What goes into an Estimate for Moving?

When you get an online estimate or an in-person estimate for moving from one place to another, it's nice to know what goes into it. There are several factors used to determine the total cost for your move. Here's a look at some of the major factors used in a moving estimate.

Your New and Old Addresses

The address you will have your belongings picked up at and the address where they will be dropped off is where the moving estimate starts. Good moving companies will ask for this information before they move forward with anything else. The more details you provider, the more accurate your quote will be, as well.

For example, if you're just moving from one apartment to another, the addresses are great, but knowing what floor the apartments are on is even more helpful. You may also need to inform the moving company if you have things at a second address needing picked up along the way.

The Amount/Size of the Things Needing Moved

Along with the location your stuff is going from and to, the amount of things and the size of the things you have will also be factored into the moving estimate. If you have a grand piano and a large pool table needing moved, along with regular household belongings, your moving estimate will likely be higher due to those large items. Again, the more details you can give a moving company about the things you want moved, the more accurate your quote will be.

The Time of Year You Want to Move

In Chicago, moving in the winter may have a different cost compared to moving in the summer. Just like any industry, moving has peak times and off-peak times. If you move during a peak time of year, it will likely cost you more because many others are also moving during this time of year.

Often, in Chicago, the peak moving times are in the spring and fall when school is starting and ending. However, you may run into other peak times, depending on what is going on and when you plan to move.

Factors Making Your Move Less or More Expensive

While the main three things going into your estimate are the locations, your things and the time of year you move, there are other factors that will affect the price. Here are a few things you should understand when it comes to a moving estimate.

Labor

The number of actual movers required to get your belongings from point A to point B is a huge factor in how much it will cost for your overall move. For example, if you have a heavy piano needing moved, it may require a third mover for safety reasons. Without a heavy item, the moving may be able to be done by two movers, which won't cost as much.

Time

The number of hours spent on the actual job also factors into the overall cost. If the move is estimated to take only 3 hours, it won't cost as much as a move estimated to take 6 hours.

Distance

Long distance moves cost more than in-town moves. If you're just moving a few miles across town, it won't cost as much as moving the same belongings outside of the city.

Understanding what goes into a moving estimate is necessary. Not only will the estimate make more sense to you, but it will also help you compare one company to another.

Long Distance Moving

How Much Does it Cost to Move Fine Art?

Moving fine art isn't the same as moving a couch or another large item. It's fragile, may be very valuable and needs to be moved properly. Since this type of item is rather unique, it cannot be lumped into the moving estimate with all the other items. Fine art, such as paintings, sculptures, collector's items, chandeliers, statues and pictures requires a professional moving company capable of moving the type of item you own. The cost may vary widely, depending on the item or items you need moved. Here are some of the considerations a professional moving company will make when quoting a price for moving fine art.

The Value of the Art

If you plan to insure the fine art during the move, the value will make a big difference in the price. You may need to pay for an appraisal before the item is moved to ensure its value is correct. More valuable pieces are more expensive to move simply because they will cost more to replace if damaged or lost.

The Size of the Art

Size is another huge factor. It's not going to be the same price to move a simple 24" x 36" painting compared to a 300-pound statue. The larger the item is, the more you can expect to pay to have it moved, especially if the larger size means more weight.

With heavier items, moving companies may need to bring out special equipment or staff an additional mover to ensure the move is handled properly. This will cost more and just one extra mover can up the hourly rate by $75 or more per hour.

Moving Fine Art

How Fragile is the Art

Fragile art requires special packing materials and a specific strategy for moving. For example, if you have a highly valuable chandelier you need moved made of crystal, it will probably cost more than moving a painting. The chandelier may be large, oddly shaped and incredibly fragile, while the painting can simply be crated and moved.

If you own very fragile fine art, you should expect the cost of moving it to be much higher compared to moving a handful of valuable paintings. While all fine art must be handled with care, fragile items require an even higher level of care.

Benefit of Hiring a Professional to Move Fine Art

While it's very hard to narrow down even a simple price range for moving fine art, there are several benefits to hiring a professional moving company to handle your fine art. The benefits include:

• Safety - Professional movers know what they are doing and you will no longer be risking yourself when moving.

• Less chance of Damage - With a professional moving company, your fine art will be packed properly leaving the chances of damage at slim to none.

• Saves you Time - You no longer have to spend the time tracking down the right materials and packing the art yourself.

• Affordable - Usually, the cost of moving fine art is far more affordable than trying to handle it yourself.

The cost of moving fine art will vary widely, depending on what needs to be moved. Just as art can be very subjective, so can the estimate for moving it. If you need to move fine art, it's best to get an estimate from a professional moving company specializing in fine art moving.

Why Should I Hire Movers?

Moving is a huge undertaking, especially if you're moving to a new city. Most people dread the process of moving, even if they know the new location is far better for them. The packing, lifting, unloading and unpacking are not something most look forward to. There are several reasons to hire professional movers and many benefits. Whether you simply don't have the time or you want to eliminate some of the stress of moving, the right professional moving company makes a huge difference. Here are five reasons why you should always hire a moving company.

Chicago Moving Specialists

Free Up Time for Other Things

Moving day is one of the most hectic days of your life. Every single time you go through it, you wish there was an easier way. Not only do you have to get all of your belongings from one location to another, but you also have to handle other things, such as turning off/on utilities, getting your family to your new home, changing your driver's license and many other tasks.

Hiring a moving company will allow you to concentrate on other tasks instead of moving. Some moving companies will even pack and unpack all of your things for you.

No Need for Additional Equipment or Supplies

Whether you just need to move furniture or you have a valuable collection to move, the right equipment makes a difference. Sometimes, you have to rent or purchase additional supplies or equipment for specialty items or heavy items. It may be something as simple as a tool you need to take apart a piece of furniture.

A professional moving company will have the tool you need, along with all the other equipment/supplies necessary for moving. It doesn't matter if you're moving fine art or just basic household furniture, hiring a moving company will give you everything you need for moving day.

You Won't End Up Injured

One of the most common things people forget about when moving is their own health. Moving heavy items isn't easy for somebody not doing it on a daily basis. Professional movers handle things like heavy pianos and oddly shaped pieces of furniture every single day. They know how to move these items safely.

If you try to move everything yourself, you may be sore for a few days. Even worse, you may end up in the hospital with an injury because you didn't properly lift or handle a heavy item.

Your Things Remain Insured and Safe

With experienced professionals, you have the ability to safely move your belongings without as much concern. Not only are they experienced in moving, but they also carry insurance for your belonging. This gives you additional peace of mind when moving.

In addition, professional movers understand how to properly wrap and pack your items. Even fragile items are well protected when you hire a professional moving company.

You May Actually Save Money, in the Long Run

Without professional movers, you may end up in the hospital, with broken items, lost items or racking up unexpected moving expenses. You have to rent a truck, put gas in the truck, get the right tools and equipment and you may need to provide food and refreshments for those helping you. It can add up in a hurry.

Professional movers will give you an estimate and you will only need to pay what they charge. There won't be additional charges for equipment you didn't know you needed and you won't underestimate the amount of gas you need, either.

There are several excellent reasons why you should hire a professional moving company. If you want to take the stress out of your next move, a professional is the way to go.

What is a Normal Tip for Movers?

After choosing the right moving company, you must also figure out how much too actually tip the movers. Tipping movers can be a touchy subject and you may need guidance for this situation. You are trusting movers with your personal belongings, they are taking care of the heavy lifting and in some cases, they will also be packing and unpacking for you. They should be rewarded for their hard work, but how much is the right amount to tip your movers? While movers get paid to provide the service and haul your things from one place to another, a little extra recognition is always appreciated. If you're happy with your movers, please consider tipping them. While they may not stand in front of your home waiting for a tip, a little extra cash is the best way to show your true appreciation for this very personal service they have provided for you.

How Much to Tip Your Movers

The amount you tip your movers depends on the service they provide for you but is of course completely at your discretion. If you have large items, such as a piano or a heave billiards table, you may need to tip a little extra for the extra work.

It's best to tip your movers based on the time they spend on the move. A good rule of thumb is to tip between $15 and $25 per person for moves requiring up to 4 hours of time. If it takes longer to move than 4 hours, you should tip between $35 and $45 per person.

In addition, you should consider tipping extra if the movers have to deal with a heavy piano or another specialty item. Even if the item isn't heavy, if they have to handle something valuable or fragile, add on another $5 to $10 per person.

Other factors to consider when tipping movers include:

• Weather conditions

• Packing

• Unpacking

• Additional services provided

If your movers are packing, loading, moving, unloading, unpacking and assembling your things, a larger tip may be necessary. Remember, to tip a bit more if the movers are providing additional services outside of just loading and dropping off.

A Few Things You Shouldn't do When Tipping Movers

Whenever you hire a professional moving company to handle your things, make sure you avoid doing any of the following when tipping the moving crew:

Don't offer a beer or other alcoholic beverage at the end of the move. Most companies have policies against this.

If you prefer to buy them lunch, don't just order a pizza without asking what they would like. Remember, some may have diet restrictions or simply not care for specific types of food. However, buying your movers lunch is acceptable and much appreciated.

Don't tip them until the entire job is done. You can't take it back if you're unhappy with the move.

Follow these guidelines and use your best judgement when it comes to tipping your movers. Consider the type of move and how much time it takes them. You should also consider having some cold bottles of water, sports drinks and some healthy snacks available, if the move will take all day long.

While tipping movers may be a touchy subject, a cash tips is a great way to show appreciation. If you're not sure how much to tip, use the guidelines above and always plan to tip in cash, even if you're paying the actual moving company with a check or credit card.

4 Moving Myths to be Aware of

Some of the people you know will tell you that moving is a bad idea. They think it's too expensive, it's too much work and it's easier just to stay put. However, the best things in life require work and moving may lead to some great things for you. If you have dreams of living in a big city, such as Chicago, you might be preparing for a move. If this is the case, don't let naysayers sway you with their many myths. They will try to tell you that hiring a moving company is a bad idea and you can just do it all yourself, but have you ever really moved an entire home yourself. It's quite a bit of heavy lifting, logistics and not a fun experience.

Don't let other people sway you when you decide you want to move. Whether you're just moving across town or you're moving across the country, you should be aware of some of the common myths about moving.

The Best Day to Move is Friday

One of the biggest rumors out there is moving on Fridays is the best choice, according to realtor.com (http://www.realtor.com/advice/move/moving-myths/). Some say moving on Friday is the right choice because you have all weekend to unpack. While this is true, the weekends are also the busiest time for moving companies. Add in warmer weather and you may just find the prices are high and the movers are booked.

Free Boxes Work Great

We all want to save money and score a deal. However, using free boxes for your move may not be a great idea. You should never go cheap on the boxes, since they will protect your belongings. While you don't have to buy your boxes directly from the moving company you hire, it's usually a good idea. They will carry boxes for all different types of items, such as flat screen TVs, wine glasses and many other items.

Any Old Moving Company Will Do

Another huge myth you might hear about moving is that hiring any moving company will work just fine. However, when you hire a professional moving company compared to a fly-by-night operation, it may be the difference between hidden charges, high prices, theft, loss of good or damage. If you want to receive your goods and pay a fair price, you need to read the reviews, compare prices and hire a moving company with a solid reputation.

Moving Insurance will Cover it

Moving insurance is a good thing, but it's not going to cover you fully. Professional movers will explain their basic liability and what the insurance will cover if something is lost or damaged. Make sure you understand fully what is covered before you go ahead with the move. If you feel like you will need a full value moving insurance policy, you may need to use a third part or request this type of policy from the movers.

There are several moving myths you have to be careful of as others try to sway you not to move. Most people are comfortable where they are and some are simply afraid to every step out of that comfort zone. Don't let moving horror stories or myths change your mind.

The Professionals Moving Specialists