Most moving companies charge customers based on the number of hours they worked on a particular project. Local moves are usually charged by the hour, while inter-country moves are usually charged by the mile. Professional moving companies may also require an additional fee to transport, load and transport special items. Some companies offer discounts, such as senior discounts, off-season discounts, and free storage.
If you're trying to ship a single piece of furniture, such as a sofa or mattress, moving companies may not be the best option. To help you understand moving expenses better, we've broken down how moving companies usually determine prices, although each company may have its own approach. Full-service moving packages typically include furniture disassembly, or companies may offer it free of charge to attract customers. Moving companies can charge by weight or volume, but it's best to avoid estimates based on volume (cubic feet) if you haven't worked with the company before.
One of the most deceptive tactics used by moving companies is seasonal price adjustments. Most moving companies will provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate of the costs associated with your move. Professional moving companies tend to be quite expensive, even for smaller moves, and for good reason. Using cubic feet allows moving companies to determine the amount of space your belongings occupy in their moving trucks and charge you accordingly.
