One of the very first tasks you’ll have when moving in Boulder is getting a moving quote from local movers.
But not all moving companies are created equal and there are actually many scammers out there you need to watch out for.
That’s why it’s important to get multiple moving quotes – at least three to be safe. In this post, we’ll show you why and how to get the most accurate quotes for your move so you find the best moving company.
Don’t move into your new home without cleaning these parts of the house – you’ll thank us later!
Benefits of Getting Multiple Moving Quotes
It takes more time and effort, but there are some important benefits of getting multiple moving company quotes.
To find out the average moving cost
If you’ve never moved before, you probably don’t have a clue what the cost of moving in Boulder is. If you don’t get at least three quotes, you won’t be able to figure out an average.
One quote might be very low, one might be high, and one might be somewhere in the middle. By having at least three, you can compare the prices and services and determine a reasonable price.
To compare moving companies
It’s not just about getting the lowest price when hiring a professional mover in Boulder, you also have to compare the companies and services provided. Some questions to ask when doing a comparison include:
- Are they fully insured and registered?
- What services are included in the quote?
- Are there any additional or hidden fees they’re not being upfront about?
- What are their policies on lost or broken items?
- Do they offer other services like decluttering and packing?
- Do I gel with the mover?
To find a reliable moving company
The moving company you choose will be responsible for all of your belongings when they transport them to your new home. It’s crucial that you find a reliable team that you can trust.
By comparing different companies, you’ll get a sense of the personalities of different professional movers and be able to choose one that you gel with best.
To set up a realistic moving budget
If you’ve never moved home before, setting up a budget for a moving service is tough. Getting a few quotes will help you set a realistic budget so you know how much to put aside.
If you try and set up a budget without comparing quotes, you’ll probably underestimate how much money you’ll need and get caught short when moving day comes.
To avoid a moving scam
There are a lot of moving companies in Colorado and not all of them are legitimate. By comparing companies, you’ll quickly spot scammers who are either trying to overcharge you or steal your stuff.
What Things Affect Your Moving Estimate?
There are eight factors that will affect your free moving quote, so keep all these in mind when you’re planning your budget.
Size and distance
These are the key factors that determine the cost of your move. The size of your home and the distance you’re moving.
A 3-bed house will cost more than a 1-bed apartment, simply because you’ll have a lot more stuff. Likewise, a long distance move will cost more than a short distance one because of the fuel and labor hours involved.
Moving date
Spring to late summer is moving season, so you’ll pay more during this time of year. You’ll also pay more if you want to move on a national holiday or weekend.
If you want to save money, aim to move in the wintertime and on a weekday to get the best price.
Packing materials
If you’re using your own moving boxes, tape, and other materials, you’ll save money on your moving company quote. However, if you need the moving company to do the packing for you and provide packing materials, the quote is going to be higher.
Location
If you’re moving to a narrow street that is difficult to get to, your move will cost more. This is because you’ll need additional shuttle services to get your belongings to your home.
Stairs or elevator
If you live on the 8th floor of an apartment building and the elevator is out of order, you guessed it, your quote will increase. Your mover will need to use hoists, riggers, and extra hours to get your belongings safely to the moving truck, which means a higher labor fee.
Storage fees
Sometimes, you’ll need storage facilities as part of your move. This usually happens if your new house isn’t quite ready for you but your lease is up. Additional storage fees can be high, so do all you can to line up your moving dates to avoid the need for storage.
Additional services
Some moving companies (like ours) offer additional services, including decluttering, packing, and unpacking. These will all cost extra but can save huge amounts of time and stress on moving day.
How to Get Accurate Moving Quotes
When you have found three moving companies to get quotes from, here’s how you get an accurate quote:
- Schedule a home walkthrough to get a detailed estimate (don’t get an online moving quote).
- Ask about any hidden or additional fees.
- Ask how long the quote is good for.
- Ask about moving insurance and what is covered.
It’s Time to Start Packing
Getting your moving quotes in order is one of the first steps in the moving process. Next up, it’s time to think about packing.
By decluttering and packing efficiently, you’ll reduce your moving quotes and save some money on moving expenses.
If you’re in the process of packing, head to our guide on the right way to pack your dining room ready for moving day.