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How to Prevent Extra Moving Company Costs

Avoid Price Creep

By Diane Schmidt, About.com

In other articles we've talked about how a moving company quote can change depending on extra services they have to do in order to get your move done. To avoid extra fees, make sure that you've checked the following items before hiring a mover:

  1. You have a confirmed, set destination to which you're moving. Changing your destination, even by a mile, could increase your costs.
  2. The pick-up address and/or destination address do not have adequate parking. Your household goods have to be carried by hand to and from the truck. This will result in long carry charges.
  3. You live on the third floor, but the elevator isn't working, yet you've indicated in your contract that there is an elevator reserved for your move. A mover will add on flight charges to your total costs. Make sure if you do have stairs that the movers must use, that this is negotiated before you sign the contract.
  4. Additional pieces of furniture not included in the original inventory list. This only applies for long distance moves where you receive an estimate based on inventory and distance. For local moves, charges are usually for distance plus a cost per hour per mover.
  5. You can also avoid any additional charges for a mover spending time trying to find your current location or the destination address. Most movers don't charge extra for this kind of delay, however, you can help the company by providing detailed instructions before hand. Also provide the company with information on parking and with any permits required.

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