Moving estimates

By: Relocation.com Staff

How much you pay for your move will largely be determined by how far you’re moving.

If you’ve moving within the state where you currently reside, you will mostly likely be charged differently than if you were moving between states. Also, the government that regulates your move will be different as well: if moving in-state, your own state has jurisdiction; between states, it’s the federal government.

LOCAL, INTRASTATE OR INTERSTATE

Any move under 50 miles is generally considered a local move and is commonly charged at an hourly rate plus charges for additional services.
Longer intrastate moves are generally priced on the weight of your shipment. (If you’re not sure which category your in-state move falls into, ask your moving company.) Finally, a move out of state is an interstate move, also called long distance moving. This is charged according to the weight of your shipment and miles traveled for your move.

MOVING LOCALLY

The process is fairly simple for costing a local move. The size of your current home will determine the number of people needed on a moving crew; here’s a rule of thumb:

* 1 bedroom: two movers

* 2-3 bedrooms: up to three movers

* 4 bedrooms: up to four movers

* More than 4 bedrooms: four or more movers

Your mover will have rates for each crew size. Rates are usually on file at the moving company for your review.

This can vary, though, and shouldn’t affect the moving price: The more people you have working on your move, the faster the move can be completed. Compare the differences between moving companies to determine what’s best. The higher rates of some companies usually reflect the experience and training that they provide to their crew.

For a move in-state, check out your moving company’s registration, or if you must file a complaint, check out the regulations for that state.
Here’s a list of the state moving associations that can help you locate the proper moving authority for you to contact:

MOVING LONG-DISTANCE

Costs for a long distance move will be determined by the weight of your shipment and the number of miles to your new home.

Cutting the costs for a long-distance move is simple: move less stuff (particularly less heavy stuff). If you have heavier items that you have not used for a long time, it may be better to dispose of them before moving.
Another consideration: if you’re moving to San Francisco from Minnesota, the San Francisco end of the journey will be more expensive because of the difference in labor costs between the two states. Ask the moving companies how this affects what you pay.

CHECK YOUR MOVER

Make sure the interstate mover you select has been assigned a USDOT number, is registered with federal government to transport household goods between states, and has the proper level of insurance.

You can determine if a mover is registered by visiting www.protectyourmove.gov, or calling FMCSA at (202) 366-9805 for licensing and (202) 385-2423 for insurance. Also check for complaints against the company.