1. Exposing Moving Quotes Spam in 2024
Moving is a stressful, expensive process, even harder when the distances are long. Most people end up in lowball quotes given by brokers or cheap moving companies when they want to save even more money. After that, they realize the extra items that were not counted, raising the bill dramatically. We have discussed the real effect that such dishonest practices might bring to you, explain how they could affect your move, and show you how you can avoid falling into the trap of inflated moving costs. At the end of this article, we’ll be breaking down moving cost estimates, using real-life examples on how low quotes often end up being nothing more than a surprise for your wallet.
2. Why Cheap Moving Quotes Are So Tempting
A distant move can still save you money when planning to do it yourself. Your moving costs would mount pretty quickly with the cost of materials, labor, truck rentals, and insurance. Most moving agents take advantage of this and offer you these unbelievably low quotes that would seem to solve all your budget issues. Lowball quotes are deceptive but hide the true cost of a move.
To illustrate this, a one-bedroom home that is going to shift between 500 and 1,000 miles will cost you $1,999 to $3,499, on average. A low-cost moving broker then quotes you for under half that price and promises that he can do the move for under $999. On paper, it’s a fantastic bargain; reality is, however, far less cheerful. In the event of actually relocating, they will find ways to hike up their prices because of such factors as a household that is larger than they originally imagined, or additional packing needed, or awkward logistics involving stairs or elevators.
3. The Real Cost of Moving by Distance and Home Size
Let’s take a look at the current average rates for moving, based on distance and the size of your home:
| Home Size | 100-500 miles | 500-1,000 miles | 1,000-2,000 miles | 2,000+ miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1,499 – $2,499 | $1,999 – $3,499 | $3,499- $4,999 | $4,999- $6,999 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,499 – $3,499 | $2,999- $4,499 | $4,499 – $6,499 | $6,500 – $8,499 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,499 – $4,999 | $4,499- $5,999 | $5,999- $7,999 | $8,000 – $9,999+ |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $4,999 – $7,499 | $5,999 – $7,999 | $7,999- $9,999+ | $9,999+ |
These are average moving rates that these good companies use and provide upon visiting your home, getting detailed quotes where they assess the actual size of your home, including the number of rooms, and added requirements such as packing services or special care for breakables
However, moving brokers or cheap companies will always quote you less than 50% of these prices. That may sound attractive to you at first but far away from the reality once they break it down and analyze your home size and then introduce these hidden fees.
4. Hidden Costs That Inflated Moving Prices
Many cheap moving companies attract customers with such low quotes, but the estimates turn out not so cheap when they appraise your house and add costs for services not considered in the quote at first. Here are some of the common hidden costs that may bring a rise in your final bill from moving:
- Packaging material and services: While most of the moving companies that give a seemingly low start quote will charge you extra for materials for packing such as boxes, tapes, and bubble wraps, amounting to hundreds of dollars in addition to the final cost. According to the industry standard, 10% to 15% of packing materials add up to the total cost.
- Excessive labor for stairs or long carries: If the house you are relocating to is multi-storied or your moving truck cannot park near the entrance of your destination, you may be liable for some extra charges resulting from stairs, elevators, or long carry distances. These charges might range between $75 and $199 depending on how complicated your relocation would be.
- Fuel Surcharges and Tolls: Frequently, long-distance moves include fuel surcharges not factored into the original quote. Normally applied mile-by-mile, it may add hundreds to your bottom line.
- Insurance and Liability Coverage: Basic insurance is included in most quotes but only covers a mere fraction of the total possessions. Most companies include full-value protection and liability insurance on top for another $199-$499 in extra charges.
- Bulky or Overweight Items: Large, overweight items like pianos, appliances, or large furniture may cost movers an extra amount, so you can be prepared for its additional cost on the final bill- something around $149 to $499
5. Real-Life Examples: Customers Who Were Misled by Low Quotes
To give you a better idea of how expensive free moving quotes can be in reality, here are a few real-life examples of customers who were faced with unexpected expenses:
Case Study 1:
Sarah had received a quote to move her one-bedroom apartment 1,000 miles for $1,200. When the movers were scheduled to arrive, she was quoted that, in fact, the cost would be $3,700 because her furniture was far bigger than they thought and thus needed more packaging materials. Her actual price was nearly triple the estimate she had received.
Case Study 2:
John was quoted $2,500 to move a two-bedroom home 500 miles. The movers then added another $1,000 in fuel surcharges and long carry fees since they could not park near his new apartment. His final bill was $3,700—a 48 percent hike over the original quote.
6. The Work of Moving Brokers in Lowball Estimates
One of the most egregious offenders in these lowball quotes is the moving broker. Unlike a direct moving company, the moving broker neither owns trucks nor hires movers. Instead, they are middlemen who connect you directly with third-party movers to whom they sell what will probably be the lowest price quote you get. The brokers are incentivized to give you the lowest quote because that’s how they tend to win your business but reap the actual cost benefits.
Thus, most agents do not offer in-home quotes. So, they do not get to understand the scope of how much work is involved in your move. Thus, when they quote you low just because of incomplete information about your move, by the time the actual movers arrive, they are ready to revise the price according to the work that needs to be done.
A report by the FMCSA found that 15% of complaints made in regards to moves involve brokers who either underestimated or gave misleading estimates. Often, their final costs are significantly higher than quoted.
7. How to Prevent Lowball Moving Scams
To protect yourself from lowball moving scams, observe the following steps:
- Get a Cost to Move Estimate In House: It’s essential that you always ask for an in house, itemized estimate from the moving company. Reliable movers will go to your house to tour your belongings, which is when an accurate quote can be provided. Avoid companies that promise to provide an in house quote over the phone or online without ever stepping foot in the inside of your home.
- Compare Quotes: Never accept the quotation that comes in your first mail. Compare at least three different quotations submitted by various moving companies. If one of them quotes much less than others, it may be a trap for gullible people.
- Check the Reviews and License: Check your moving company through consumer reviews, and check for an FMCSA license. A reputable moving company is going to have a valid USDOT number and have the proper insurance.
- Get a Binding Estimate: A binding estimate is when the quoted price is your own price unless you add services or change the scope of the move. Avoid a non-binding estimate because it may cost more as determined by the final evaluation of the actual movers.
- Watch for Red Flags: Avoid any movers who want huge up-front deposits or will not give you an in-home estimate, or who push you to sign a contract.
8. Don’t Be Fooled by Cheap Moving Quotes
While it can be tempting to choose a moving company with the lowest quote, the fact is that these quotes usually hide big costs that can really shoot the bill by landslide. Proper research, getting in-home estimates, and avoiding suspiciously low offers can save you from moving scams and provide you with a smoother and less stressful move.
It’s better to pay a fair price upfront to a good company than to receive an unexpected fee later. Of course, always expect transparency; and remember that if the quote you receive seems too good to be true, probably it is.
Why choose 10 Top Moving Companies?
To avoid getting caught up in deceptive lowball moving quotes, one should wisely choose a trusted and reputable moving company offering transparent pricing and quality service. Here are the top 10 most excellent moving companies that consistently deliver honest estimates, exceptional customer service, and no hidden fees from 10 Top Moving Companies because we don’t compromise on quality. Select one from our vetted list to ensure you are working with professionals who care about your satisfaction and protect you from any hidden charges. Do not gamble on your move-check out our top picks for an easy, reliable next move!
