Long-distance moves are difficult, time-consuming, and costly, and getting accurate estimates beforehand is incredibly important to ensure no unpleasant surprises down the road. So, why do professionals highly recommend in-home estimates, and what makes them the best? We contacted High Stream Moving to learn about it.
An in-home estimate is done by a moving company representative who visits your location to assess everything that needs to be moved. Most of the time, it is a free, no-obligation service provided by reputable companies, and it benefits both parties: the team gets a better understanding of the work required while you get a better understanding of its cost.
Speaking of which, estimates can be binding and non-binding. The former means that the company will provide you with an exact guaranteed price that won’t change even if the items are heavier than expected or turn out to require more space. This gives you cost certainty and protects you from unexpected charges.
Non-binding estimates are educated guesses based on experience, and these shouldn’t be treated as final guaranteed prices. Depending on the weight and size, the final figures can be lower or higher — and you need to keep that in mind.
While some companies might offer online or phone estimates, in-home estimates are generally much more accurate, and we recommend relying on them for long-distance moves that require transporting a lot of items.
As the High Stream Moving team adds, the longer the move, the more problems a wrong estimation can cause — from poor truck sizing and insufficient crew to delayed delivery. Not only that, but an in-home estimate also allows movers to factor in access issues that they need to know about beforehand.
An in-home visit helps you build trust with the company, clarify expectations, and avoid misunderstandings on moving day. It also gives the team an opportunity to flag anything special, like fragile items or permits required for the moving process. It is a great way to ask questions face-to-face, and you also get a written record of what was agreed upon, protecting both you and the mover.
To speak simply, the only downside to an in-home estimate is the fact that it requires some time for a mover to arrive and assess your stuff, but the payoff is so great that it is by far the preferred option.
In general, reputable moving companies offer or even insist on an in-home estimate. If the team you are planning to hire avoids it and pushes for a deposit based on a phone quote, treat that as a warning sign that signals either inexperience or a potential scam.
Remember that in-home estimates are not just about price — they also help smooth the process and make it safer for everyone. If a team is unwilling to do that, this alone can be a good enough reason to choose a different company.
Photos: Pexel
