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Key takeaways

  • A non-binding estimate is an educated guess of your moving cost based on the estimated weight of your belongings and the distance of your move. It is not a fixed price, and the final price may be higher or lower than the estimate.
  • A binding estimate works like a contract with a fixed price for the inventory and services you agreed to. With a non-binding estimate, extra costs are added and paid at the end of moving day. With a binding estimate, extra costs need a written change request and the final bill is paid later.
  • This guide says non-binding estimates are best for local and intrastate moves, which are typically completed in one day and based on an hourly rate, while binding estimates are used primarily for interstate and international moves.
  • A mover cannot require you to pay more than 110% of the total of your estimate at delivery. Adding items, extra miles or stops, or services like packing you did not finish can still raise your final cost.
  • Get a written estimate from every mover you consider, ideally after an in-home or virtual walkthrough so the estimator sees everything you are moving. Movers who will not give a written estimate, leave out costs, or quote prices that seem too good to be true are more likely to be scams.

That’s great, you’re moving. If only you could snap your fingers and be done with the exhausting process. Ideally, we hire a full-service mover to pack our life into boxes, load them and the heavy stuff into a truck, drive everything to the new place, and unload it. Most people have a budget and need to know how much a mover will cost.    

Computers and TVs can be expensive, so we check price tags and compare brands before buying one. Moving is also expensive. Waiting until the end of moving day to see the final price doesn’t make sense, so we get quotes and compare costs before hiring a moving company.  

Moving Quotes: Why You Need One & When Non-Binding is Best

Estimates or quotes outline moving costs, so customers can make better decisions. These written documents can be binding or non-binding. The main difference between binding and non-binding is a moving company’s commitment to a fixed price.    

Think of a binding estimate as a contract. You pay the moving company a fixed price to transport your inventory and its weight and perform any agreed-upon services. There are no surprises - if you don’t add other services, more inventory items or weight on moving day.

Non-binding estimates are educated guesses of moving costs based on the estimated weight of your belongings and the distance of your move, not a fixed price. The final price may be higher or lower than the initial estimate.  

Read “Insider Answers on Binding vs. Non-Binding & How They Are Calculated” to learn more about moving estimates.  

Moving Company Prices: Why You Don’t Hire a Moving Company Without a Quote

Quotes help customers budget, decide whether to DIY, hire a full-service mover, and compare estimates to hire the best mover.  Written estimates can also identify a reputable mover versus a questionable one through the process, the clarity and detail of the written document, and reasonable pricing. Movers who won’t provide a written estimate, leave out some costs, or whose pricing seems too good to be true are more likely to scam you. 

Read “Don’t Get Scammed: Avoid a Moving Scam & Hire a Good Mover” for more on how to spot a scam.    

The key advantage of any estimate is that it allows you to compare prices from different moving companies and make an informed decision.  

Need a quote? Try our online estimator tool or schedule an appointment.

Moving? Know This & Hire the Best Mover with a Non-Binding Written Estimate

Obtaining a non-binding written estimate is the best first step in planning a move. Call moving companies in your area and schedule an in-home or virtual walkthrough with an estimator. This initial consultation with an estimator does two things:

  1. The estimator sees everything you’re moving for a more accurate quote.
  2. Allow you to ask the mover questions about services, what to expect, and advice on preparing for moving day.

Non-binding estimates are best used for local and intrastate moves because they are typically completed in one day and based on an hourly rate. You and the mover have a clear understanding of the scope of your move – including the total weight of your belongings and the distance to your new location. Binding estimates are used primarily in interstate and international moves.    

The quote documents the inventory list of what’s moving, helps calculate the weight of the items, and break it down to the number of hours, truck size, and number of crew members needed to complete the job.    

Last-minute additions beyond what’s included in your binding or non-binding document can increase your final costs. Though the price is not guaranteed, the moving company cannot require you to pay more than 110% of the total of your estimate at the time of delivery.    

Movers weigh the truck on a certified scale twice for intrastate and long-distance moves. They weigh it before and after loading your shipment to get the actual weight for the final bill. Local moves are up to 50 miles and are billed by the hour.  

Read about how weight is calculated in this article – “The Cost of Moving: Is Weight or Cubic Feet a Better Option to Go With?”

The Two Differences Between Binding & Non-Binding & Why They Matter

How additional costs are added to the final bill and when additional expenses are paid are the main differences between these two agreements:    

Non-Binding:

Additional expenses are added and paid at the end of moving day.  

Binding:

Additional costs require a written change request. The final bill is paid later.    

Most common reasons for final cost increases on moving day:

  • Items loaded & unloaded (increases weight and/or hours)
  • More miles/extra stops (storage unit)
  • Additional services (you’re not done packing)

Full-Service Movers: Why the Best Moving Companies Use Estimates

Non-binding estimates are not fixed contract prices. Movers can’t tell you the final cost of the move until everything is weighed and all services have been completed on moving day.

Keep these key points in mind if you receive a non-binding estimate from your mover:

  • A non-binding estimate is a preliminary cost projection, not a guaranteed or fixed price.
  • The final cost of your move fluctuates due to the actual weight and distance on moving day.
  • Get a non-binding estimate early to budget for potential costs.
  • Most states regulate them to protect consumers from grossly inaccurate quotes.  
  • Always ask about potential additional packing, materials, extra labor, or additional insurance coverage costs.
  • Read and understand the terms and conditions of your moving agreement before signing.
  • Assess your comfort level with potential cost changes, your budget constraints, and your need for price certainty before using a binding or non-binding estimate.

If looking for a more in-depth comparison, we have a blog dedicated to binding vs non-binding estimates.  

Now that you know what a non-binding estimate is, you can plan your budget accordingly and choose the best moving company to help handle the hardest and messiest parts of the journey. If you use a non-binding estimate, anticipate fluctuations and avoid moving day surprises.  

Explore more content on our site for a comprehensive understanding of moving processes. We’ve written content from packing tips to understanding every document you’ll receive during your move; we offer a wealth of resources designed to make your relocation as smooth as possible.  

Our Get Pricing tool is great for a fast, online pricing estimate and scheduling an appointment with an estimator in your area. Try it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a non-binding estimate?

A non-binding estimate is the mover's educated guess of your total cost, based on the estimated weight of your belongings and the distance of your move. It is not a fixed price, so the final bill can be higher or lower once the job is done.

What is the difference between a binding and a non-binding estimate?

A binding estimate is a fixed price for the inventory and services you agreed to, and extra costs need a written change request. With a non-binding estimate, extra costs are added and paid at the end of moving day.

Can my final bill be higher than a non-binding estimate?

Yes, if you add items, add stops or miles, or need more services, but the mover cannot require more than 110 percent of the estimate at delivery. In Colorado, intrastate moves fall under Colorado PUC Rule 6608(b), 4 CCR 723-6, and federal rules cover interstate moves.

When is a non-binding estimate the right choice?

This guide says non-binding estimates fit local and intrastate moves, which are usually finished in one day and based on an hourly rate. At Bailey's Moving & Storage, local moves are most commonly billed by the hour, with time starting when the crew leaves the warehouse and ending when it returns; other companies differ. Ask for an estimated total and what it includes.

Why should I get an in-home or virtual estimate?

A walkthrough lets the estimator see everything you are moving, which makes the quote more accurate. It also gives you a chance to ask about services, what to expect, and how to prepare for moving day.

What most often raises the final cost on moving day?

The most common reasons are more items loaded and unloaded, which adds weight or hours, extra miles or stops such as a storage unit, and extra services like packing you were not finished with. Walk every room and storage space before the estimate so nothing is missed.

Ready to find out what your move should cost? Get Pricing or call 888-260-5717.

Get PricingCall 888-260-5717