“How much is the move going to cost?”
That is usually one of the first questions we hear.
It is a fair question.
But without knowing anything about the move, giving somebody a number is not very useful.
Two customers can be moving the same number of bedrooms and have completely different jobs.
One may have everything packed, a driveway outside the front door and easy access at both locations.
The other may be on the third floor, have no elevator, need furniture disassembled and have nowhere close for the truck to park.
Those are not the same move.
Here is what actually affects the cost.
How Much Labor Does the Move Need?
The crew is a big part of the equation.
Some smaller jobs can be handled efficiently with a smaller crew.
Larger moves, commercial projects and jobs with heavy furniture may make more sense with additional movers.
A larger crew can cost more per hour, but that does not automatically mean the overall move will cost more.
Sometimes putting too few people on a large job simply makes the move take much longer.
What matters is matching the crew to the work.
How Long Will It Take?
Time is where a lot of the variables show up.
If everything is packed and ready, the crew can start moving.
If half the kitchen still needs to be boxed when we arrive, the job has changed.
The same thing happens with furniture.
If a bed has to be taken apart before it leaves one property and put back together at the next one, that is part of the work.
Stairs take time.
Elevators take time.
Long walks between the building and the truck take time.
Waiting for somebody to move a car out of the loading area takes time.
Good preparation can have a real effect on the final cost.
Are We Providing the Truck?
Some customers need a complete moving service.
Others already have transportation.
If Move Precision is providing the moving vehicle and transportation, that becomes part of the service.
If you already rented a U-Haul or another truck, you may only need moving labor.
Those two jobs are priced differently because the service is different.
If you already have the truck, take a look at our guide to Labor-Only Moving in New Orleans.
Stairs Change a Move
People often mention that they have stairs without realizing how much the details matter.
One short flight from the porch to the front door is not the same as carrying a bedroom set down three floors.
If you have stairs, let us know where they are and how many flights are involved.
If they are narrow or have tight turns, that matters too.
This becomes especially important with large dressers, mattresses, sofas and appliances.
Elevators Are Helpful, But They Are Not Always Fast
An elevator can make a move easier.
It can also become the slowest part of the building.
If the elevator is small, we may only be able to move a few items at a time.
If it is shared with residents, we may have to wait.
If the truck is parked far from the elevator, every trip still includes that walk.
When possible, reserve a service elevator before moving day.
And find out where the moving truck is supposed to load.
Parking Matters More Than People Think
In New Orleans, parking can affect a moving estimate because parking affects labor.
If we can park near the entrance, great.
If the closest legal spot is down the street, every item has to make that longer trip.
Over the course of an entire move, those extra steps add up.
The city also regulates certain curb areas and provides a process for temporarily reserving metered spaces where applicable.
Do not wait until moving morning to figure this part out.
Large and Heavy Items Need to Be Mentioned Up Front
Tell us about the piano.
Tell us about the oversized armoire.
Tell us about the solid wood conference table.
Tell us about the gym equipment.
Heavy or unusual pieces can require additional labor, preparation or equipment.
What creates problems is when everybody discovers the 700-pound item after the crew arrives.
Photos help.
Measurements help even more.
Furniture Assembly Adds Work
Move Precision handles furniture disassembly and reassembly as part of its service offerings.
Sometimes we take furniture apart because that is the safest way to move it.
Sometimes there is simply no other way to get it through the door.
Beds, sectionals, tables and large desks are common examples.
If you know something needs to be disassembled, tell us during the estimating process.
Why Can an Estimate Change?
An estimate is only as accurate as the information behind it.
If we are told it is a two-bedroom move and arrive to discover a packed garage, storage room and additional furniture that were not discussed, the scope has changed.
The same applies to undisclosed stairs, additional stops, packing work or specialty items.
That is why we ask questions.
We are not trying to make the estimating process complicated.
We are trying to understand the actual job.
What Should You Ask When Comparing Moving Companies?
Do not stop at the hourly rate.
Ask what the rate includes.
Ask how many movers are coming.
Ask whether the truck is included.
Ask about travel.
Ask about furniture assembly.
Ask what happens if the move takes longer than expected.
Ask what could cause the price to change.
A clear quote from the beginning is better than a cheap-looking number that does not tell you what you are actually buying.
Want a Real Number for Your Move?
Give us real information.
Tell us where you are moving from and where you are going.
Tell us about the stairs.
Tell us about the parking.
Tell us about the oversized furniture.
Tell us whether everything will already be packed.
Send photos when something looks difficult.
Then we can talk about your move instead of giving you a generic number that may not apply to it.
REQUEST A MOVING ESTIMATE