Local Moves
Local moves are usually billed hourly with a minimum, based on crew size and truck count. Stairs, long carries, and heavy items like pianos or safes add time and cost. Weekday and mid-month dates are often cheaper than weekends and month-end.
Long-Distance Moves
Interstate moves are typically priced by weight or volume and distance. Get an in-home or video survey rather than a phone quote, and confirm whether the estimate is binding. Check that the company has a USDOT number and proper valuation coverage options.
Packing and Storage
Full packing services save days of work and reduce damage claims because the mover is responsible for what they pack. Storage-in-transit is useful when closing dates do not line up. Ask how items are inventoried and how claims are handled.
How Moving Estimates Work
Local estimates are hourly; long-distance estimates are based on inventory weight or volume. Watch for unusually low quotes — a common red flag — and compare at least three written estimates with the same inventory.