Planning and executing a move can be a difficult process. One frustrating aspect is budgeting for the hidden costs that professional moving companies may charge. The best way to deal with this is to research them beforehand and plan accordingly. We’ll identify some of the most common hidden fees in the moving process and offer tips on avoiding them.

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Research Moving Companies

The first step is to find an honest, reputable moving company. Gather recommendations from family and friends, and look at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for well-rated movers in your area. Read customer reviews on the BBB page and other review sites like Trustpilot to see if customers complained about hidden fees or bad service. Take into account how long the company has been in business.

As you look, remember that the cheapest moving company isn’t always the best. Any moving company that transports items via truck must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which you can check on the U.S. Department of Transportation website. Anyone can offer moving services like loading and unloading, but that doesn’t mean everyone is reputable or will take good care of your belongings. Read both positive and negative reviews for any company you consider.

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Get Multiple Estimates

All professional movers should give free estimates for their services based on, at minimum, the distance of your move, the dates, and the number of household goods. Always get this moving quote in writing, and make sure you understand the type of estimate it is. Nonbinding estimates are approximations—you may pay more than the figure listed.

Binding estimates are fixed in that you won’t pay more, but they’re usually based on weight. They may also require an in-home inspection and are often only valid for a set time. You may end up paying the full amount even if the actual weight of your items is less than what you estimated while obtaining a quote.

You should also take the time to understand what is and isn’t included in the estimate. If you want packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking, ensure that the estimate accounts for all of that.

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Understand Pricing Structure

Moving companies may charge based on weight (pounds), volume (square or cubic feet), or time (hours). Most reputable companies charge for transportation by weight rather than volume. Hourly pricing, which is typical for packing and loading labor, is the hardest cost to predict, as unanticipated challenges can impact it on moving day. The hourly charge may also be per person, so if you have two movers loading your things at $50 per hour, the three-hour cost could be $300.

Here are some common additional fees that may impact the final price:

These fees don’t apply in all circumstances, but if they’re likely to come up during your move, make sure to ask about them in advance.

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DIY What You Can

The more services you require from a moving company, the higher the cost. The good news is there are many options between a full-service move and a do-it-yourself (DIY) move. Packing and unpacking your own belongings is a key way to save since packing services are expensive and the process can take a long time.

However, be honest with yourself about how much time and physical strength you have to devote to the move. Long-distance moves and moves with large families are difficult without substantial help. Consider hiring specialists to load and unload—they’ll know how to safely transport large and fragile items and pack a truck so that your belongings won’t shift and break during the trip.

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Disclose Special Requirements

The more information you can give the moving company up-front, the less likely you are to face surprises when the invoice arrives. Make sure they know about any large, fragile, or heavy items. Describe the environments in which the movers will be working, including any stairs, and estimate the distance between the front door and the truck’s parking spot. Attempting to hide this information from the movers won’t save you money. You’ll just incur extra charges on top of an inaccurate estimate.

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Schedule Carefully

Moving companies often charge more for moves scheduled at the last minute or during peak season. If your schedule is flexible, you may save by booking your move at an off-peak time. Movers’ peak or busy periods include the spring and summer, the beginning or end of the month when leases end, and weekends.

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Read the Contract

Once you’ve chosen your moving company and decided to book your move, read the fine print and terms and conditions. If you have questions or concerns about any clauses or fees, ask them before you sign.

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Reserve Parking

Parking may not be an issue for homeowners with large driveways or plenty of curb space. However, if you’re moving to or from an apartment or urban center, you don’t want to deal with parking tickets on top of everything else. You may also incur extra fees if the truck driver has to circle the block waiting for parking, or if the movers have to carry your belongings a long distance.

Always plan in advance for loading and unloading the moving truck. This can involve speaking with building management or a neighborhood homeowners association to determine what’s permissible. You should also contact the municipal government at your destination to find out if you need a parking permit. Not all cities issue them, but you may need to request one at least three days in advance if they do.

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Check Cancellation Policy

Find out in advance what the consequences of a delay or cancellation are. Cancellation fees tend to rise exponentially as you approach your moving date. Identify this time frame with your moving company beforehand so you can make a plan.

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Know Where To Avoid Cutting Corners

Don’t cheap out and fail to tip your packers and moving crew. The usual rate is about $4–$8 per person per hour, though if it’s a large group, you can pay a lump sum to the foreman or coordinator and let them divide it. Although moving companies won’t include tips in your estimate, plan for them in your budget. This is not an extra or hidden fee—it’s part of the cost of moving.

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Review Your Bill

Once the move is complete, check your invoice against the estimate and look for unauthorized charges. Even if the estimate wasn’t binding, the moving company should be able to account for the difference based on the terms and conditions in your contract. You may need to initiate a dispute if you can’t find any justification for the fee.

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Our Conclusion

Some financial costs of hiring professional movers are inevitable, but you can protect your budget by planning for them in advance. You can use a moving cost calculator to get a ballpark estimate, but it’s important to contact multiple companies to get a more solid idea of the actual cost of your move. We recommend getting estimates from at least three moving companies and asking many questions about additional fees before you sign anything. There’s sometimes room for negotiation, especially if you move during an off-peak time.

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FAQ About Moving Company Hidden Fees

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