Hiring a moving company?

[Possegal]

Many years ago I could have helped. My family owned a moving company (a United Van Lines company) when I was a kid. If my Dad were still alive, I bet he'd have an answer for you. Good luck with you move.

[soprano]

I just now saw your question, sorry about replying so late.

Most movers charge by the pound. So, when you look at the estimate, look for the estimated weight. The lowest bid could very well have been for a lowball estimated weight.

Were the estimates all for the same services? For example, did Company A include packing (even though you plan to pack yourself) but Company B didn't? How about insurance?

Movers also may offer different types of estimates. It's been a while for me, so I'm fuzzy on the exact terms, but I recall that they will do a "guaranteed not to exceed" estimate - which is usually on the high side, so the final bill will probably be lower - or they can do an actual estimate, which has no guarantee that the final cost won't be higher. Estimate types are regulated for interstate moves, so they might not be binding for your move, but if you got different types of estimates, it could easily explain the cost difference.

Whatever company you choose, make sure to check them over with the Better Business Bureau, Angie's List, or some similar consumer complaint service, because there are some shady movers out there. Also, read the contract carefully before you sign it. Some mover contracts will waive liability for customer packed boxes (so if you pack yourself to save money, and they drop all of your stuff and break it, too bad for you) or particleboard furniture.

[westtexas]

Thanks all for the advice.

They way they are charging me is by size of the truck, mileage (and thus, fuel cost) and turn around time, so weight isn't a factor (that's how they did my brother's move). I don't have to share a truck or wait for one to fill up before I get my stuff to my place either, which is nice.

I decided to go with the low estimate after a 4th one came in last night for lower than that. Luckily people around here are generally pretty trustworthy and I usually have a pretty good "people sense" so I feel like I have made the right choice.

Of course, won't really know until 7 weeks from now...

Thanks again!