Moving Costs (rent, insurance, movers)

[jego914]

Hi- just curious what others have paid for a short distance move (possibly same town). What do you think is reasonable for a move (same town) from a 3 bedroom (just living room/dining room) to same size home? Is it imperative for movers to have insurance? Posting this on Westchester forum because as we know, our costs are QUITE different from the rest of the country. Would just like to get an idea what is the ballpark I should be paying (and dont have any super larhe pieces, pretty standard stuff).what have you paid? Thanks so much!

[beer belly]

Not sure of the cost, but I would say Insurance is a must have. Do check on how things are insured....our mover insured by the weight, and they broke a very expensive mirror, and paid me less than $20 because of the weight.

[Ex New Yorker]

Originally Posted by jego914

Hi- just curious what others have paid for a short distance move (possibly same town). What do you think is reasonable for a move (same town) from a 3 bedroom (just living room/dining room) to same size home? Is it imperative for movers to have insurance? Posting this on Westchester forum because as we know, our costs are QUITE different from the rest of the country. Would just like to get an idea what is the ballpark I should be paying (and dont have any super larhe pieces, pretty standard stuff).what have you paid? Thanks so much!

If you do decide to use a moving company, make sure you get a binding estimate. This way there will be no extra charges after your move is complete. Also get estimates from several different moving companies. We used Allied Van Lines for our cross country move. They were on time, and nothing was lost or broken. I have nothing but good things to say about them. Yes it is imperative for movers to have insurance. If any of your possessions get damaged or lost you could be SOL.

Do all or most of your own packing instead of having the moving company do it for you. Same goes for supplying your own packing materials. Bubble wrap, boxes etc. can be purchased at Staples or most office supply stores. U-Line is also a good source. You can also use clothes to wrap around fragile items.

If you're only moving within the same town, why not just rent a box truck and do it yourself? Ask your local supermarkets for empty boxes that they would normally throw out. Boxes that eggs came in are very useful, they are strong and have cut outs on the sides making them easy to carry. They also stack very well. They are about 12"X 12" by 24".

[jego914]

Thanks for the advice! Decided to go with a reputable moving company and got a binding estimate (thanks for that info). The estimate was smack in the middle of all the estimates. Difference between our lowest and highest estimate was HUGE. thanks again! moving stinks.

[Ex New Yorker]

Originally Posted by jego914

Thanks for the advice! Decided to go with a reputable moving company and got a binding estimate (thanks for that info). The estimate was smack in the middle of all the estimates. Difference between our lowest and highest estimate was HUGE. thanks again! moving stinks.

Well you're welcome! Indeed there are a wide variety of estimate's ours ranged from eight to twelve thousand for our household goods. And the same for moving three antique cars and a 3/4 ton pick up truck. We rented a box truck to drive across country with all of the items we would need right away along with tools and a wide variety of items that the movers were prohibited by law to take. It came to around $18,000 for two tractor trailers, the box truck, fuel and assorted expenses. Of course it all depends on what you have and where you are going. Good luck with your move! Fortunately for us ours went well, we chose two reputable company's who by the way gave us the best estimates. Both were on time, and nothing was lost or damaged. You do have a queasy feeling knowing that practically everything you own are on two tractor trailers going cross country. Moving does indeed stink but once it's over and you're all settled down you'll be glad you did.