Why You Should Never Skip the Moving Quote Step

The number one mistake people make when hiring movers. It costs them hundreds of dollars.

The most expensive mistake people make when hiring movers is not comparing quotes. Not comparing companies. Not reading reviews. Skipping the quote entirely, or accepting the first number a company gives over the phone without getting it in writing. In 2023, the FMCSA received over 13,000 complaints about moving companies, and the majority involved prices that were significantly higher than originally discussed. A 10-minute quote call prevents most of these situations.

• Why moving quotes go wrong and what to do about it
• Binding vs. non-binding estimates: the critical difference
• What a good quote should include
• Red flags in a moving quote
• How to compare quotes across companies

Why getting a moving quote matters

A moving quote does three things: it tells you what you will pay, it creates a paper trail if there is a dispute, and it forces the company to think through the logistics of your specific move before the truck shows up. Companies that refuse to give written quotes are operating without accountability. That is the first red flag.

The difference between a phone conversation and a written quote is the difference between "we talked about around $400" and "this is the locked hourly rate, a $299-$499 typical range for your 1-bedroom apartment at [address], with a 2-hour minimum and no other fees." Only one of those is enforceable.

Binding vs. non-binding estimates: what you need to know

A binding estimate is a fixed price. If the company gives you a binding estimate of $800, that is what you pay regardless of how long the move takes. A non-binding estimate is a guess. The company can charge you more if the job takes longer or requires more resources than they expected. Non-binding estimates can legally exceed the estimate by 10% without advance notice, and by more if the company claims your move was larger or more difficult than described.

Undergrads uses hourly pricing, which is transparent by design. You pay for the time the crew is working, at the stated rate, with no hidden fees. The quote tells you the rate and the estimated hours. The invoice reflects what actually happened.

What a good moving quote must include

A quote that is missing any of these items is incomplete. Do not accept it until every item is addressed in writing.

1. 1The exact hourly rate or flat rate for the job
2. 2The number of movers included
3. 3Any applicable fees: fuel surcharge, truck fee, stair fee, elevator fee, long carry fee
4. 4The mileage fee or travel fee if the company charges one
5. 5Minimum hours charged
6. 6Whether the quote includes disassembly and reassembly
7. 7What happens if the job takes longer or shorter than estimated
8. 8Insurance and liability coverage: what is covered and for how much
9. 9Cancellation and rescheduling policy
10. 10How and when you pay

Red flags in a moving quote

Here is what should make you pause or walk away.

• The company will not give you anything in writing before the move day
• The quote is dramatically lower than every other company you contacted (this is how moving scams work)
• The company requires a large deposit before the move (legitimate movers take small deposits)
• The quote does not mention insurance or liability coverage
• The company is not licensed or cannot provide their USDOT number
• The salesperson is vague about fees: "it just depends" or "we will figure it out on the day"
• The company asks you to sign a blank or incomplete contract

How to compare quotes across moving companies

Get at least 3 quotes for any move. Use the same move details with each company so you are comparing apples to apples. When reviewing the quotes, look past the headline number and check the total cost including all fees.

The cheapest hourly rate is almost never the cheapest total. Company B in the example above advertises $49/hr but has a 3-hour minimum and a $125 truck fee, making the floor price $272 before any other fees. A 1-bedroom move with Undergrads typically runs $299-$499 all in for the crew, with no truck fee, no stair fee, and a 2-hour minimum.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get an accurate moving quote?

Give the company an accurate inventory of what you are moving. Note the number of bedrooms, any specialty items (piano, safe, oversized furniture), stairs at either location, elevator situation, and the distance between addresses. The more detail you provide, the more accurate the estimate. Video quotes, where a company reviews your inventory via video call, are the most accurate for larger moves.

Can a moving company charge more than the quote?

With a binding estimate, no. With a non-binding estimate, yes, up to 10% more without notice and potentially more if the company claims the move exceeded the original scope. With an hourly-rate company like Undergrads, you pay for actual time at the stated rate, with no overage on the rate itself, only on the hours worked.

What is a reasonable moving company deposit?

Legitimate moving companies take small deposits to hold the date, typically $50-200 for a full-service move. Undergrads charges $5. Any company asking for more than $200 as a deposit before the move is a yellow flag. Companies that ask for full payment in cash before the truck is loaded are a major red flag consistent with moving scam tactics.

Should I get an in-home estimate?

For large homes (3-bedroom and above) or moves with specialty items, an in-home estimate is worth requesting. The estimator can see exactly what needs to move and give a more accurate quote. For 1-2 bedroom moves, a detailed phone or online quote with accurate inventory is usually sufficient.