HOW TO GET A MOVING COMPANY ESTIMATE
by American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA)

The cost of an interstate move is usually based on the weight of your belongings and the distance they are shipped, plus the amount of packing and other services that you require.

To help you anticipate the cost of your move, movers will give you an estimate of the price. Be sure to get written estimates from at least 3 different companies so that you can compare their services and prices.

The charge that you will be billed for your move is based on the weight of your shipment, the distance that you move, and the other services that you require. Your bill will be higher or lower depending on how much your shipment weighs and how far you move.

Help the movers calculate the cost of your move by showing them every single item to be moved. Don’t forget to go into the attic, basement, garage, shed, and closets and under beds. Reach a clear understanding about the amount of packing and other services needed. Anything omitted from the estimate but later included in the shipment will add to the cost.

Most movers offer two types of estimates – non-binding and binding.

Non-binding estimates are not bids or contracts. Instead, a non-binding estimate is an approximation of the cost based on the mover’s survey of the items to be moved, with the final cost determined after the shipment is weighed. Since a non-binding estimate is based on the actual weight of your shipment (rather than the estimated weight), the price will usually be lower than a binding estimate. However, when you receive a non-binding estimate there is no guarantee that the final cost will not be more than the estimate.

Under a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the estimate, plus 10 percent, (or 110% of the estimate amount) at the time of delivery. You are then obligated to pay any remaining charges for any additional services that you requested or that were required to accomplish your move that are over this 110% amount 30 days after your shipment is delivered, if the services or quantities were not included in your estimate.

Binding Estimates - Many movers also provide binding estimates. A binding estimate means that you are obligated to pay the price set forth in the binding estimate even if the shipment weighs more than or less than the estimated amount.

All binding estimates cover only the goods and services listed on the estimate. If you add items or request additional services, the mover may revise the original estimate before your shipment is loaded or, if you request additional services after your shipment is in transit, your mover will bill you for these added services 30 days after your shipment is delivered, if they were not included in your estimate. In addition, all movers reserve the right to charge for services necessary to accomplish delivery, even if those services are not requested by the shipper. For example, additional charges will apply if you are not prepared to accept delivery and the shipment is placed in storage, or if a smaller (shuttle) truck must be used to accomplish delivery because your new home is located on a narrow street. Again, your mover will bill you for these services 30 days after your shipment is delivered, if they were not included in your estimate.

Not-To-Exceed Estimate - Another type of estimate used by many movers is the Not-To-Exceed Estimate. This type of estimate is called various things by various movers, such as Guaranteed Price or Price Protection, but the end result is the same --- an estimate based on a binding estimate or on actual cost, whichever is lower. Like a binding estimate, a not-to-exceed estimate must be provided to you in writing and is binding on the carrier.

Not-to-Exceed estimates differ though in that the binding estimate amount becomes the maximum amount that you will be obligated to pay for the services listed on the estimate. This maximum amount alternates with the tariff charges applicable based on the actual weight of the shipment, with the customer paying the lesser of the two amounts. When you accept a not-to-exceed estimate, the move is performed at actual weight based on the tariff rate levels, with the binding estimate representing the maximum charge that you will have to pay.

Get more than one estimate and watch out for low-ball movers! If a mover you are considering tells you that he can move you for an unrealistically low price – be careful. It could mean he will suddenly remember some extra charges once your shipment has been loaded on the truck, the doors have been padlocked and he is ready to drive off into the sunset with all of your worldly possessions.

Or, if a mover you are considering refuses to provide you with an in-home estimate and tells you he can provide an accurate estimate over the phone without ever seeing your home and your furniture – choose another mover. And remember, it's not just the price; it's the total value of a professional move.

When you are discussing your estimate with your mover, be sure to ask about the arrangements for paying for the move. It is customary for movers to require that charges be paid in cash, by certified check, or by money order. Most movers will not accept personal checks. Some movers will accept payment by credit card. However, do not assume that because you have a nationally recognized charge or credit card that it will be accepted for payment. Ask your mover before your move.

Moving Company Orange County .com - is fully licensed and insured and provides free estimates, 24 hour residential and commercial service, wrapping and packing, and of course, quality equipment. At Moving Company Orange County .com customer care and satisfaction is our primary goal. We make it our top priority to deliver efficient worry free moving at a very affordable price. Each move is planned and coordinated according to each individual's needs. We received the 2005 Silver Quality Agent Award for customer service from Paul Arpin Van Lines. We are a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the California Moving Assocation, and Paul Arpin Van Lines.

Moving Company Orange County.com - has clean, fully-equipped moving vans, trained, and courteous personnel, and a reputation for quality in our industry. We are a moving and storage company that can be trusted to handle your move quickly, efficiently, safely, and of course economically. Moving Company Orange County .com is licensed, bonded, and insured, for your peace of mind. Our insurance coverage spans from the starting point of your move to the final destination. A client representative will help you decide on the amount of protection you will need and explain the price structure for each plan. Our trucks have lifts and all our employees wear uniforms.

ESTIMATING YOUR MOVING COSTS - Ask for our Cash Discount Rates!
Whether you are moving across town or across the country, Moving Company Orange County .com wants to help you make your move as rewarding and stress-free as possible. Of course, no two moves are exactly the same, therefore, you can call us or fill out our free estimate calculator form in order for us to make a thorough assessment of your individual moving needs, and give you a comprehensive and accurate cost estimate. You can Call us at (949)252-0021

*** FREE USE OF WARDROBE BOXES WITH LOCAL MOVE!

WRAPPING AND PACKING
Moving Company Orange County .com - wraps all of your items securely in clean protective pads to prevent scratches and other incidental damage before they are moved. Special attention is dedicated in moving some of your extra fragile and delicate items, upon your request. Quality Equipment is meticulously maintained and operated by highly skilled professionals. Our modern, fully equipped trucks are specifically designed to help reduce the chance of goods being damaged in transit. We have a large fleet of clean, fully-equipped moving vans, trained, and courteous personnel, and a reputation for quality in our industry.

MOVING LOCALLY IN ORANGE COUNTY, SAN DIEGO, RIVERSIDE, SAN BERADINO OR LOS ANGELES
A local move can be an exciting, yet sometimes unsettling experience. However, with Moving Company Orange County .com by your side, there is nothing to it! We would like to help you understand the way local moving charges are determined. We want to help you get an accurate estimate so there are no surprises on your move day. If you have any questions before, during, or after the estimate, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

MOVING LONG DISTANCES OR INTERSTATE
You've probably already realized that there's so much to do and so little time to do it. However, Moving Company Orange County .com wants to help you plan your move properly to make your relocation as exciting, rewarding, and stress-free as possible. Whether you are moving across the state or across the country, Moving Company Orange County .com- is here to help you through your moving process. For any questions you may have regarding the preparation of your long distance move, please call us at any time. Our goal is to always provide you with personalized service on your important moving day!

MOVING INTERNATIONALLY
We really shine when it comes to international moving. Our expertise and know how are unsurpassed. Whether your destination is Europe, South America, Asia, or anywhere else, you can count on us for safe transportation and great customer service. When we come to your home to give you an estimate on an international move, we give you the bottom line cost, door to door including all packing and material. Our expert movers and packers have been professionally trained to prepare your things for their journey.

WE HAVE SMALL AND LARGE STORAGE SOLUTIONS AND STORAGE CONTAINERS
Because everyone has different storage needs, we have a customized storage system which is meant to accommodate any storage load, no matter how large or small. We are actually able to serve your needs equally, whether you need a place to store a few extra items or a whole house full of furniture awaiting your new home. We want your storage venture with us to be worry and stress free. We also have storage containers available.

BUSINESS MOVING - COMMERCIAL MOVING
Moving Company Orange County .com - are move specialist that not only gives you a competitive bid for your business's commercial move, but they also try and help you and your facilities department head plan the move itself. Prior to day of your businesses move, we would be in direct contact with your company's moving coordinator. Whether they be a facilities manager, office manager, relocation manager or whomever you assign to be your company's liaison, they would be contacted by the Moving Company Orange County .com Commercial Move Project Manager assigned to your move. The Commercial Move Project Manager would be happy to try and answer any concerns or questions you might have about your company's upcoming move. We also offer business storage solutions if for some reason there will be a delay period between moving out and moving in.

How much packing do you want your employees to do themselves? The Commercial Move Project Manager is available to meet with our customers employees to teach them how to pack anything you want the employees to pack themselves. Some businesses prefer Moving Company Orange County .com office movers to pack the entire business, thereby freeing up shier employees from this type of task. Other companies prefer to have their own employees pack only their own desks or work stations and still other businesses, have their employees do all the packing including packing their warehouses, libraries, file rooms, etc. If you decide to have your employees do the packing for some or all of your move, prior to the move, we can deliver the packing materials you'll require. Part of the Commercial Move Project Manager's job is to provide you with the tools to decide which is the best route for your business and best for your budget.

MOVING AN EMPLOYEE
Does your company need to have your employee settled into their new home so they are ready to get to work in their new location and that your company needs to control costs. We can help with employee relocation.

Moving Company Orange County.com -
11633 Martens River Circle, Fountain Valley CA 92708
Toll Free: (949) 252-0021 Phone: (714) 540-1100 Email: Begin@ MovingCompanyOrangeCounty.com

We Accept:

Orange County Professional Movers, Licensed, Bonded, and Insured - "WE WOULD LOVE TO HELP"
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