Getting an online moving estimate comes with both advantages and disadvantages. It is important to understand all of them in order to decide whether you should get your moving quote online or not. Let’s try to help you make that tough decision.
What is a moving estimate?
Relocating to a new home is a stressful and overwhelming experience if it’s done without anybody’s help. However, relocating with the help of professional movers can make moving to a new city less nerve-racking. Because of this, hiring moving companies becomes more and more popular as time goes by. And yet
some people aren’t sure whether they can afford moving services or not.
When it comes to hiring a moving company, you can easily find out whether you can afford it with the help of a moving estimate. Every moving company will provide you with a moving estimate for free. This is an estimate of the amount of money you’ll have to spend on your relocation. Keep in mind that different factors will be taken into consideration when making an estimate. For example, the amount of stuff you’re moving, the distance of your move, and additional fees for additional moving services.
The difference between a binding and non-binding moving estimate
Before getting an online moving estimate, you should learn the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate.
- Binding estimate – a fixed price of a move. Moving companies will make an estimate based on the different factors that may affect the relocation. One of the advantages of a binding estimate is the fact that you’ll know the price of your move in advance. However, even if the final price of your move was lower than estimated, you’d have to pay the amount that’s listed in the binding estimate.
- Non-binding estimate – a flexible price of a move. This kind of estimate will help you predict the price of your move. However, when the move is over, you might end up paying more (or less) than you planned to.
Pros and cons of getting an online moving estimate
There are two ways of getting a moving estimate – on sight and online/over the phone. A lot of moving companies offer getting an estimate online. Because of this, it’s very important to know the pros and cons of an online moving estimate. Here are the most common ones.
Pro: An online moving estimate is a good starting point
There are many advantages of online shopping. One of them is the fact that you’re able to get the job done while sitting in your cozy home. This goes for getting an estimate of your move online, too. As you probably already know, online moving estimates are free. Therefore, there’s nothing you can lose. This is a good way of starting to plan the relocation. You’ll be able to compare the moving estimate with your budget and make some changes if it’s necessary.
Con: An online moving estimate can lack in accuracy and reliability
Even though getting the moving estimate will give you the chance to plan your moving budget, keep in mind that these estimates aren’t always accurate. Without actually seeing your home or the amount of stuff you’re moving, only true professionals will be able to make an accurate moving estimate.You’re on your own. So, if you plan to get your moving quote online, do it only after acquiring the necessary knowledge.
Pro: You’ll be able to compare moving estimates from multiple moving companies
Keep in mind that if you decide to get your moving quote online, you’ll be able to get quotes from multiple moving companies and compare them! Getting an online moving estimate is the easiest way for finding a moving company that will know how to deal with your relocation properly. Use this advantage of online moving quotes and find the best mover.
Con: You won’t be able to meet the company’s representative face-to-face
Comparing moving companies is one of the ways of finding the right mover. However, if you decide to get your moving estimate online, you won’t be able to meet the company’s representative face-to-face. This is a big disadvantage because you can tell a lot about one moving company just by meeting the people who are in charge. Without meeting them, you won’t be able to tell if the company is trustworthy or reliable.
Pro: You will save a lot of your time
Good time management skills are essential for a successful relocation. A lot of things need to be done, so there’s no time to waste. And when getting a quote online, you’ll be amazed by the time you’ll manage to save. Everything is easier if it’s done online!
One of the biggest disadvantages of an online estimate is the fact that anyone can become a victim of a moving scam if they’re not cautious. Scammers give intentionally low and affordable quotes in order to be hired. In these cases, scammers might try to extort more money from you, or they can steal all of your belongings. However, all this can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe online before you ask for an online moving quote. There are a lot of trustworthy moving companies, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be cautious.You know what they say, better safe than sorry!
Final thoughts
All that is left to say is that getting an online moving estimate isn’t always a bad decision. As you can see, the disadvantages of an online moving quote exist, but there’s a way for you to overcome them. By learning how to recognize and avoid moving scams, you’ll beat the biggest disadvantage. Therefore, do your homework before you get an online moving estimate!
Rachael is one of the best when it comes to relocating a home. Apart from helping you find reliable moving companies like JP Urban Moving Brooklyn, she’s willing to give you the best tips on preparing for a relocation. When she’s not working, you can find her reading her favorite books or playing with her sweet beagle pup
View Comments (8)
I remember how nerve wracking it was when we moved. I was so glad when my husband looked into everything. We ended up renting a moving truck, but even that didn't carry all or our things. Thankfully, my sister and her husband moved into our old house, so we had time to come back for the things we needed.
This is very helpful information.
I've never really hard to move a whole house before, so I have no experience with this. So thanks for sharing all this super helpful information.
Yes, for my last move I got about 3-4 online moving estimate which was quite scary because the movers had not seen all the items to be moved. When I chose the one that I thought was best they arrived late with a van that can only hold 50% of the items. In the end, I needed to pay more.
I think it's pretty neat that you can get an online quote. It can help save time and hopefully money as well!
I think it's definitely important to get estimates and to get many! (It's also important to know the difference between an estimate and a guaranteed price. No one wants surprises!
This is a great and needed post. Wish I read this couple years back when I moved it would have prepared me for the unplanned cost I inccured. Had to put the expense on my credit card that took me years to pay off. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, I don't think I could deal with the non-binding one. Not because I don't think it will cost what they say it will, or don't understand things can fluctuate. I just need to plan based upon prices. And when it comes to a move, I definitely have a fixed price I need to pay. Most people with a non-fixed won't charge you less if it's less anyway. And person who would, would have my business for life.
You can get a quote for pretty much anything these days! I like online estimates, they are much easier for me to deal with since my schedule is so busy. I didn't realize there were so many "cons", but then again I have not had a reason to research moving prices in a long time!