It is assumed and common sense that every long-distance move will come with an itemized list of fees that bring you to your total balance and final moving cost. While this is the case for almost any kind of relocation process, even if you are going rogue and doing it yourself, that itemized list on your invoice may include a thing or two, or three or four, that you weren’t fully advised on. And as dallaspropertymanagement.biz, an experienced property management team notes, when fees come out of nowhere, it can be challenging to cover the final costs associated with your move.
Moving has always been a process Boulder, CO, residents, and people across the country associate with stress, anxiety, and even anger or frustration. When researching for long-distance movers near me, you aren’t always considering the relocation process’s final details. Working with an honest, transparent, licensed moving company comes with more than a few perks – you won’t be blindsided by hidden costs and fees throughout the moving procedures. Instead of entering your upcoming cross-country move in a state of naivety, you can be prepared to ask the right questions, so you are fully prepped and ready – understanding the estimate and final cost of your interstate move!
Stairs Charges
No one likes climbing flights of stairs when you are hauling your entire household into your new apartment or condo, and your movers must work to play a game of Tetris sometimes when carrying up large furniture or bulky items. Most moving companies will include one flight of stairs complimentary with the booking process, and that labor is included with the cost of your move, but when it comes to 2, 3, or 4 flights – you are also looking at additional charges that come with that.
Hiding costs and fees from clients may be a tactic to book your move, and once you have signed the contract, you are bound to those terms and conditions listed. Don’t review your estimate and moving paperwork briefly; read everything carefully and ask questions about anything you don’t understand, as you are the second party in the contract, and it is also your responsibility to thoroughly review all the rules and regulations of your relocation.
Elevator Fees
Elevators are a more luxurious and modern way of getting up and down flights within a property, but they are a time muncher. While not all moving businesses include elevator fees in their contract, many do. Getting on and off elevators can slow the move significantly, taking time for the moving crew to work with their next customer. Elevator fees are often a one-time, flat rate and should be listed in your estimate and final moving contract. If you know an elevator at your pick-up or delivery location, notify your personal moving rep in advance so that you can be prepared for how that affects your total moving balance.
The Cost of a Long-Carry
Movers use their bodies as currency regarding the labor aspect of the job. While all drivers will park as close to the home’s entrance as possible, sometimes they can’t get anywhere near where they need to be. This may be because you live in a city and there are multiple cars parked on the side of the street; it could be because you reside in an apartment complex and your home is located far away from the building’s entrance, or perhaps you need to take delivery to a storage unit and your unit happens to be the last one on the left. Moving companies should include a certain length of carry with the cost of your move without any additional charge to the client. On average, movers will consist of anywhere from 75-100ft carry from the truck to your delivery location, but anything over that is charged by the foot and the weight or volume of your move.
Shuttle Needs
When a moving truck cannot physically reach your delivery destination due to parking, roadside weight limits, or obstructions with low-hanging power lines and trees – this means additional costs and fees. Long-distance movers travel cross-country in a full-size semi-truck, usually seen at your move’s delivery end. The mover will rent a smaller box truck, offload your belongings from the semi-trailer onto the box truck, and deliver from there. The shuttle charge is calculated according to the company’s minimum, starting between $300.00 and $400.00 and increasing into the thousands. If you are worried about access, consult with your movers before they are in transit so there are no surprises for either party!
Consult with Local Movers for a Free Moving Estimate
Surprises are typically fun, but when it involves taking money out of your pocket, it just doesn’t feel so nice. Vetting the moving companies, you are researching is vital to securing the right Boulder mover for your long-distance journey. Review reviews from other customers, ask friends and family members for recommendations, and check all licensing information through the Department of Transportation’s official website. You are already undergoing many changes, so being smacked with hidden fees is unnecessary.
Denver Moving Group is Boulder’s go-to moving company for local, long-distance, and cross-country moves – with a no hidden-fee policy, transparency, and honesty at the forefront of their values as a family-owned and operated business. Denver Moving Group is and always will be committed to providing free in-home moving estimates alongside a complete consultation to review any specialty needs for the move and all charges that can be incurred throughout the process. Don’t be surprised by these common hidden costs, do your due diligence, and take action to work with an honest, reputable local moving company for your long-distance move.
