When hiring moving help, your first step is to get an estimate. The following are a few things that can impact the cost of any move.

How Big Is Your Home?

One of the most defining aspects for the cost of a move is how much will be moved by the service. Many services will provide you with an initial estimate based on the size of your home, but this number is only an estimate. Generally, they arrive at their estimate by using information regarding the number of bedrooms in the home, the square footage, and how many people reside there.

If the estimate sounds good, you can then request a quote. For the quote, many movers will visit your home so they can get a better idea of the size of the move.

What Level of Service Do You Require?

There are a variety of service levels for any move. The least expensive option is that the movers load, transport, and unload the truck. You handle the packing and everything else pertaining to the move.

From there, the level of service only increases. You may add on a packing or unpacking service, or both. For an extra fee, the movers can disassemble and even reassemble furniture for you. There are even services that handle hooking up your technology, such as home theater systems. You may also need special services, such as piano moving. All of these additional services will affect the final quote provided by the mover.

How Far Are You Moving?

Distance plays into the final cost of the move. Naturally, local moves typically cost less. You may also be provided with more service options at a lower cost since the mover won't have to find specialists in two different locations.

Long-distance moves are typically more costly, but there are ways to lower the estimate. Reducing services is one way. You may even be able to pay for just transport — you will be responsible for loading and unloading the truck. If speed isn't important, you may also be able to lower costs by combining your move with someone else that is moving to the same basic region.

When Are You Moving?

You can save money by avoiding a move during peak times. Local moves often take place on the weekend, so this can be the most expensive time to move. Schedule for a midweek move and you may save some cash.

As for long-distance moves, summer is likely the busiest moving season and thus the high demand leads to higher costs. If you can move in the spring or fall, you may be able to save some money.

Contact a moving service to secure an accurate moving estimate for your relocation.