When it comes to getting an online moving quote, it may seem like there is quite a lot of information you are required to fill out. However, the goal of these online forms is to get the most detailed data as possible. The more thorough you are in your answers, the better the quote and the more accurate the estimate.
Here are some of the pieces of information we’ll need from you when you fill out one of our online quote request forms.
When are you moving?
The very first thing we need to know about your move is the date. We need to know if we even have an availability! No point in wasting your time if we’re not able to help you with your move.
We also need to take into account the season. Fall and winter are the off-season for moving, so rates typically tend to be a bit less. Spring and summer is when the moving season heats up (no pun intended!). Rates tend to go up, because there are fewer movers and fewer trucks available.
Also, the beginning and end of the month are usually very busy, as everyone’s lease ends or begins. You’re more likely to find an available moving company in middle of the month.
Where do you live and where are you going?
The second thing we need to know is where you currently live and where you are moving to. This is important information to have right off the bat, because we need to determine which service area you are in. We have dozens and dozens of different services areas and this information will tell us which franchise you’ll be working with.
We also need to know both addresses so we can make an accurate estimate of how many hours long the move will be, once we take into account the transportation time between locations.
What type of housing do you live in?
There are many different types of housing, and the relative ease or difficulty of a move often depends on which type of dwelling you are moving from and to. Obviously, one-floor bungalows are one of the easiest – no stairs, everything on one level. Apartments and condos are not that bad either – there’s usually a service elevator to help carry all your possessions up and down. The most difficult are the large multi-story homes with tons of rooms, including an attic, basement and garage. Those moves tend to take the longest. So many rooms and so many stairs!
That’s why it’s very important to know what kind of home you live in. The amount of time it will take to complete your move will definitely depend on how long it takes to move everything to and from the moving truck.
Not to mention, we haven’t even mentioned business moves, yet! There is a large difference between moving household items and moving business items. We need to take extra care moving all that computers, photo copiers and printers. There are sometimes even employees still working in the office while movers are coming and going. That makes it even more important to know if you’re conducting a business move.
How many square feet is your home?
The type of housing doesn’t tell us everything about your home, of course. There are some condos and apartments that are bigger than some small houses! There are also some apartments without stairs – we need to know how many flights of stairs we’ll be walking up and down, for sure! Multiple flights of stairs will increase the time it takes to load and unload the moving truck.
How can we reach you?
Last but certainly not least, we need to know your contact information! How will we be able to get in contact with you if we don’t know your name, phone number and email address? You can also tell us which method of communication you prefer. Some people like to talk on the phone and some people like to do business by email. We’re happy to accommodate you wishes!
With your online moving quote form filled out with all this important information, we’ll be able to give you the best and most accurate moving quote possible. Happy moving!