Is this moving quote normal?
A moving quote is the one estimate that can legally change after you've accepted it — which makes the type of estimate more important than its size. A low non-binding number and a higher binding one are not two prices for the same thing; they're two different levels of certainty. Establish which you're holding before you compare anything.
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What most people miss
The cheapest quote is often the least binding one
Compare estimate types before totals. A binding quote with a full inventory attached and a higher number is frequently cheaper on moving day than a non-binding phone estimate that came in low. When you ask three movers to bid, ask all three for a binding or not-to-exceed estimate with the inventory attached — that's the only way three numbers mean the same thing.
How this price is built
Estimate type: binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed
Binding fixes the price for the listed inventory. Non-binding can move with actual weight or hours. Not-to-exceed caps it. This single field explains most 'my quote doubled' stories.
The pricing basis: weight or hours
Long-distance moves usually price on weight and distance; local moves usually price on crew hours. Ask which, and for the assumed weight or hour count behind the number.
The inventory
The quote is only as good as the list it was built from. Items added later are legitimate extra cost — which is exactly why the inventory should be attached to the quote.
Access charges
Long carry, stair carry, elevator, shuttle for a truck that can't reach the door. These are real costs and should be identified at survey rather than discovered on the day.
Packing and materials
Full pack, partial pack or self-pack changes the total substantially, as do boxes and specialty crating. This should be a named choice, not an assumption.
Valuation, which is not insurance
Basic liability coverage is typically a small amount per pound per item — often far below replacement value. Full-value protection costs more and is a separate decision.
What makes a quote high
A quote given over the phone with no survey
A number produced without seeing or listing your belongings is a guess, and guesses adjust upward on moving day.
Deposit demands out of proportion
A modest deposit is normal. A large cash deposit before any inventory or paperwork is a warning sign.
Surcharges appearing at the truck
Long carry, stairs and shuttle fees charged on the day, when they were visible at the address all along.
Coverage sold as insurance
If cover is presented as though your belongings are fully protected, ask for the per-pound figure and the deductible in writing.
Broker in the middle
Some 'movers' sell your job on to a carrier you've never spoken to. Ask directly whether they are the carrier performing the move.
Itemised versus vague
A quote you can evaluate looks different from one you can't. This is what to look for, line by line.
| Item | A quote you can judge | A quote you can't |
|---|---|---|
| Estimate type | Clearly marked binding, non-binding or not-to-exceed | Just a number |
| Basis | Assumed weight or crew hours stated | 'Estimated total' |
| Inventory | Itemised list attached to the quote | '2-bedroom apartment' |
| Access | Stairs, long carry and shuttle addressed for both addresses | Silent until moving day |
| Packing | States who packs what, and materials priced | 'Packing available' |
| Coverage | Per-pound liability and full-value option both priced | 'Fully insured' |
Questions to ask before you approve
- Is this estimate binding, non-binding or not-to-exceed?
- Is it priced on weight or on crew hours — and what did you assume?
- Can you attach the inventory this estimate was built from?
- Are there long carry, stair, elevator or shuttle charges at either address?
- What exactly is included in packing, and what do materials cost?
- What's the liability coverage per pound, and what does full-value protection cost?
- Are you the carrier performing this move, and what's your operating authority number?
Before you sign anything
Copy these lines as they are. Politeness plus specifics gets answers.
- 1.“Please confirm in writing whether this is binding, non-binding or not-to-exceed.”
- 2.“Send me the inventory list the estimate was built from.”
- 3.“Are there stair, long-carry, elevator or shuttle charges at either address? Please list them now.”
- 4.“What's the basic liability per pound, and what would full-value protection cost with what deductible?”
- 5.“Are you the carrier performing the move, or a broker? Please provide your operating authority number.”
When a high price is legitimate
A higher-than-expected price isn't automatically a bad one. These are the situations where it's usually justified.
- Stairs, a long carry or no truck access at one or both ends.
- Specialty items — piano, safe, artwork, appliances needing disconnection or crating.
- A full-service pack, where the crew boxes everything for you.
- Peak season, month-end or a short-notice booking.
- Storage-in-transit, or a scheduled delivery window rather than direct delivery.
Not sure if your price is fair?
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Common questions
How many moving quotes should I get?
Three, all on the same basis. Give each company the same inventory and ask for the same estimate type — otherwise you're comparing certainty against optimism.
Why did my final bill exceed the estimate?
Most often because the estimate was non-binding and actual weight, hours or added items came in higher, or because access charges weren't captured at survey. Both are avoidable at quote stage rather than on the day.
Is the mover's coverage enough?
Basic liability is typically calculated per pound, which for electronics and furniture can be well under replacement value. Ask for the figure, then decide whether full-value protection or your own policy makes sense.
What does What's Normal? do with a moving quote?
It reads the document, identifies the estimate type and basis where stated, flags charges that look high or unusual for the move described, and lists precisely what's missing — inventory, access charges, coverage terms — before you commit.
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This guide explains how pricing is structured in general terms. It deliberately avoids quoting dollar figures, because fair pricing depends on your location, scope and market. Educational information only — not professional advice. See our disclaimer.