Instant Moving Quotes vs. Guaranteed Moving Quotes 

If you’re thinking of moving, the biggest question you likely have is: How much does it cost to move? You may have asked friends, searched in internet forums or begun to research moving companies online. You may have even tried an online calculator to get an instant quote for your move. While these approaches may give you an idea of what it cost another family to move, none of them is an accurate predictor of what it will cost you. The only way to know for sure how much your move will cost is to get a guaranteed quote.

A reliable moving carrier like United Van Lines will always offer you a binding, written moving quote based on your actual needs. National, long-distance movers are, in fact, required by law to visually inspect your belongings during an in-home survey. The process is easy and can be conducted virtually or in person. The quote you receive will be based on detailed, professional observations, rather than computerized guesswork. And, your quote will be guaranteed.

With nearly 100 years in the moving industry, United knows how to help you move efficiently, effectively and on budget. It’s why we’re America’s #1 Mover^Ò. Let us show you how easy a move can be. Get a free quote today.

Understanding the Landscape of Moving Quotes

As you begin researching moving companies, you’ll likely find a dizzying array of options. Independent moving services, national carriers and even moving brokers will all be eager to offer you a moving quote. But, not all quotes are created equal. Companies offer a different range of services, and some may not be as experienced, prepared or reliable as others.  

Before you compare quoted prices for moving, it’s important to understand these things: the type of moving quote you’re receiving, the method that was used to generate the quote, what is included in your moving quote and whether the quote is legally binding. Even at this early stage in the process, you want to be sure you can trust the numbers. After all, the bulk of your relocation cost will be based on this preliminary calculation. 

Below, we’ll discuss in detail the difference between an instant moving quote and a guaranteed moving quote, so you’ll have all the information you need to make a smart choice for your move.

The Downside of Instant Moving Quotes: Speed Over Certainty

It’s easy to understand the appeal of an instant moving quote: you want to minimize the amount of time you spend planning your move, and you don’t want to get bogged down in the details. But the problem with these quick, preliminary estimates is that they can give you a false sense of how much your move will cost.

That’s because instant quotes rely on only general information provided by the customer to come up with a quick price. When the mover discovers how much you actually have to move, the actual price can go up — way up.

A reliable mover will ask for more than just your zip code and the number of bedrooms in your home to determine the cost of your move. Long-distance moving carriers are legally required to perform a visual inspection of your property and generate a moving quote based on your actual inventory, rather than guesswork.

The full details of your move should be stated in your moving quote. This includes the dates, pricing and a description of services. If the company charges extra for challenges like limited access points or “long carries,” these should be clearly called out and included in the preliminary price.

The other problem with instant quotes is that they’re usually subject to change. If your quote is only issued verbally or from an automated online calculator, you can’t be certain that the price you’re quoted will be what the company actually demands on moving or delivery day. Once your items are on the truck, some companies may even refuse to deliver them or release them without additional payment.

The good news is, you can avoid all of these predicaments by only requesting moving quotes from companies who provide a guaranteed price based on a professional visual survey of your home.

The Benefits of a Binding Moving Quote: The Guarantee of a Fixed Price

When you’re gauging the cost of a move, your budget can only be as reliable as the estimates you receive. That’s why it’s so important to request a binding quote in writing from a reliable moving company.

A binding moving quote will be based on a visual assessment of your home and belongings, and it will be conducted by an experienced, moving professional. By law, all moving companies who are performing long-distance moves must base their estimates on an in-home survey. The process takes less time than you may think, and it can be performed in-person or virtually with a video call. 

During the assessment, the representative will go room by room through your property — including any attic, basement, garage or other storage spaces — to create a detailed list of your inventory. Using a standard formula, they will convert this information into volume and/or weight estimates, which will determine how much space you require on a moving truck (or if you need more than one), as well as how many movers are required to perform your move.

The estimate you receive should include a breakdown of all costs and services. Your moving date and estimated delivery window should also be noted. If there are any additional fees, like those for restricted access due to stairs and elevators, or the cost of moving supplies, those should be stipulated up front and included in the final cost.

A professional, long-distance moving company like United Van Lines will give you ample time to review the proposal, ask questions and compare moving quotes from other companies. Remember high-pressure tactics are a red flag. Once you sign the proposal, the contract becomes legally binding for both parties, though it may be possible to add services for an additional charge, if you decide you want help packing, unpacking or temporary storage during your move.

Comparing Types of Moving Quotes

We’ve covered a lot of detailed, technical information about the moving process, including the pros and cons of different types of moving quotes. Let’s take a look at the true difference between instant quotes and binding, written quotes so you can more fully understand the benefits of one versus the other.

Tips for Securing the Most Accurate and Guaranteed Moving Quote

All moving estimates provide pricing information, but how do you know if your moving quote is accurate? First, make sure to get a detailed, written estimate. If you’ve only gotten a quote over the phone or used an online calculator to generate a ballpark quote, you’ll have little proof of how much you were quoted and what the estimate included. This also makes it more difficult to compare quotes between companies. And, these types of “instant quotes” aren’t based on a visual inspection — a key component in determining whether your quote is genuine and issued in good faith.

A written estimate, on the other hand, should give you a transparent account of all services and fees. It’s a tool you can use to select a mover, and it can also come in handy down the line, if the company attempts to charge you more, or if there is any discrepancy between services promised and services provided.

No matter what type of quote you receive, though, make sure you thoroughly vet the company before entering into any agreements. All long-distance moving carriers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) and carry an official U.S. DOT number (United Van Lines’ is 77949). Check the FMCSA site to see if the moving company you’re interested in partnering with for your move is listed, if their credentials are up to date and if they have any complaints lodged against them.

United Van Lines: Your Partner for Transparent and Guaranteed Moving Solutions

For nearly 100 years, United Van Lines has been committed to providing exceptional moving services. Our transparent pricing and customized plans have made us a leader in the industry and a trustworthy partner in any move. It’s why we’re America’s #1 Mover.  
 
All our full-service moves begin with a virtual home survey, so you can be confident that we understand your exact needs. We can come to your home in person, or we can perform this service virtually — whatever is most convenient for you. Your relocation will be managed by a personal move coordinator, and the details will be available to you 24/7 in the MyUnited Move Portal. You can even track your shipment in real time.  
 
Because moving can be complicated, United offers a variety of services to make your move simple and stress-free. We can handle your packing and unpacking, store your belongings, ship your car and haul away moving debris after your move. If you have any large or fragile items like artwork, a piano or antique furniture, United can protect your heirlooms with custom crating services. 
 
When you’re researching movers through the FMCSA, you’ll find United Van Lines under U.S. DOT number 77949.

Secure a Guaranteed Moving Price with America’s #1 Mover^®

Get a jumpstart on your move by scheduling an easy, virtual home survey with United Van Lines. An in-home assessment is the first step in generating a moving quote you can count on. Wherever you’re moving in the U.S., United Van lines will provide you with an accurate written estimate for your move — no hidden fees, no surprise charges on moving day.

When you choose to work with America’s #1 Mover^®, you’re locking in not just a guaranteed price for your move, but nearly 100 years of experience in the moving industry. It couldn’t be easier to get started. Request your free moving estimate today.