What a Written Moving Estimate Should Actually Include
Pricing basis, included services, delivery expectations, and valuation coverage — the checklist for reading any estimate.
Published 2025-11-19 · 6 min read · Pricing
The pricing basis, stated plainly
Your estimate should say, in plain language, whether you're being quoted a flat, binding-not-to-exceed fee or an hourly rate, and what that number is based on — cubic feet, weight, crew hours, or a combination. If a figure like cubic footage is part of the calculation, the estimate should show that number rather than just the resulting dollar amount, so you can compare it against what the crew actually loads on move day.
Exactly which services are included
A complete estimate lists what's covered — packing, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, appliance disconnection, floor and doorway protection, and unloading at the destination — and just as importantly, what isn't. If packing materials, stair carries, or long carries cost extra, that should be spelled out as a line item rather than left as a verbal it depends. The goal is that nothing on move day should come as pricing news to you.
Dates, contacts, and delivery expectations
For any move, your estimate should include the confirmed pickup date, and delivery window for long-distance moves, along with a named point of contact you can reach with questions. Long-distance moves in particular should document expected pickup and delivery timing in writing, since a few days can mean very different things depending on the route and carrier.
Valuation coverage, not just insurance
Every estimate should state what valuation coverage applies to your shipment by default and what options exist to increase it. Basic released-value coverage pays a small amount per pound per item, which rarely reflects real replacement cost, so if you own anything valuable, ask specifically what full-value protection would cost and how it's documented. This single line item is one of the most commonly skipped, and one of the most important to understand before you sign.
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