Beware of Hidden Costs When Moving: Plan Ahead

Our ultimate guide for learning and avoiding hidden moving costs is here to help you as a consumer stay up to date on what your move will really cost.

See where you can cut corners and be aware of the costs you are bound to pay no matter what to properly prepare yourself.

It’s time we talk about the elephant in the room, aka hidden costs that sneak up on you. When hiring a moving company, it's important to be aware of hidden costs that will impact your budget and planning.

Here are some of the most common hidden costs we have found with moving companies:

1. Additional Services

• Moving companies may charge extra for services such as VIP packing and unpacking, disassembly/reassembly of furniture, appliance servicing, or handling specialty items like pianos or antiques. Always clarify what services are included in the quote and what costs extra.
• The furniture assembly part can fool you. While you may think you don’t need to break down that dresser, they may not agree. Clarify this in advance. 

2. Long Hauls

• If the movers have to carry big items or boxes a long distance from your home to get access to the moving truck (or vice versa), they could charge a fee for the additional labor and time involved. Make sure to film the entrance and organize a special parking spot for their truck on the right day.

3. Stairs or Elevator Issues

• Movers may charge an additional fee if there are more than a certain number of stairs or too small of elevators used at either the pickup or delivery location. 
• This extra fee is because it requires more effort and time to maneuver items. They could’ve spent this time elsewhere moving someone else.

4. Storage Fees

• If your items need to be stored temporarily due to the new home not being ready, they will charge storage fees based on the duration and amount of storage space required. Settle this asap ahead of time to avoid that unpleasant surprise.

5. Fuel

• Some moving companies include fuel costs in their quotes, while others don’t as they charge via distance traveled or current fuel prices.
• Double-check the daily gas rate and the rate on your final quote.

6. Insurance

• Basic insurance coverage is always included with valid moving companies, but if you require additional insurance for high-value items or want full coverage, it comes at an extra cost.

7. Peak Times or Weekend Charges

• It’s not rocket science that during the peak times you will pay more to move.
• During busy moving seasons or on weekends, some moving companies may charge higher rates than initially quoted due to increased demand.

8. Cancellation or Rescheduling Fees

• If you need to cancel or reschedule your move within a certain period of the scheduled date, the moving company may charge a fee.
• Settle this ahead of time and understand their fees.

9. Specialty Items

• Fragile items like pianos, pool tables, large safes, large vases, delicate art, or antiques require special handling and may cause additional fees due to the extra manpower, attention, and equipment needed.

10. Access

• If the moving truck cannot park close to your residence or if there are restrictions in place that require additional effort (like shuttle services or many back-and-forth walks for narrow streets), this will add up quickly.

Being informed and proactive can help you budget more accurately and ensure a smoother moving experience.

Here are some of our favorite top tips from the past year:

1. Create a personalized moving inventory list of all items in your home and their condition so that you can ask for proper binding quotes.
2. Start by researching the actual local costs of movers in your area with your requirements. Don't forget to take into consideration any days of work you’ll miss, extra costs for child and pet care before, during, and after the move, moving supply costs, and any other incidentals. 
3. Set funds aside for an emergency fund. Most experts recommend having three months of living expenses tucked away just in case! 
4. Budget for incidentals that could happen like needing more supplies, things breaking that are not covered by insurance, and other life events that may occur.
5. Thoroughly review the moving company's contract and ask detailed questions about potential additional costs they may add before signing an agreement. 
6. Get written and binding estimates that include all fees, and clarify any unclear terms and conditions. Leave no gray area. 
7. Don't hesitate to haggle with moving companies. Ask if there are any discounts available, especially if you're flexible with your moving dates.