There’s nothing unique about a non-binding moving estimate. Moving estimates are all non-binding. Once something is binding, that is once it is enforceable and final, then it is simply called the price, or the agreement.

So, whether you got a moving estimate on the phone, on the Internet, or after an in-home survey, it’s not something you can bank on absolutely,even if it’s in writing.

If you want a moving price that you can depend on, you need to get the price in a signed contract. Ideally, it will be a flat rate or a binding not-to-exceed price.

Learn more about what are moving estimates and how to get dependable moving prices.

Full service moving companies are the kings of the moving world. They do it all:

• Pack
• Load
• Drive
• Store your stuff (if necessary)
• Unload

However, all full-service movers come with the question, what’s a good price for doing everything. It’s one that’s not easily answered. If you want a good price on a full-service moving company, do the following:

1. Get free moving quotes
2. Learn about moving estimates and binding moving prices
3. Draft a good moving contract

Learn more about full-service moving companies

Binding not-to-exceed moving prices are the holy grail of moving world. They say you’ll pay a certain amount for services, the total which will not exceed a certain amount.Ex. $100/hr, not to exceed $3,000.

When you have one of those, you can rest easy knowing that your move will not cost over $X, no. matter. what.

But how do you get a binding not-to-exceed price?

1. Ask politely – Most moving companies will at least offer a ridiculous maximum, which is better than nothing.
2. Probe – Try to worm a maximum price from the company, then get it in the contract.
3. Use the estimate – A good max is 10% of the estimate. So, if the estimate is for $3,000, see if you can get a cap price of $3,300.
4. Point to a different company – If Company B is offering a flat rate of $3,000, see if Company A will make that their max.
5. Play hardball – Say you won’t sign unless the company adds your desired max amount.

Learn more about how and why to create binding moving contracts.

Moving estimates are like test drives. Are they helpful? Yes, definitely. Should you rely entirely on them when deciding how to move? No.

Moving companies offer moving estimates to get you in the door, but those estimates are never final prices. If they were final prices, they wouldn’t be called estimates.

So, before you go ahead and sign a moving contract based on a nice-looking estimate, make sure the estimate is trustworthy by doing or more of the following:

1. Getting an in-home estimate
2. Asking the right questions
3. Getting a binding not-to-exceed moving price
4. Creating a rock-solid moving contract