Moving; one of the most stressful and arduous experiences a person will undergo during their life. Its labor intensive, time intensive, and can prove to be extremely expensive as well. The key is to partner with a quality moving company, and to plan in advance so that you have ample time to take care of everything. However, it’s important to keep moving costs down, because nobody wants to spend more than they have to. This blog will give you the whole story on moving costs, so that you’re prepared for the financial burden that will accompany your move. Don’t fret, there are affordable movers out there who can provide quality services, but it’s important to know what you’re paying for.
Moving Costs: The Whole Story
The key to keeping moving costs down, aside from partnering with a company that provides competitive rates, is to understand what you’re paying for during a move.
For local moves, rates are based on a three hour minimum, the price of which will depend on how many movers you have at your disposal (the different labor rates fall within minimums and maximums set forth by the Public Utilities Commission, which regulates the industry). You pay for a minimum of three hours of labor and transportation, and then usually pay a pro-rated amount for the rest of the time that you need their services. Additionally for local moves in California, moving costs will include double drive time fees. This is a state mandated fee that provides a verifiable driving charge, which allows the customer to understand what they’re paying for, and the company to recoup some of the costs from general wear and tear on the vehicle. With double drive time, the time it takes the moving company to go from the pickup location to the drop-off destination is calculated and doubled, and you’re charged accordingly. If there are additional stops, there may be additional drive time charges.
For long distance moves, rates are based on weight or volume, depending on whether it is an intrastate, interstate, or international relocation. The moving company will perform an on-site estimate, calculate up the total cubic feet, or the total weight, and then they will charge you based on a pre-determined set of maximum and minimum rates put forth by the Department of Transportation and the PUC. Additionally, moving costs for long distance moves are subject to accessorial and special services charges for things like stairs (when there’s 8 or more steps in a flight), elevators, long carries (when the movers have to carry items beyond 75ft. between the truck and the load/unload destination), shuttle services (when the trucks can’t fit at your destination), storage, and bulky articles. You can also pay to arrange for a specific delivery date, a service called expedited delivery (rather than having your items delivered in a thirty day window which is typical moving company policy), or to have your items travel in a truck all by themselves, which is called a dedicated truck.
For any move, you will have to pay for packing if the moving company does it (boxing, wrapping, or protecting any furniture) and special crating services for items like; flat-screen TVs, artwork, antiques, and other delicate or fragile pieces. You will also have to pay for materials if you would like them provided to you. For pianos and items that require dis-assembly or reassembly (pool tables, tables, etc.) there may be special bulky article charges, depending on the company and the size of the item.
Moving Costs with Acclaimed Movers
With your concern about moving costs, it’s important to find a top quality moving company that offers affordable services. That’s why you should get a free, no-obligation quote from Acclaimed Movers. Acclaimed has performed residential and commercial relocations for more than a decade, and they provide fully comprehensive, luxury moving services. Starting with logistics and planning, continuing with packing and materials, and finishing with labor and transportation, the company assists customers with every facet of the moving process. Their goal is to provide premium services at economical rates, to make a lifelong customer out of each person that they help. To ensure that costs stay low the company preaches efficiency through all departments, and always provides accurate, free on-site estimates. Whether your move is local or long distance, Acclaimed has the experience and ability to simplify the process and make moving easy. Don’t stress about moving costs, instead get a quote from an affordable, trustworthy moving company like Acclaimed Movers.
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