What Determines the Cost of Moving?

Numerous situations may necessitate a house move. Perhaps you got a job in a different city or are undergoing a relationship or lifestyle change that requires you to relocate.



Whichever your reason for moving is, the idea can be exciting. But the thought of moving costs can easily discourage you. Luckily, you don't need to break the bank to facilitate a successful move. By understanding the various factors that dictate the cost of moving, you can make informed decisions that help you save on your move.

Quantity of Items

Most movers calculate moving costs based on the size of the move. The calculations are primarily in cubic feet. The larger the cubic footage, the more you'll likely spend on your move.

The reason is that the more items you have, the more time the movers will spend loading and unloading. Also, larger moves may require more workforce, leading to higher costs.

Furthermore, the volume of your goods will determine the type of moving truck used. For instance, large moves might require a large truck instead of a small van.

Moving Distance

Longer distances will cost more than short ones since you'll need to spend on fuel and other resources for a more extended period. Also, if you are moving internationally, you may account for additional costs, such as custom clearance fees.

Note that the packing requirements for international moves differ from local move packing needs. For international travel, you may need crates and other special packing materials, which add to the moving costs.

Storage Needs

Suppose you wish to downsize from a spacious house to a smaller one. A storage unit might be handy for that extra furniture, especially if you don't wish to part with it yet.

Storage services will come in at an additional cost, depending on how long you plan to store and the size of your items.

Additional Services

A full-service move involves various processes such as packing and unpacking services and furniture disassembly and assembly. If you choose these options, you must be ready to cater to their extra cost.

In the same way, some companies offer insurance coverage, especially for fragile items, so that if anything breaks while in transit, the movers take responsibility. But such privilege comes at an extra cost.

Accessibility of the Moving Site

If you live in an area that is hard to access, the cost of moving will increase. For example, if your current house is on the fifth floor, and the movers have to use stairs to get the items in and out, you may account for extra labor costs.

The same applies if your hallway or doors are too narrow to allow the movers to navigate freely. And if the roads leading to your new residence are narrow, the movers may require extra equipment to ensure a smooth move, which means additional costs.

Time of Moving

Movers usually have peak and off-peak seasons. The peak season is when the demand for moving services is high, mostly around the end of the month. Most individuals also prefer to move in the summer season during school breaks.

Therefore, if you opt to move during peak season, book the movers early to avoid high rates due to last-minute bookings.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting the best moving rates, understanding what affects moving costs can help you save. Take time to set a budget, research moving companies, and conduct a price comparison until you land the best deal. Most importantly, choose a reputable and reliable moving company.

You can count on us at United Moving & Storage to get you where you need to go safely, securely, and on time. We offer competitive rates without compromising the quality of our services. Contact us for a consultation.