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Free Moving Quotes – Everything You Need to Know
No matter how big or small your move is cost is usually something to think about. Some people try to move on their own to save money. But in many cases, hiring professional movers is the better choice. This is especially true for long-distance, cross-country or international moves — though even a short move nearby can be easier with help from experienced household movers.
Thankfully, getting a free moving quote from professional movers is a smart way to start comparing prices. An instant quote can make things easier and help reduce some of the stress that comes with moving.
These days, there are tons of moving companies to pick from—sometimes even thousands. But finding one that really gets what you need can be tricky. Whether you’re moving nearby or across the country, it’s important to have a reliable moving company to help you out.
Keep reading to see how a free moving quote can make your move easier and how to find a trusted moving company that fits your budget.
What is a Moving Quote?
When you’re planning to move to a new home or office, one of the first things you think about is how much it will cost. The total price depends on things like how big your move is, how far you’re going and what services you need. That’s why getting a moving quote ahead of time is important—it helps you understand the cost before you decide anything.
So, what exactly is a moving quote? It’s a price estimate from a moving company that shows how much your move might cost. It’s based on things like how many rooms you have, how much your stuff weighs or takes up and how far you’re moving.
Getting a moving quote is important because it helps you plan your budget and find the right movers for your situation. When you have the details, you can look at quotes from different companies and pick the one that works best for you.
Instant Ballpark Quotes vs. Moving Quotes
Most moving companies give two kinds of quotes, instant ballpark quotes and detailed estimates. Both are based on things like how big your home is and how far you’re moving but detailed estimates need more exact details to be accurate.
Let’s break it down.
- An instant ballpark quote is a quick guess based on limited details you give to the moving company. It’s meant to give you a general idea of what your move might cost but it’s not the final price. For example, it might be based on how many rooms you have or how far you’re moving. It usually doesn’t include things like large or delicate items, or extra services.
- A moving quote or estimate is more detailed. You’ll need to give the company more specific information. They may review what items need to be moved and then give you a more accurate price. This quote can also include added services like packing, unpacking or storage if needed.
Giving honest moving quotes is a key to helping you understand what to expect. But keep in mind, a moving company can’t give you a truly accurate quote until they have all the important details needed to make a proper estimate.
How Free Moving Quotes Help Simplify Your Move
Getting a free moving quote online can clear up a lot of confusion about costs. It’s easy to overlook some expenses—like how much packing supplies might cost. Even if you’re moving on your own, the costs can build up quickly and it can also take a lot of your time and energy.
Before you ask friends or family to help you move in exchange for pizza, it’s a good idea to get an online moving estimate from a trusted long-distance moving company. This can help you plan your budget better and may even give you access to extra services like professional loading and unloading.
An estimate also helps you see how much money you’ll have left for other costs—like gas for short moves, plane tickets for long-distance ones, hotel stays, meals or even things like visas, passports and paperwork if you’re moving to another country.
How to Use a Moving Calculator to Get an Online Moving Quote
Many professional movers now offer quick online estimates through a short- or long-distance moving calculator. The details you need to enter may differ from company to company. For example, when you request a quick quote from STI Moving and Storage, you’ll be asked to share the following information:
You’ll need to provide:
- – Your current address
- – Where you’re moving to
- – The size of your home (like a 1, 2, or 3+ bedroom apartment or house)
- – Your name & contact details
You can also mention if you need to move your car or if you’re planning to drive it yourself. After you submit the form, you’ll get a rough estimate for your move. For a more detailed quote, you can contact STI Moving & Storage agent.
How Are Moving Quotes Calculated?
The real cost of your move depends on a few key things, especially the weight of your items and how far you’re moving. For long-distance moves, the price is mostly based on how heavy your stuff is and the total distance to your new place. To figure this out, movers often create an inventory list to estimate the cost based on those two factors.
If you’re moving locally, the cost is mostly based on time. Most local movers charge by the hour, counting the time it takes from your starting point to your new place, including loading and unloading. Any extra services you ask for, along with the time fee, will be added to the total cost.
Here’s how a moving company calculates costs:
(Hourly rate) × (Number of movers) × (Hours needed to finish the move) + Travel fee + Cost of any extra services.
Hourly rates usually range from $25 to $85 per mover, depending on where you live and what time of year you’re moving.
Still, there are a few more things that can affect the total cost. Let’s take a closer look at those.
Factors Influencing Moving Costs
Several things can affect how much your move will cost.
Distance
How far you’re moving plays a big role in the final price. If you’re moving a long way, the cost will be higher. In the U.S., a local move usually costs around $1,250, while a long-distance move of over 1,000 miles can be about $4,890. These prices are based on moving a three-bedroom home with up to 7,500 pounds of belongings.
Size of Your Home
The size of your home can impact how much your move will cost. Someone living in a small studio will have less to move compared to a person in a fully furnished four-bedroom house. Bigger homes usually mean more stuff which means more weight and space—so the cost goes up.
Total Weight of Your Belongings
The weight of your items plays a big role in the final moving cost. The heavier your stuff is, the more you’ll pay. Heavier loads need bigger trucks and take more time to load and unload which adds to the overall cost.
Labor Time
The time it takes to load and unload your belongings affects the total cost. The longer the movers work, the more you’ll have to pay.
The Fragility of Your Items
If you have fragile or delicate items, the cost may go up since they need to be handled more carefully. Things like artwork, musical instruments or decorative pieces are more likely to get damaged, so movers take extra steps to protect them.
The Date of Your Move
The time of year you move can affect the price. For example, moving during hurricane or tornado season might cost more because of the added challenges. It’s a good idea to ask the moving company about the best day of the week or time to move if you’re trying to save money.
Seasonality
Moving in the summer usually costs more because the weather is better and more people are relocating during that time. Since demand is higher, prices often go up. If you move during the off-season, like in winter, you might be able to get a lower rate.
Additional Moving Services That Can Affect Your Quote
Besides the main factors that affect cost, many moving companies — STI Moving & Storage — also offer extra services that can change your final price. These moving services may be different depending on where you are and can usually be adjusted to fit what you need.
For example, when you work with STI, you may choose between additional moving services like:
Packing & Loading Services
Our skilled movers—whether local, long-distance, or cross-country movers—can take care of the heavy lifting for you. We’ll make sure your items are packed safely, loaded with care and delivered to your new place. We can also help you unpack once everything arrives.
In-Transit, Short- or Long-Term Storage
If needed, STI can provide safe storage options to make your move less stressful. Whether it’s for a short time, long-term or while your items are in transit, they’ve got you covered.
Extra Care Protection (ECP)
Our ECP add-on gives you flexible coverage for your belongings. You just pick the amount you want to insure. If anything gets damaged during the move, we’ll handle your claim quickly to keep you satisfied.
From Free Moving Quote to Move – What to Expect During Your Relocation
Moving can feel overwhelming especially if you’re relocating your whole family across a long distance. But with the help of our experienced team at STI Moving & Storgae, the process becomes easier. Here’s a simple overview of what happens—from getting your free quote to planning and finishing your move.
Request a Quote Online
Start by entering your moving dates, where you’re moving from and to (zip codes), the type of home you have and your contact info. Keep in mind, this will give you a rough estimate. For a more accurate quote, you can schedule a survey with an STI agent.
Schedule Your Survey
Connect with a local agent to go over the details and set up a time for the survey. A customer service rep will reach out to confirm your info and help schedule your move.
Survey Your Belongings
Usually, an estimator will visit your home to look over what you’re moving and help create a service plan—though some surveys can be done online. They’ll walk through your home to estimate the weight of your items and double-check everything to make sure you’re clear on what’s planned.
Plan Your Move
Once you choose to move ahead with the company, your personal relocation team at STI Moving & Storage will help you organize and schedule every part of your move.
Let Our Team Get to Work
On moving day, you’ll first meet your crew leader, who will make sure the team sticks to a smooth and organized plan. The movers will then pack your items using safe packing methods, build custom crates if needed and carefully load everything onto the truck for the move.
What to Look For in a Mover
Choosing the right moving company is a big part of planning your move. It’s important to pick one with a solid reputation. Start by checking their background and reviews to see if they match what you’re looking for. For example, if you need a long-distance mover, make sure the company is federally licensed and approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to move between states.
Also, think about how experienced the moving company is before making your choice. A good mover should have a history of providing reliable service. They should be able to give you an estimate after checking your items. It’s better to go with a company that bases their price on the weight of your shipment. Be cautious of movers who only charge by the volume of your stuff—they might not be trustworthy.
Get quotes from several moving companies so you can compare them. Try to include a few in-home estimates too. It’s a good idea to collect at least three different quotes to understand how prices and services vary. This way, you can compare everything carefully before choosing the right mover.
Get Your Free Moving Quote from STI Moving and Storage Company
At STI Moving & Storage, we make your move simple with free online quotes, clear estimates and no upfront contracts. We also offer full moving services to take care of everything for you. Ready to get started? Reach out to STI Moving & Storage with your details and contact info. With over 21+ years of experience in local and long-distance moves, we’re here to make your move smooth and stress-free.
