Moving Cost Estimator: What You Need to Know
When you’re planning your next move, there are a lot of factors you need to consider. Not only do you need to pick a location, but you have to figure out how much it will cost you to move to that location. While this may seem like something you can find with a quick Google search, it’s not always that simple. This is because there are a lot of factors that contribute to the cost of your move.
The good news is that this is where a reliable moving cost estimator can help. Read on to learn more about these tools and how they can help you plan your next move.
What Is a Moving Cost Estimator?
A moving cost estimator, also known as a moving cost calculator, is a tool that helps you calculate how much your move will cost. These calculators work by factoring in things like distance, the items you’re moving, and much more.
Most moving cost estimators are available online, and some of the best options are free. Ultimately, they help you understand the cost of your next move to help you with the planning process.
Factors Considered by Moving Cost Estimators
Moving cost estimators leverage a lot of information to calculate the cost of your move. In fact, some of the best options calculate the cost based on several factors like the items you’re moving, the distance of the move, and even when you’re moving. Learn more about these factors below.
The Distance of Your Move
First and foremost, moving cost estimators will use the distance of your move to come up with a price. This is because the further you move, the more it will cost you.
However, many companies will offer better deals if you have to move across the country by reducing the cost of the move per mile. While it still ends up being more than a short move, this is something you need to calculate because it’s not usually a flat rate.
The Items You’re Moving
The number of items you have to move is another factor that needs to be considered. For example, moving items from a one-bedroom apartment is more affordable than moving items from a four-bedroom home.
You’ll also find that the weight of individual items can alter the cost. For example, three pieces of heavy furniture that are awkward to carry may cost more than moving ten small and light pieces of furniture. The best moving cost calculators will factor in all of this information to give you an accurate estimate of the price.
The Time of Year
Another factor that most moving cost estimators will use is the time of year you choose for your move. This is because the cost will vary based on the season and time of year. For example, moving on a weekend will be more expensive than moving on a weekday. Furthermore, moving during the summer is usually more expensive than moving during the spring.
It’s also important to note that moving during the winter can increase the cost because there’s a lot of snow blocking the roads. Plus, holidays can raise the price as well. The best moving cost estimators will factor this in for you.
Additional Services
Last but not least, some moving cost estimators will let you input additional services that can impact the cost of your move. If you plan on adding packing services or you want to cover your items with moving insurance, the cost will be higher. What’s more, items that need to be stored for prolonged periods will also cost you more; many moving cost estimators factor this into the equation.
Be Your Own Moving Cost Estimator
Planning your next move is hard enough from a logistical standpoint, so why make it even harder by not fully understanding the cost?
The good news is that if you leverage a reliable moving cost calculator and take into account the various factors that influence the cost of a move that we covered in this article, you shouldn’t have any issues. Doing so enables you to be your own moving cost estimator without having to rely on moving companies that may try to charge you more than you need to spend.
