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Understanding hidden moving costs

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There are many reasons why hiring a reliable moving company is one of the best things you can do for the upcoming relocations. Apart from handling every moving task properly, they will save you plenty of time, nerves, and even money. And speaking of money, one thing that you get upon hiring a dishonest company is hidden moving costs. Hiring Number 1 Van Lines is a great way of avoiding them. However, it is best that you understand them altogether, as that is the only way of staying safe for good. So, let’s see what is there to know about these inconveniences.

Understanding hidden moving costs in theory and in practice

There are 5 main types of hidden moving costs you ought to be aware of.

some coins, a calculator, and a paper with prices in the back
Understanding hidden moving costs is crucial if you want to avoid them.

Charging you with packing service and packing supplies

Even though the packing service does not fall under regular moving fees, most moving companies do offer it if needed. Now, there are several options for you to choose from:

  • Ask the moving company to provide packing materials only, while you yourself will do the packing
  • Supply the materials yourself, and let the movers pack your things
  • Handle both the materials and the packing yourself
  • Leave everything to the moving crew

Note that going for the last option is probably going to cost more than you expect, so see that you ask the movers what will fall under their packing service. Keep in mind that moves will not vouch for things they did not pack themselves.

Moving insurance fee

While not all companies offer moving insurance, there is this document called the Bill of Lading. It is a sort of basic insurance you don’t need to pay for. However, if something were to happen to your valuables, compensation will not happen in full. You can expect only a third of the original value. With that said, if you plan on moving things like musical instruments, arts, or something else of higher value, you should definitely consider purchasing insurance. And you ought to go for one that covers the full cost in case of any damage or loss during transportation. While this is more of an unexpected than hidden moving cost, it is worth noting it, as it can save you a lot of nerves in the future.

A man signing a contract
Moving insurance can save you a lot of nerves and money, just make sure to include it in your final relocation cost.

Disassembling and re-assembling furniture

Under this group of additional moving costs Ontario movers tend to offer you can incorporate managing heavy and bulky objects as well. You see, in order to safely pack your furniture, movers will have to pack them in pieces. So, you can expect to see this charge at the bottom of the bill. While it can creep up on you as one of the hidden moving costs, all you have do is do your research right. So, if you plan on moving items such as pianos, pool tables, and other belongings of such prodigious size, expect them to have an effect on the final cost, due to their size and complexity.

Long carry and cancelation fee

If it so happens that your new home does not own a proper driveway for the moving truck, or your new building does not own parking, expect to see some additional charges. It is simple math really, as the distance between the moving truck and your entrance will be longer. As if that was not enough, if your building does not own an elevator, there is another extra charge to look forward to. And it will grow with each flight of stairs the movers have to overcome.

In case your moving plans change, or you decide to go with another moving company, see that you don’t end up with a cancelation fee. Canceling more than one week before the relocation will often save you from paying any fee. However, anything less than that will likely not. So, make sure to read carefully what kind of cancelation policy your company has.

Storage fee

As delays are not that rare in moving endeavors, moving companies often offer storage units as solutions to these problems. Still, this commodity does come with a price, so do not let it put you off your guard. Try to negotiate with the movers the cost of this service.

Storage units from the inside
Renting storage units during relocation is by no means a rare occurrence.

Additional hidden moving costs you should look out for

Apart from those five, we have mentioned, here are some honorable mentions of hidden moving costs you should keep an eye out for:

  • expediting your delivery will cost you extra
  • plenty of companies charge a travel fee, which is the time they need from their office to your home
  • if you want your movers to get rid of all the boxes and trash, you will have to pay up
  • tipping your movers is not obligatory, but is always welcomed

Finding estimates you can rely on

To begin with, you ought to ask for a minimum of 3 estimates, each followed by an in-house survey. Estimates among moving companies might not vary too much, but the final bill is what you need to look for. There can be a lot of difference between the original estimation and final charges. It is only on the final bill that you will be able to see what cost you actually had. With this in mind, it is best that you hire a reliable moving company that offers honest moving quotes.

As you can see, understanding hidden moving costs is not that hard, and such knowledge is rather useful. See that you read up further on what may confuse you, and later enter the moving process with the peace of mind.