Whether you\u2019re buying a new home or moving into your first apartment, moving is time-consuming and expensive. Because of how pricey moving expenses can get, customers want a detailed and accurate estimate before they commit to your services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Creating accurate cost estimates<\/a> benefits your small business as seeing all the costs broken down reveals whether you make a profit or earn less revenue than expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can ensure that you always price the job<\/a> right and create the best estimate every time by using a moving company estimate template<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, you\u2019ll learn how to create a moving company estimate template that keeps you organized and helps you deliver the best service to your customers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Estimating the cost of a moving job makes the process of moving simpler for you and your customer. And drawing from our experience, using a moving company estimate template makes creating a template even easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But before you deliver the best estimate you can, you must collect all of the relevant information to ensure that your estimate covers all of your bases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As per our expertise, here are the steps to take to create an accurate moving estimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on our firsthand experience, simply giving a quote over the phone or online sets you up for the unexpected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you rely on your customer to describe their home and amount of belongings, you may show up and see that their description was missing some key points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, your customer may describe their home as being clean and rid of junk<\/a>. Then, you show up to learn that it is in fact not clear and that there are plenty of obstacles to get by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need to visit every potential customer\u2019s house so that you know exactly what you\u2019re dealing with. Otherwise, you may end up estimating too little, and frustrate your customer later with additional charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you visit the home, make an inventory list of everything you will be moving.At the very least, your inventory list should include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Include an inventory sheet with the estimate you give your client. To make things even simpler, you can include an inventory sheet in your moving company estimate template.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our research indicates that typically, there are three types of moving estimates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose the type of estimate that works best with your business processes and make sure the terms of the estimate are clear.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n If movers charge more than the initial estimate, customers must pay the remaining balance before any furniture can be released. However, our findings show that there is an upper limit to how much more a moving company can ask for, which is 110% of the original estimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, based on our observations, most additional charges must <\/em>be stated before any furniture is loaded onto the vehicle to avoid wasted time, effort, and money. Through our practical knowledge, some of the most common reasons a customer may be charged more than expected are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on our observations, an industry standard is to charge more during busy seasons, which are typically the summer months and holidays. During these times, you can charge twice the average rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should also set a time limit on the quote you give your customer to make sure that the estimate still applies during the right season. To be safe, set the time limit to a maximum of 30 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If after 30 days your customer does not make a decision, draw up a new one if they\u2019re still interested and make sure to add extra charges to your estimate if applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our findings show that most moving companies charge based on the weight of the contents being shipped for long-term moves, and by the hour for local moves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charging by volume (cubic feet) is not only illegal in most states<\/a>, but it\u2019s easy to overcharge that way, making it unfair for your customers<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our findings show that the average rate is 50 cents per pound<\/a>, while the average hourly rate is $25 \u2013 50 per mover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To give you a better idea of how much a move should cost, here are some average times for local moves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the items being moved, homes that are over 5,000 square feet can cost as much as $2,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can guess, long-distance moves cost more. Here are some average starting costs for moves that are over 1,000 miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are minimums to get you started. When creating your estimate, you should factor in distance and any other additional costs to get to a fair price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should have an idea of additional costs after you visit your customer\u2019s home, but there are other optional costs that you may need to talk to your customer about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you detail every additional cost in your estimate so that your customer has the entire picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on our observations, some typical additional costs for professional moving services include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can add these costs as line items in your moving company estimate template to avoid forgetting any extra costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t waste time with manual calculations. Our built-in invoice generator<\/a> handles it all, giving you a professional PDF that\u2019s ready to send \u2014 and getting you paid sooner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a>Image credit: RODNAE Productions via Pexels<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Drawing from our experience, keeping up to date with the newest terms is key to success in any industry, and moving services is no exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are so many options when it comes to the services you can offer as a moving company, and knowing the important terms of the trade will help you navigate the industry and choose the offerings that are best for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through our practical knowledge, here are some industry terms that every professional mover needs to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A bill of lading (BOL) is a legally binding document that outlines all of the important details of the move, from the shipping date to the list of items loaded onto the moving truck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is crucial that all parties involved have a copy of this document, as it serves as a receipt of a customer\u2019s agreement with you<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a>Image credit: RODNAE Productions via Pexels<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCP\u201d stands for carrier packed. This term is only relevant if your moving business offers packing services as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you pack a box for the customer, it will be noted as \u201cCP\u201d on an inventory sheet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cash on delivery (COD) is a form of payment where the customer must pay you for your services at the time of delivery to their new location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A cube sheet, also known as an estimated inventory, is a list of household goods and the amount of space (in cubic feet) they occupy in a truck. But remember, you shouldn\u2019t charge by cubic feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you figure out the cubic feet, you then convert it into weight and use that number to determine the moving estimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on our observations, stairs can be a mover\u2019s worst nightmare. Not only is carrying heavy items up and down stairs physically demanding and strategic, but it can also be dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A flight charge is an additional fee for you to carry items up or down one or more flights of stairs. Make sure you discuss with your client early on whether or not a flight charge will apply to their estimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As discussed earlier, inventory is a detailed list of the items you will be moving for your customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should not only list the items in your inventory list, but you should also describe their condition. This avoids you from getting blamed for pre-existing damage on items after the move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a>Image credit: RODNAE Productions via Pexels<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPBO\u201d stands for packed by owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your customer chooses to pack some of their own boxes, be sure to differentiate them from the ones you packed (CP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The preferred arrival date is simply the date a customer requests for delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important that you discuss this date early on and both agree that it works for the delivery of the items. You don\u2019t want to show up for delivery only to learn that your customer is having carpet installed<\/a> in their new home at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So instead, include this date in your estimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our investigation demonstrated that as a professional mover, you must legally include a free minimum amount of insurance for your customer\u2019s goods. Standard coverage is usually no more than 60 cents per pound<\/a> of damaged goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This isn\u2019t the best insurance coverage for your customer, as weight generally doesn\u2019t describe how expensive an item is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Discuss insurance options with your customer beforehand and consider offering additional insurance to cover higher-value items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Local moves, which is typically any move within 50 miles<\/a>, cost an average total of $1,250 for a two or three-bedroom home with approximately 7,500 pounds of items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our research indicates that a local move can be charged by weight or based on a standard hourly rate based on the number of workers required to complete the move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another option is to charge a flat rate based on the estimated number of moving hours multiplied by an hourly labor rate. However, this method may not give you the most accurate estimate, requiring you to consider additional expenses later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drawing from our experience, using a moving company estimate template allows you to easily plug in your hourly rate and estimated number of hours to get a quick estimate every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long distance moves are usually described as moves from one state to another, but if you live in a large state, you may want to charge higher rates for a move that is beyond 50 miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our findings show that the average cost for a 1,000 mile long distance move is $4,890<\/a> for a two or three-bedroom house with 7,500 pounds of item weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike local moves, you should always determine the price of long-distance moves by weight. Be sure to factor in any other applicable costs to your estimate, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can list these factors off in your estimate, or have their costs already factored into your rate per pound. As per our expertise, with a moving company estimate template, you can plug in this rate to get a final estimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on our observations, many expensive moving companies currently operate in the United States, and they\u2019re often some of the best you can find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some movers are full-service, meaning they pack and move, while others offer comprehensive insurance plans for safety and peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our research indicates that are some of the most expensive moving companies out there right now:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through our practical knowledge, moving company inventory sheets are essential because they ensure that everything is accounted for. These premade lists contain everyday household items and furnishings but also have some space for additional articles and quantities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a sample inventory sheet (without quantity columns) to give you an idea of what needs to be included:<\/p>\n\n\n\nGrow your field service business with automation.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to estimate moving jobs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Pay your customer a visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Make an inventory list<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step 3: Decide on a type of estimate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Grow your field service business with automation.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to do when movers charge more than estimated<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Step 4: Ask about moving dates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Calculate the weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step 6: Factor in distance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step 7: Factor in additional costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Moving estimate terms you need to know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Hands](\"https:\/\/www.method.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/01DuctTape.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBill of lading (BOL)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Carrier packed (CP)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Hands](\"https:\/\/www.method.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/02PackingPeanuts.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCash on delivery (COD)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cube sheet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Flight charge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Inventory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Packed by owner (PBO)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Hands](\"https:\/\/www.method.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/03RedPack.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nPreferred arrival date (PAD)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Standard coverage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Estimating moving costs for short distances (Intrastate)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Estimating moving costs for long distances (Interstate)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Most expensive moving companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Moving company inventory sheet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Estimate](\"https:\/\/www.method.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IconEstimateDownload.png\")
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