Getting a Non-Binding Moving Estimate: 3 Ways to Protect Yourself from Unwarranted Increases

When relying on a moving and storage service to help you relocate, shop around to find the best bargains and deals in the area. Most moving companies will offer you the option of either getting a binding estimate, which is the exact cost of how much the move will cost, or a non-binding estimate, which is just a ballpark figure. You'll usually get a better deal with a non-binding estimate because the moving company will feel less pressured to come up with a figure on the spot. Still, you can expect the final moving cost to be similar to the non-binding estimate provided, as movers can only collect up to 10% on top of the estimate given. To protect yourself from unwarranted increases, put these three tips to use.  

Get the Estimate in Writing

You only have a legally binding contract if you get the non-binding estimate in writing. The non-binding estimate should be a signed document between you and the moving company. It should clearly outline what your responsibilities are and what the professional movers' job is. The contract must accurately describe all of the services that the moving company is going to offer you. For example, if the professional movers are going to help you pack, the contract should clearly state the number of movers that are going to be sent over to help you pack, the type of packing supplies that are offered by the moving company, and whether there are any restrictions or limitations in terms of the number of hours that the movers will spend packing.

The services offered need to be clearly stated to protect you from being subject to unwarranted increases in the future. This is because the non-binding estimate only applies to the services that are outlined. If you request or need any additional services on top, the moving company has every right to charge you an additional fee later on.

Consider Accuracy of the Factors Being Estimated

The non-binding estimate is calculated based on several different factors. The professional moving company will need to take into consideration the number of items you need packed and moved, the weight of some of the heavier items, the distance that your items need to be transported over, and the type of shipping that is required or even the flight of stairs that the professional movers need to go up in order to reach your new home or apartment. Consider the details listed or written in the non-binding estimate and whether they are accurate or not. If these factors aren't accurate, you'll need to get the non-binding estimate re-written to reflect the changes.

For example, if the moving services state that their job involves moving your belongings up three flight of stairs, but you actually live on the fifth floor, it's crucial that you let the moving company know. The non-binding estimate only applies if these factors are accurate. If the professional movers end up going up five flight of stairs instead of three, they might tack on some extra charges at the end.

Ensure That the Estimate Is Clearly Stated in the Bill of Lading and Order of Service

To ensure that you're honestly getting the estimate provided to you, make sure that the non-binding estimate is clearly stated on just about every piece of documentation you'll be exchanging with the moving company. In particular, you need to confirm that the non-binding estimate is clearly included in the bill of lading and the order of service. This confirms that the moving company agreed to the terms that you outlined and were more than happy to provide you with the services you needed at the agreed-upon price.

If the non-binding estimate is not included in these documents, the professional mover could argue that you both came to a different agreement later on or could refuse you service.

Conclusion

Get several estimates from different moving companies in order to get a better idea of what the market is like nowadays. Shopping around for estimates can also help you determine whether you are getting a good bargain or not. Most moving companies will give you the option of either getting a binding estimate or a non-binding estimate. Generally speaking, you're more likely to get a good deal if you opt for a non-binding estimate instead.

Visit sites such as http://www.bekins.com to find a moving company near you.