If you’re planning to move in Houston, you may be nervous about the impending costs. Indeed, moving and packing services can be pricey, but the cost will depend on various factors, particularly the location and distance of the move. Here, we explore some typical moving services and their associated costs.
Also, moving in Houston may be more affordable than you think. Just get a free quote to find out.
Moving and packing
Of course, the most basic part of any Houston mover’s services is moving and packing. If you hire a full-service moving company, they’ll take care of packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking for you, but you’ll have to pay by the hour per mover. The exact price depends on the company, but you could be looking at hundreds of dollars for this part of the move. Of course, the estimate for moving and packing services will vary dramatically based on the size of your house and how many things have to be packed. You can save some money by packing belongings on your own and disassembling large furniture.
Moving van and truck rental
If you want to forgo the moving company entirely, you can save some money by hiring a moving van or truck yourself. However, the price differs depending on a wide range of factors:
Number of belongings
Mileage of the truck
Gas prices
Time necessary for the move
Taking all these into account, the price can range from $50 to over $2,000. In the end, renting a moving van may not necessarily be the most cost-effective approach to packing up and moving. Depending on the distance you’re moving and the weight of the possessions you’re transporting, it may be more economical to enlist the help of a Houston-based moving and packing service.
Direct pick-up and drop-off services
The Houston movers and packers we work with can pick up and drop off your belongings directly from your current home to your new house, but certain elements can elevate the price for this service. If the movers have to carry the goods over a long distance, haul them up or down staircases, or move them in or out of the building via a window, chances are you’re going to have to pay more.
When moving day is approaching, it may be wise to have your packing and moving company visit both your new and old places to offer a quote for additional costs, estimate how long it’ll take to complete the move, and prepare additional materials that may be necessary.
Seasonal fees
Most people in Houston move during the summer, so during this season, packing and moving businesses hike up their rates. Holiday rates are also typically higher. If you’re looking to save money, try moving during the off-season.
Moving insurance
To best protect your valuables during their move, most Houston moving companies include basic liability insurance in the price, and this varies from mover to mover. If you’re willing to pay more, you can also get full-value protection.
Moving company estimates
Houston’s best packing and moving companies will follow up on an initial online quote to give you an idea of how much their services will cost. To assess your belongings and get an idea of the layout of your house, a representative may visit in person or via camera. Typically, they offer one of three different types of estimates:
In a binding estimate, you pay the estimated price, regardless of how much the shipment actually costs. Depending on how accurately the company has assessed the weight, you may end up paying slightly more or less than the actual weight is worth. The shipment of extra goods is not covered, however.
In a non-binding estimate, the estimated price is meant only as a guideline of the final price, which is ultimately determined by the actual weight. However, federal regulations state that under a non-binding estimate, moving and packing companies cannot charge you more than 110% of the estimated price. Naturally, any additional services will incur additional costs.
In a not-to-exceed estimate, you pay either the estimated cost or the cost of the actual weight, whichever is lower. Since this is clearly the best deal for the customer, the arrangement is sometimes referred to as “guaranteed prices” or “price protection.”
Packing and moving companies in Houston offer a variety of included services. Depending on your needs, you may be able to adjust the exact specifications and fees of your move. However you decide to move, just make sure you know what you’re getting for your money.
If you’re looking for affordable, reliable packing and moving services in Houston, get a free quote from multiple moving companies now.