Understanding the Key Cost Contributors in Moving
So where does the money go? From a financial standpoint, moving is more than just transporting stuff from point A to point B. It is also about acquiring moving supplies, deciding which item goes into which box, loading and unloading, taking care of insurance, cleaning up, and even getting people to organize your new place. If you plan to pay for just the basics, here's an expense checklist that might come in handy:-
Purchasing moving materials
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Packing and unpacking services
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Moving truck rental
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Auto-shipping services
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Moving insurance
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Storage unit rental
Average Moving Cost: How Much Do Movers Cost in Dallas?
Different moving companies offer different service packages that may or may not favor you, depending on what you are moving and the amount of professional help you need. Always choose a moving company that offers a favorable balance of cost and convenience but doesn't force you to compromise on service quality. Generally, more comprehensive packages are cheaper per service. But that doesn't make them automatically better. The best package is one that includes only services that you need. In a word, if you don't need help with packing, don't pay for a package that includes packing. A good company will not mind bending its packages to accommodate your needs. In fact, it shouldn't be difficult to find one that doesn't offer fixed packages altogether. So how much do movers cost in Dallas? Moving a 4-bedroom house will take 4-5 movers between 9 and 12 hours to complete. A 1-bedroom apartment, on the other hand, will take a crew of 2-3 movers at most 6 hours. Going by the national hourly moving average, this translates to about $400 for a small 1-bedroom house and $1,500 for a 4-bedroom on the upper end.Is DIY Moving Cheaper Than Professional Moving?
It depends. So much goes into moving, and the little cost differences here and there can easily add up to create a significant total difference. If done right, though, DIY moves are cheaper on average. It's just that the difference is not always as big as it may seem on paper. The thing about professional movers is that they not only have all necessary moving tools at the ready but also know the first thing about handling various household and office items. They also tend to make more accurate estimates, which makes them less wasteful on supplies. Consider DIY only if you are downright sure you're going to save money compared to if you hired professional movers. Many times, DIY moving will look cheap at the beginning only to end up costing an arm and a leg, thanks to all the hidden costs that pop up along the way.Are Professional Moving Charges Worth It?
So why do so many people still prefer hiring moving companies, when DIY moves are obviously cheaper? Is the extra cost well worth it? The resounding answer is yes! Professional movers know their way around packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, and moving items. They are less mistake-prone and offer better protection for your belongings. In a word, the $20 you're trying to save by not hiring professional movers is not worth it if you're going to wreck the refrigerator or break the $1,000 dining table anyway.What Hidden Charges Should You Watch Out for?
Your movers should inform you about all expected moving expenses upfront. It's a shame that there are still operators who will deliberately underquote to get your deposit and then hand you an updated invoice after you have committed to using their services.. If you're unsure about a quotation you're being offered, ask for clarification before signing any paperwork. If possible, visit review sites to see what past customers have to say about the company. If there is repeated mention of unexpected fees cropping up, you're probably walking into a trap. Some common hidden moving costs to watch out for include:- Mileage charges
- Tonnage charges
- Pet moving charges
- Special service fees
- Long-haul fees
- Equipment charges
- Fuel costs
- Shuttle fee
- Hoisting fees
- Moving cancellation fees
Qualities of a Decent Moving Company
What separates the good from the great when it comes to commercial moving services? Here are a few telltale qualities:- The company is old. There is nothing wrong with trusting a recently-set-up professional moving service. However, if anything speaks for a company in such a highly competitive market, it is its longevity in the game.
- Good reviews. There is no better way to learn about the track record of a business than by hearing it from people who have used its services. A high star rating coupled with positive reviews are a sign the company's customer base is satisfied and that you're likely going to like it too.
- Flexible pricing model. Very few movers still offer fixed service packages to their prospects. Most offer multiple packages modeled on specific consumer habits, while some create packages from scratch after listening to your needs. If you already know exactly what you want, always go for a company that is willing to listen to you and tailor a solution for your specific needs.
- Adequate insurance coverage. A credible moving service should offer adequate insurance coverage against property damage and loss. Of course, you will pay for this coverage in one way or another, but it's both cheaper and less complicated dealing with a covered mover as opposed to seeking insurance as a separate service.
- Transparent communication. If they are not getting back to you promptly during initial contact, it's likely that they will be even less concerned after they get you to pay that deposit. Pay attention to how you're served from the beginning, and you can predict how the relationship will pan out down the road.
Questions to Ask Professional Movers Before Hiring Them
- Are you licensed?
- Are you insured?
- What is your pricing model?
- Can you create a special package for me? Does the company offer binding estimates?
- Is your company a carrier or a broker?
- Do you offer storage services as well?
- Do you offer shipment tracking?
- What happens if I cancel my move?
