Types of moving estimates to consider before moving to Belgium from US

Are you about to move from the USA to Belgium? Don’t know where to start from preparing for the move? There are a lot of things to consider when moving internationally, from the organization of the relocation process to choosing the right moving company. We know that it can be quite difficult to choose a company since there are a lot of them on the market offering different types of moving estimates. You’ve probably heard of the phrase “moving estimate/quote,” but you may not know that there are different types of it, and now you wonder how to choose the right one? Don’t worry. Transparent International NYC is here to guide you through all the types of quotes.

What is a moving estimate and why is it important

Moving estimate or moving quote is the phrase that often appears in the dictionary of the moving industry. But, what is its purpose, and how to use it? Briefly explained, a moving estimate is the final price of the relocation process that a moving company offers to you before hiring. Why is it so important? Well, the price of moving, especially the price of international relocation, can be pretty high. That is why it is essential to get a moving quote. This way, you can plan your moving budget and calculate your moving expenses.

What are the types of moving estimates?

When choosing a moving company for your relocation to Belgium, ask what type of estimate they offer and consider its pros and cons. Why? Well, a moving estimate will define your relocation process, so before signing in the contract, get familiar with the type they offer. Luckily, you don’t have to research yourself. We’ve done it for you. There are three types of moving estimates:

• Binding moving estimate – this type of estimate offers a fixed price for your move.
• Binding not-to-exceed estimate – this type of estimate guarantees you that the prices will not go above the said price.
• Non-binding moving estimate – contrary to a binding estimate, a non-binding one is prone to changes in the price.

Read on to find out more about these types so you can decide what is the best type of estimate for moving from USA to Belgium.

Binding Estimate

A binding estimate is a type of estimate when the mover offers you a fixed price based on the weight of your belongings. No changes can be made, not even on the moving day. No matter whether the move is hard or difficult, whether your belongings weigh more or less – the price will be the same. The mover won’t be allowed to raise the moving estimate, even if the weight of your belongings on a moving day is higher.

Pros and cons of the binding estimate

As its’ name suggests, this type of estimate is binding for both the customer and the moving company. There are advantages and disadvantages for both sides. The main advantage for you as a customer is that you can plan your moving budget according to the binding, and you won’t have to worry about the additional expenses. On the other hand, if your belongings weigh less, you’ll still have to pay the agreed price. When it comes to moving companies, the main disadvantage of the binding estimate is that there’s a risk of coming across many unexpected difficulties. Thus, they can end up losing money. All in all, this type of moving estimate is a perfect solution if you want to have peace of mind and be sure how much your move will cost.

Binding not-to-exceed estimate

Binding not-to-exceed estimate – what does it mean? This type of estimate also called, guaranteed not-to-exceed estimate, as its name indicates, warrants that the relocation cost will not go over a certain amount. Although a maximum price is set, it can also be reduced in your favor if the weight of your belongings is less than it was originally estimated.

Binding not-to-exceed estimate pros and cons

A binding not-to-exceed estimate is one of the most customer-friendly types of moving estimates. It is mostly popular for long-distance and international relocation since international moving quotes are prone to changes. The main advantage is that you’ll pay less if you decide to move fewer items. Also, if the weight is higher, the amount will not exceed the price you had previously agreed upon. However, this does not mean that you can add a lot more than originally stated in the contract. If so, you’ll have to let the movers know you are adding more. Then they will decide whether they’ll provide another estimate or stick to the old one. The main disadvantage of this type of moving estimate is that not many companies offer it. So, make sure to ask your movers about it.

Non-binding moving estimate and its pros and cons

This type of moving estimate is not bound by a contract. That means that a moving company will give you a rough estimate. Movers often use it when they don’t have a complete insight into the weight and amount of your items. It’s usually done via email or phone without movers measuring the weight personally. So, it’s not recommendable to sign a contract based on a non-binding moving estimate only. Why? Well, the movers will estimate the price based on the weight of your belongings once they load them into the moving truck. Also, it can cost you more than expected if the load ends up being higher. You’ll have to pay the estimated price and 10% more after the delivery. Quite surprising, right? So, avoid this type of moving estimate and use it just to get information about the approximate cost of your relocation.

When to use a non-binding moving estimate?

As we already mentioned, use this moving estimate if you want to get information about the average cost. Also, you can use it if you don’t have a lot of things to move and you don’t want to deal with a lot of paperwork. Yet, think twice before using it. However, if you still want to use it, pay attention to whether a moving company is registered at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If not, a non-binding moving estimate may be a red flag for you to avoid.

What should be included in a contract regardless of the types of moving estimates?

Here’s what a moving contract should include after getting an estimate:

• the details of your mover on a memorandum
• the cost of the tariff
• miles traveled
• minimum and estimated weight
• discounts (if any)
• packing and unpacking service fees
• storage fee
• transportation fee
• fuel taxes
• insurance fee

Which one of these types of moving estimates is the best?

Now that you’ve got familiar with the types of moving estimates, it’s not hard to decide which one is the best for moving to Belgium from the USA. You’ll agree that a binding not-to-exceed moving estimate may be the best choice for the international move. However, companies do not provide this type of moving estimate in a short period. So, to have an insight into the price, use a non-binding moving estimate as a framework for your relocation. And, if you don’t want to think about additional expenses, choose a binding moving estimate. Whatever type you choose, contact Transparent International movers and get a free moving quote. Our professionals will guide you through the whole moving estimate process and provide an affordable moving price.