Are you aware of the hidden costs of moving? It’s common to compare one moving company to another when you move, but there are hidden costs that many moving companies don’t mention upfront. These extra fees can turn a cheap deal into an expensive and unexpected nightmare. Before you sign with the cheapest mover you can find, make sure to consider the following costs so that you don’t get caught by surprise.
1. Travel Fees
One of the most common hidden costs of moving is the travel fee. When companies do include this fee in their quote, they will often refer to it as “travel time,” a “fuel surcharge,” or a “truck charge.” At Megan’s Moving, we call it a travel fee—and we make sure it’s included in every quote.
Travel fees are essentially what they sound like. They cover the cost of traveling from our headquarters to your location and then back to our office when your move is complete. Although most moving companies increase their travel fees on the weekends, we charge the same amount every day of the week. This is just one of the many benefits to moving with Megan’s Moving!
2. Elevator and Stair Fees
If your move requires navigating stairs or using an elevator, then be on the lookout for an elevator and/or stair fee (also known as a “flight charge” or “stair carry”). These are usually charged by moving companies as a separate fee in addition to your initial quote. Make sure to tell your movers ahead of time that they will need to use the stairs or an elevator so that you have an accurate cost estimate.
At Megan’s Moving, you never have to worry about a surprise stair fee: we conduct on-site estimates to avoid hidden moving costs like stair fees. The more information we can gather before providing a quote, the more accurate the quote will be.
3. Damages Caused by Movers
You may think that hiring the mover with the cheapest estimate is the best way to go. However, this tactic often results in costly damages to your belongings. Cheap movers stay in business by moving their customers as fast as possible. When your number one goal is to finish the job quickly, quality and attention to detail suffer. That’s why our estimates always include the time and materials needed to pad and wrap your furniture. In fact, we even go the extra mile to provide floor protection and door jamb protectors to prevent dings and scratches in your home as we move your furniture.
4. Damages Resulting from Poor Packing
Damages are not always the fault of your mover. Often, damages are the result of improper packing. This is yet another hidden cost of moving that can be avoided by hiring Megan’s Moving. We offer full-service moves that include packing and unpacking all of your belongings.
We also include (at no extra charge!) assembling and disassembling items as needed. Our full-service move can even include move-in services from our design team that will help make your new house feel like home. These design services include hanging photos and artwork and even arranging your furniture!
5. Moving Mixups
Did you know that some moving companies will load furniture and belongings from two or more households onto the same truck? They do this to decrease costs. However, they also run the risk of mixing up the items on the truck. Mixups are never intentional, but they can still lead to additional expenses; you’ll need to track down your items and arrange to have them rerouted to you. Worst case, you won’t be able to find them and will need to replace them. Aside from being a costly mistake, this hidden cost of moving is also extremely stressful.
Avoid the Hidden Costs of Moving
Thankfully, there is a better way to move: hire our team of professional movers to pack and move for you! We know how valuable and sentimental your possessions are, and we treat them with the care and attention they deserve. Every aspect of our moving and packing service is designed to protect your furnishings while also providing you with an accurate cost estimate.
Professional Movers
At Megan’s Moving, we don’t hire day laborers. Instead, we recruit and retain professional movers who can be trusted to move your home safely and securely. Our movers have experience packing and moving households of all sizes across the state. They are also background checked and randomly drug tested to ensure that your valuables are in good hands.
Better Truck Padding
Our trucks feature extra protection to keep furniture from colliding with hard surfaces. They also have shock absorption in case of a bumpy ride. No other moving company has both padded walls and carpeting in their moving trucks—this is a special touch afforded to our customers alone. All of these features provide the protection your belongings deserve.
Extra Care for Your Home
We always take extra care with your new home as well as your old home. Our superior moving service includes:
- Floor runners in high traffic areas to protect your floors from debris and dirt while moving.
- Ramps that allow our movers to safely move large items in and out of your home.
- Door jamb protectors and custom fit rail coverings that prevent furniture from damaging your home as it’s being moved.
These are just a few examples of the ways we make your move as easy and stress-free as possible. If you’re ready to make a move, allow us to help you. Request your free, on-site quote today.