it falls into one of these categories: Keep: Items you love, use regularly, and know will fit in your new apartment. Donate: Items in good condition that you no longer need but someone else could use. Consider local charities, thrift stores, or community centers. Sell: Valuable items that you no longer want. Online marketplaces, consignment shops, or garage sales can be good options. Discard/Recycle: Broken, expired, or truly unusable items. Be mindful of proper disposal methods for hazardous materials. Be Ruthless but Realistic: Ask yourself key questions: Have I used this in the last year? Does this item serve a real purpose in my life? Does it bring me joy or truly add value? Will it fit in my new apartment? Do I have duplicates? Put Back Only What Stays: Once you've sorted, only return items designated for "keep" to their designated spots (or pack them if you're ready). This visual confirms your progress. How Do You Downsize Furniture and Large Items? Downsizing furniture and large items requires careful consideration of both sentimental value and practical space constraints in your new apartment. Before moving, measure your new apartment’s doorways, hallways, and room dimensions to determine what large pieces of furniture will realistically fit and be usable. Here's how to approach furniture and large item downsizing: Measure Everything: Measure your current large furniture (sofas, beds, dining tables, bookshelves) and compare these measurements with your new apartment's floor plan. Prioritize Multi-functional Pieces: In smaller spaces, items that serve multiple purposes (e.g., an ottoman with storage, a sofa bed, a dining table that can extend) are invaluable. Consider Selling or Donating: If a piece is too large, doesn't fit the aesthetic, or is simply not needed, consider selling it online or donating it to a furniture bank. Many charities offer free pickup services for large items. Family Heirlooms: For sentimental items that you can't keep, consider offering them to family members. Professional Disposal: For items that cannot be sold or donated, InNOut Movers can assist with the careful transport of items you are keeping, and provide guidance on removal services for items you are not. What Are the Best Strategies for Decluttering Clothes and Personal Items? The best strategies for decluttering clothes and personal items involve a focused, systematic approach, often using the "one year rule" or "KonMari method" to help make tough decisions. These items often hold sentimental value, making them particularly challenging to sort through. Here are effective strategies: The "One Year Rule" for Clothes: If you haven't worn an item of clothing in the past year, it's likely time to let it go. Exception: special occasion wear or seasonal items. Try On Everything (Optional but Effective): For clothes, trying on items can help you decide if they still fit and flatter you. Categorize by Item Type: Instead of by room, sort all your shirts, then all your pants, then all your shoes. This helps you see duplicates and make more informed decisions. Jewelry and Accessories: Be highly selective with jewelry, scarves, and bags. Keep only pieces you truly love and wear frequently. Books and Media: Embrace digital options. Consider donating or selling physical books, DVDs, and CDs you no longer read or watch. Many local libraries accept donations. Sentimental Items: Create a designated "memory box" for truly special keepsakes. Limit its size to force difficult but necessary choices. Take photos of items you can't keep but want to remember. How Can InNOut Movers Help with Your Downsizing Move? InNOut Movers can significantly ease the burden of your downsizing move by providing full services that cater specifically to the challenges of transitioning from a larger home to a smaller apartment. From professional packing services to efficient transport and even unpacking assistance, we handle the logistics so you can focus on settling into your new space. Here’s how InNOut Movers can assist: Expert Packing Services: Our team can expertly pack your chosen belongings, ensuring they are protected for transit. This is especially helpful when dealing with delicate or valuable items. Efficient Loading and Transport: We have the experience and equipment to safely load and transport your possessions, navigating tighter spaces and apartment complexes with ease. Furniture Disassembly/Reassembly: For larger items you are keeping, our movers can efficiently disassemble and reassemble furniture assembly services , saving you time and effort. Storage Solutions: If you find you have items you can't part with but don't have space for immediately, InNOut Movers offers secure, temporary storage solutions. Moving Supplies: We can provide high-quality moving boxes and packing materials tailored to your needs, simplifying your preparation process. Clear Communication: Our team will work with you to understand your specific downsizing needs, providing clear communication and a customized moving plan.

A Culinary Journey through Hutto, TX: Top 7 Restaurants You Must Try

By Darion Pugh • July 3, 2025
Crave great food? Explore Hutto, TX's top 7 restaurants! This guide takes you on a culinary journey to discover must-try dishes and local flavors.

Setting the Stage for a Bright Educational Journey in Hutto, TX

By Darion Pugh • July 3, 2025
Moving to a new area is a significant decision, and choosing the right school for your child is a crucial part of that. In Hutto, TX , a rapidly growing community within the heart of Texas, you’ll find a range of educational opportunities that can cater to your child's needs. Hutto, TX: A Growing Community Hutto, Texas, known for its family-friendly environment and community spirit, is an excellent place for raising a family. The town is located northeast of Austin and has seen significant growth over the past few years. Its expanding amenities and tight-knit community make it a prime location for new residents looking to settle down. Why Education Matters When Choosing a New Home When moving, considering the quality of local schools should be a top priority. Good schools contribute not only to your child’s academic success but also to their overall development, including extracurricular activities and social skills. They also impact property values, making them a critical component of a wise investment in a new home. Overview of the Education System in Texas Texas boasts a diverse and comprehensive education system, governed by the Texas Education Agency. Schools are rated based on various criteria, such as academic performance and graduation rates. Understanding the education system helps you make an informed decision when selecting the best school for your child.

Tag

Category