Figuring Out the Average Cost of Moving
When you’re hiring long distance movers, you want to be sure you know the average cost of moving.
Several factors go into calculating how much it costs to move cross country. You’ll need to take into account those various elements when mapping out the financial element of your cross country move.
Average cost of moving: elements
When calculating the average cost of moving, it’s important to note the two basic types of relocations: local vs. long distance. Local moving is charged on an hourly rate. Long distance moving is charged not by the hour, but by using a flat fee based on starting and ending points plus the total weight of all your belongings.
That’s why moves might cost between several hundred and several thousand dollars. For a cross country move, remember this simple equation: weight + distance = cost. (You’re never paying by the hour.)
FREE moving estimates
We offer FREE moving estimates conducted at your convenience. While in-home estimates still are available, we’re proud to be an agent for National Van Lines, which offers customers a choice of online, social distance-approved tools just as accurate as the onsite method—only safer and far more convenient. We also offer moving-in advice, such as the best ways for sanitizing your house.
If you happen to be DIY-er, you can take advantage of Yembo—a high-tech, state-of-the-art move-estimating tool. YOU move room-to-room using your smartphone or tablet to grab snapshots of your possessions. The 15-minute average completion time makes it a breeze. Plus, with no appointments needed, you’re able to obtain an estimate 24/7. Now, that’s convenience and COVID-era-approved zero-touch safety.
Take it off your taxes
People often worry moving is going to break the bank. But don’t fret. DYK? Relocation expenses often are tax-deductible. Plus, when you hire pro movers, their skillful approach to relocation can save you not only money, but time (time is money, right?). Their expertise will prove invaluable for planning, organizing, packing and protecting belongings.
Please bear in mind that before you can gain a rough estimate of your moving costs, you’ll want to note whether any of your belongings require special shipping-and-handling procedures. Known as specialty moving, this category of long distance moving concentrates on the special attention required when transporting fine art, grandfather clocks, stamp/coin collections, pianos and other musical instruments.
You also have reimbursement options in the unlikely even any damage to items should occur during packing, relocating or unpacking. This type of protection is called “valuation.” It’s important to realize valuation is not insurance.
National Van Lines agents offer two valuation levels: basic coverage or full-value replacement. Your homeowner’s insurance policy might not cover the value of your possessions during transport, so you want to ensure you’re protected.
· Basic-coverage protection: This free coverage reimburses you 60 cents per pound per item—whether it’s a grand piano or a kitchen chair.
· Full-value protection: This option provides for either repair or replacement cost (whichever is less). (Available with or without deductible.)
Drop some weight
Did the final estimate come in a bit more expensive than expected?
Since a long distance move is mostly based on weight, a good strategy is dropping those pounds by slimming down on your possessions. A yard/garage/tag sale offers a great solution. Think of it as: Someone pays you to haul away your stuff. You drop the total tonnage on your stuff and can use the money you make to help defray those cross country moving expenses. Didn’t sell it all? Donate the remaining items to Goodwill, Salvation Army or other charity and write them off on your next income-tax filing.
If you have departure flexibility, avoiding the summer moving rush likely will provide a discount vs. moving during the May–September peak season.
We’re happy to help you start the process with a FREE quote. Contact us today.
The Belfor Difference
Award-winning interstate mover Belfor Moving is your preferred relocation expert in the San Francisco Bay area. As an agent for National Van Lines, we’re a full-service cross-county mover ensuring your belongings will be taken care of during the long move. Our experienced staff can provide everything you need to get across the country or around the world. We also excel in local moving and storage services. Contact us today for a FREE moving quote.