Hidden Fees in Moving Quotes: What You MUST Ask Before Booking a Mover

Relocating often comes with unexpected challenges, but budgeting problems shouldn't be one of them. Hidden fees in moving quotes can significantly increase your costs, placing a huge burden on you as you’re trying to settle into a new home. To protect your finances, we'll guide you through the different types of moving quotes, as well as a set of practical tips and strategies to help you avoid unlisted charges that could throw your budget off track.

Research Moving Companies

While most reputable movers provide customers with accurate estimates, some companies employ hidden fees to extort money. Known as “rogue movers,” they use low prices to lure unsuspecting customers, then demand extra money on the day of the move ‒ often two or three times the price they originally quoted.

In many cases, these dishonest companies don’t reveal their extra fees until your belongings are loaded onto their truck, essentially holding your possessions hostage until you agree to their terms. To prevent these types of unwelcome charges, make sure you vet every mover you contact by:

• Checking Their Credentials. Interstate moving companies are issued a twelve digit code by the Department of Transportation, known as a DOT number, which you can look up on the FMCSA database. Local movers are required to register with their state. If their license number isn’t listed on their website, you should be able to find it online, through the regulatory agency that monitors them in your state.
• Reading Their Online Reviews. Reputable movers encourage feedback. Many post reviews directly on their website. Movers without any recommendations on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau should be treated with suspicion. A long history of reviews mentioning lost or stolen items is also a red flag.
• Looking Up Their Professional Information. Every reputable mover operates under one official name and address. They’re also required to provide you with information about their insurance and liability. If their data is hard to find or inconsistent, it’s a serious cause for concern.

To protect yourself, request estimates from at least three moving companies. Be wary of any company that offers to handle your relocation for significantly less than the competition, especially if they agree to do the job without visiting your home.

Understanding Moving Quotes

After assessing the contents of your home, movers will provide you with a quote, estimating your costs. There are two types of moving quotes, each with their own pros and cons.

• Binding. Binding quotes provide a guaranteed price. As long as the scope of the move doesn’t change, the company cannot charge you more than what they initially offered. While this simplifies the budgeting process, it also carries some risk for the moving company, since they can’t recoup unexpected costs. As a result, these agreements tend to be more expensive than non-binding arrangements.
• Non-Binding. In a non-binding agreement, your final cost is determined by the weight and volume of your shipment, which can differ from the initial estimate. The quote is simply an approximation. You may end up paying more if your goods are heavier or take up more space than the mover thought they would.

While non-binding agreements contain an element of risk, they can also help you save money. If your shipment is lighter than expected, you’ll wind up paying less than what you were originally quoted. However, they can make budgeting more challenging, since you won’t know the final price until the end of the move.

Fees Commonly “Hidden” in Moving Quotes

When you hire a moving company, the initial quote typically includes labor, transportation, and the basic equipment needed to load and unload your belongings (dollies, ratchet straps, etc.). However, depending on circumstances, movers may include additional fees, such as:

• Packing and Unpacking. Thanks to their experience, professional movers work quickly ‒ saving time and effort ‒ but their help comes at a price. In addition to the extra labor, homeowners also have to pay for the packing materials necessary to keep their belongings safe during the journey.
• Fuel Surcharge. Diesel prices are not only higher than gasoline, they also fluctuate significantly. Homeowners are often required to bear these costs, especially if they’re moving long distance. Depending on the company you choose, fuel charges can add as much as ten percent to the final bill.
• Stair and Long Carry Fees. Movers add these to homes that are difficult to access. Conveying boxes and furniture over long distances and down cramped stairwells requires additional time, effort, and labor, which raises costs.
• Bulky Item Fees. Heavy, awkward, and oversized items are not only hard to move, but often require additional equipment and manpower.
• Insurance. Basic insurance coverage is included with every move, but only compensates you at a rate of sixty cents per pound. If a 200 pound sofa gets broken, you're only entitled to $120 under a basic coverage policy (200 x 0.6 = 120). For this reason, many homeowners upgrade to full value coverage, which pays the full cost of damaged goods, but comes at a higher price.
• Cancellation or Rescheduling Penalties. Most moving companies include an additional surcharge for canceling or changing your moving date, especially if it’s done at the last minute. Some companies require a flat fee while others ask you to pay a percentage of the total moving cost.

How To Spot Hidden Fees

Reputable movers do their best to provide clear, upfront pricing. Nonetheless, not every company utilizes the same fee structure, which can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. To avoid surprise costs:

• Review Your Contract. Request an itemized list of all potential costs, to make sure you know exactly what services are included in the quote and which are not. Request clarification regarding vague terms like "miscellaneous fees," "conditions apply," or "additional charges.”
• Ask About Surcharges. Fuel, stairs, packing, long carries, bulky items, insurance ‒ follow up regarding additional fees and what you’re being charged for them.
• Get Everything in Writing. Because there’s no way to enforce verbal agreements, don’t agree to anything unless it’s in writing. If you decide to add any additional services, such as packing, ask your mover to send you a new version of the contract, to avoid any confusion.

For your part, make sure you communicate with your mover about what you have and which services you need. Create a detailed list of items you need them to transport, especially if your quote is non-binding, so they can estimate your costs as closely as possible.

Be honest about the conditions in your home and make sure you secure the necessary parking and elevator permits ahead of time, to avoid long carry fees. If you’re purchasing additional insurance, specify how much you need and which items you want covered. Valuable goods like furniture and electronics may need full protection, but inexpensive items are normally fine with basic coverage.

Tips for Avoiding Hidden Fees

When it comes to moving costs, transparency is key. The most effective way to avoid hidden costs is with a clear, straightforward estimate based on the size of your household. Make sure you:

• Research every mover you contact.
• Present the same details to each company you approach, for a direct cost comparison.
• Work with your mover to inventory your household goods either in-person or virtually, over Zoom or Facetime.
• Discuss stairs, elevators, carrying distance, and other factors that might affect the loading and unloading process.
• Ask whether there are any fees not included in the quote.
• Make sure all charges and services are provided in writing.
• Don’t agree to any service without a concrete figure attached.

Remember that moving quotes are based on weight and volume, so go through your belongings and donate or dispose of unwanted items before performing inventory ‒ for the most accurate possible estimate.

America’s Long-Distance Movers

When moving cross country, your focus should be on the journey, not the heavy lifting. That’s why Allied’s full-service relocation teams offer complete support every step of the way. Our transparent pricing protects you from hidden fees, while our door-to-door services simplify every aspect of your move, from planning to packing to shipping, storage, and final delivery. Make your next move as smooth as possible. Contact us today for a free quote!