It’s quite common in the moving industry: a customer does their due diligence, thoroughly researches and selects a moving company, feels relieved, and relaxes on the couch, waiting for moving day to arrive.
Things couldn’t be more perfect… until the driver says something like “Mrs. Ortega, we’ve got a problem.” Chances are he’s getting ready to tell you that there are going to be some unexpected moving expenses.
Sadly it’s an all too common scenario, and though it tends to infuriate customers, it’s often unavoidable.
In this article the USMPO is going to highlight the most common unexpected moving costs and how to avoid them:
Unexpected Moving Costs
1.- Long Carries
The number one and most common moving unexpected cost is the long carry fee.
What is a long carry? Whether it’s a single-family home, townhouse, condo, or multi-story apartment complex, professional movers have handled it all. However, truck accessibility can differ significantly from one location to another.
If you’re moving into a high-rise apartment building or a gated community, certain factors may prevent a large commercial vehicle from getting close to your residence.
In situations like this is when moving companies usually charge this fee, when there are weight restrictions, tight turns, carports, tree limbs, low power lines, or restricting parking.
USMPO Verfied Carriers should all offer their customers 75 free feet between the truck and the home’s front door, but after that, all bets are off.
How Long Carry is Calculated
Customers should carefully evaluate whether they will need a long carry fee and discuss this with their moving company in advance. This fee can vary significantly between companies and is often influenced by factors such as the distance movers must carry items and the volume of belongings.
It’s crucial to have these details clarified early on, as waiting until the last minute or the day of the move can lead to unexpected costs. To ensure your quote is as accurate and transparent as possible you can get assistance with the USMPO and always ask about potential long carry fees during the initial estimate to avoid surprises later.
2.- Stair Carries
What are stair carries? Like long carries, the charges for stair carries often depend on the company you’re working with.
As the US Moving Protection Organization (USMPO), it’s important to inform customers that if you’re moving into a multi-story home without an elevator, your final moving cost is likely to increase, potentially significantly.
For local moves, these additional charges will be reflected in the final bill by multiplying the mover’s hourly rate by the extra hours needed to complete the delivery.
The presence of numerous stairs means the moving crew will spend more time on-site than initially estimated, and the final charges will be based on the actual time required to complete the move. To avoid unexpected costs, we advise discussing these factors with your moving company beforehand.
How much will movers charge for stairs?
Stair fees in the moving industry can vary depending on the company. Some movers charge a flat fee per flight of stairs, while others might charge based on the weight of the items being carried. Fees can range from $75 to $150 per flight.
USMPO Recommendation: Before committing to a moving company, ask them about their stair fees upfront. Also, if you’re moving into an apartment or building, make sure to reserve the elevator and request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the moving company well in advance.
This is a common scenario when moving into high-rise apartments and condos in big cities.
Before going any further, it’s important to note that some buildings have separate freight elevators which movers are required to use, and they often need to be reserved in advance.
Sometimes they’re first-come-first-serve, which means if your movers don’t get there early and stake their claim, they may have to wait for them to become available.
How to avoid unexpected moving costs.
Though they’re the professionals, don’t take the passive approach and rely on your moving company rep to address these issues. It’s wise to prepare a list of questions to ask each company you’re considering, and destination charges related to your new home should be at the top.
But remember, they can only base their answers on what you tell them.
Questions to ask the Moving Company
- What size truck will be used for my move?
- Will it be a box truck or a tractor-trailer?
- What are the truck’s gross weight, height, and length?
- What are your long carry policies?
- What are your stair carry policies?
- How do you handle moves involving elevators?
- If I require any of these services, what will the additional costs be?
- Are there any fees for disassembling and reassembling furniture?
- What are your packing and unpacking service fees?
- Do you charge extra for handling bulky or delicate items, such as pianos or artwork?
- Are there any charges for delays or waiting times?
- Will there be any additional fees if the move takes longer than estimated?
- How do you handle charges for unexpected obstacles, like narrow doorways or tight staircases?
It’s essential to discuss and negotiate potential moving costs well in advance rather than waiting until delivery day. If you’re not moving into a single-family home with straightforward access, contact the rental or property management office at your new location ahead of time. Inform them of your move-in date and the size of your moving truck.
Ask about any height or weight restrictions, whether loading docks or freight elevators need to be reserved, and if they are accessible for large trucks. Once you’ve addressed all possible questions, you can feel confident that you’ve done everything possible to ensure a smooth move.
