What To Ask A Moving And Relocation Service Before Hiring

How U.S. Moving Services Provide Estimates and Final Quotes

The process of obtaining and verifying moving estimates in the United States can often reveal vital information about a company’s ethics and reliability. Major brands such as Mayflower and Allied Van Lines emphasize in-home or virtual walkthroughs, where a company representative assesses the actual volume and condition of items to ensure accuracy. Quotes issued after a brief phone call or online form, without a walk-through, may not be realistic—and often pave the way for surprise fees.

It’s essential to know the distinction between binding and non-binding estimates. A binding estimate guarantees the price you’ll pay unless you add extra items or services on moving day. Non-binding estimates, on the other hand, can increase, especially if weight or item count is underestimated. Always confirm in writing whether your quote is binding or not—which is standard among top-tier companies.

In the U.S., some companies offer price-matching policies or seasonal rate adjustments. This can affect your final cost—moving in the off-season months (like winter) is almost always cheaper than the peak summer season. Asking your mover about how and when their rates change can unlock significant savings or reduce logistical headaches from last-minute price revisions.

Comparing quotes across several licensed providers—like United Van Lines, Mayflower, and Allied Van Lines—gives you leverage and a clearer sense of what’s reasonable. If one estimate is much lower than the rest, it may be a sign of withheld fees, so transparency and openness in the estimate process should weigh heavily in your final selection.