How do long-distance movers calculate costs

When you are planning to move, understanding the cost calculation is important. It will help you to set your moving budget correctly. You should also know that short and long-distance moves are calculated differently. The local moves are based on a flat amount per hour. And the flat amount is based on the moving company’s estimation of the number of hours needed for a move. Usually, this fixed price also includes the moving add-ons costs. Let us now see how do long-distance movers calculate costs. Using the cost calculator can help you get the approximate amount for your move. However, the Best Movers NYC can help you to prepare a truly accurate moving budget. And, understanding the cost calculation, you may even find some money-saving strategies.

Average costs of the short and long-distance moving

A short-distance moving is less costly. The short-distance or local move is one that is less than 100 miles away from the starting place. So, say that you are moving a 3 room home locally. Such a move would cost you about $1,250. When moving a 3-room home for a 1,000 miles distance, you should prepare about $4,890. This short comparison illustrates the difference.

For long-distance, moving companies calculate $0.50 to $0.70 per pound. This further shows us that the cost of moving depends a lot on the weight you are moving. That is why it is so important to make decluttering. Getting rid of surplus things before packing, means less weight for moving. And less weight will decrease the total moving cost. There are many other factors influencing the moving cost, but weight is one of the most important.

How do long-distance movers calculate costs depending on the moving distance?

This is the second important element that you should include in the cost calculation. The further you move, the higher the moving costs will be. Movers generally charge mileage rates. They are depending on if the move is less or more than 1,000 miles. The greater distance means higher costs of gas and highway tolls for the long-distance movers NYC.

So far, we have just numbered the most important items in the moving budget. However, to get as accurate a long-distance moving cost as possible, you have to include a few other things.

Factors that influence the long-distance moving costs

When moving long-distance, there are many other expenses that you have to consider. That is why the long-distance move requires adequate planning. You can do it yourself, following some good guidelines. However, DIY is not very advisable for a long-distance move. This is especially true when you are moving with a family. And also, in the case when you have many things to move.

So, by hiring long-distance moving companies in Staten Island, you will be on the safe side. First, they have profound experience in this kind of moving. Second, they know all the important factors that must be included in the calculation. And besides, they have all equipment necessary for such a serious project.

Major moving expenses that the long-distance movers use to calculate accurate cost expenses

Here is an overview of the costs that the moving companies use to estimate the long-distance moving expense accurately:

Amount and weight of the possessions that you are moving

As we already saw, the more items you are moving, their weight will be higher. However, you can also have fewer items. Still, if they are bulky or heavy pieces, they will increase the total weight. Thus, your moving costs will be higher. Also, for moving such heavy items will, the company will need more people. And they will need to utilize the specialized items for their safe loading and unloading.

So, in case such heavy and bulky items are not having some special value, consider selling them. If those items are too valuable, expensive, or antique, you may still want to move them. In such a case, adjust your moving budget calculation.

Manpower needed to complete your long-distance move

This is directly connected to the number and weight of items you need. The more things you have to move, the more people company will need to engage. So, instead of providing regular 2 movers, they will need to send more people. And this is regardless of if you have more moving boxes. Or if they have to move some very heavy items. In the end, this will increase your moving costs. 

Fees for packing services

You can do packing yourself. Or you can engage the moving company to complete it. The movers will pack your items better. The long-distance movers in the Bronx know how to handle each item properly. And your things will be safer during the long-distance move. Again, DIY packing, or engaging the movers to complete it, will present the difference in the moving calculation. So, here you have to decide between safety and savings.

Size of the truck

Simply said, the more things you have to move, the bigger the moving truck you will need. And the bigger truck costs more.

Moving distance

The moving distance is one of the factors influencing the moving costs. Companies are usually charging about $0.70 per pound/ per mile for trips between 500 to 2000 miles. For trips longer than 2000 miles, they are asking $0.50 per mile.

Fuel and tolls

The longer the distance, the fuel consumption is higher. So are the costs you will pay for it. Also, the longer you travel, you will have to pay more tolls. So, with more miles to travel, those costs are increasing. And you must count on them.

Costs of the specialized services and moving supplies

Disassembling and assembling furniture are some of such specialized services. Also, in case the company is providing packing supplies, they will be added to the final moving costs. 

Storage in transit

Before, during, or after your move, you might need to use the storage services. And this is happening very often when you are moving long-distance. So, include this too when calculating your moving costs.

Moving date

Moving off-season is always cheaper, regardless of if you are moving locally or long-distance. So, if you can, try to arrange your move in the offseason period. Also, moving during the weekday is cheaper. So, try to avoid moving on weekends.

Accessibility of your new home

If the moving truck can’t come close to your new house or apartment building, movers will have to carry your things longer. That will automatically increase the moving costs. Also, if they must carry your things downstairs or upstairs, the company will consider this as an additional charge.

Last-minute changes of moving date and time

Changing the date and time at the last minute will usually affect the moving costs. The moving company schedule will be disrupted, and you may be required for their lost time. So, in case of changes, inform the moving company on time.

Valuation coverage

All moving companies are obliged, by federal law, to offer released and full value protection to customers. When hiring a moving company, check their valuation policy. They are usually cover 60 cents per pound per item, in case of an accident. This is granted coverage. In case you want your items to be fully covered, you will have to purchase additional insurance.

Many people are not aware that moving costs can be reimbursed or deducted

If you didn’t know, you can always ask for moving-costs reimbursement. Seeing how do long-distance movers calculate costs, we could see they are not so cheap. So, use your right for reimbursement and tax deduction. In case you are moving due to a new job, ask your new employer to cover the costs. Also, check the IRS regulations to learn how to deduct the moving expenses. Reading the regulations, you will see what costs are deductible. And, don’t forget to collect all the bills related to your move. You will need them in both cases, asking for reimbursement from the employer or asking for a tax deduction.