Question 1

What goes on a moving estimate?

Accepted Answer

Origin and destination addresses, move date, crew size + truck size, billable time (hourly or flat-rate), mileage (for long-distance), packing materials, packing/unpacking labor, valuation (released or full-value protection), stair / long-carry / shuttle fees, fuel surcharge, and binding-vs-non-binding declaration. Federal regulations (49 CFR Part 375) require interstate movers to provide written estimates with specific disclosures.

Question 2

Binding vs non-binding estimate — which should I use?

Accepted Answer

Non-binding (estimated) is the legal default — final price based on actual weight or hours. Binding (guaranteed) lets the customer lock the price; you eat the overage if the move runs long, you keep the savings if it goes faster. Binding works for moves you've surveyed in person; non-binding is required for sight-unseen quotes. "Not-to-exceed binding" (customer pays the lesser of estimate or actual) is competitive in the consumer market.

Question 3

Hourly vs flat-rate billing?

Accepted Answer

Local moves (under ~50 miles) are usually hourly: 2-person crew $90-$140/hr, 3-person $140-$200/hr, 4-person $190-$260/hr, plus truck fee. Long-distance is flat-rate based on weight + mileage (interstate) or cubic feet (some commercial). Most consumers prefer flat-rate for budget certainty; movers prefer hourly for protection on harder-than-expected jobs.

Question 4

What's standard for valuation / insurance?

Accepted Answer

Interstate movers must offer two valuation options: (1) Released Value at $0.60/lb per item — free but minimal coverage, (2) Full Value Protection — replacement value with a deductible, costs typically $0.50-$2.00 per $1,000 of declared value. Customer must select; estimate shows both as options. Note in terms: Released Value will pay $60 for a 100-lb couch regardless of actual value — most customers choose Full Value once it's explained.

Question 5

How do I quote stairs and access fees?

Accepted Answer

Itemize: "Stairs (over 1 flight): +$75", "Long carry (over 75 feet from truck): +$0.50/ft", "Shuttle service (truck can't fit at residence): +$X." State assumed access conditions in the description ("Estimate assumes ground-floor access at both origin and destination"); if conditions differ at the actual move, charge per the disclosed access fees. Without disclosure, mid-move surprises feel like price gouging to customers.

Question 6

Should I quote packing materials separately?

Accepted Answer

Yes, even if you include packing labor in your hourly rate. Box prices: small $2-$4, medium $3-$6, large $5-$8, dish pack $10-$15, wardrobe $12-$20. Tape, paper, bubble wrap, mattress bags. Most movers either provide a flat "packing materials package" ($150-$400 for a small home, $400-$1,200 for a larger one) or itemize per box used. Customers who pack themselves can opt out of materials entirely.

Question 7

Do I owe sales tax on moving services?

Accepted Answer

Most states don't tax moving services. Connecticut, Hawaii, New Mexico, and a few others tax most services. Texas taxes some moving services and has narrow specific rules. The packing materials line is taxable as tangible goods in most states; the labor line typically isn't. Issueable's two-tax-line support handles split treatment.

Question 8

Should the estimate include a deposit policy?

Accepted Answer

FMCSA regulations limit interstate moving deposits to no more than 25% of the binding estimate (or 50% with extra disclosure). State law often caps local-move deposits at 10-25%. State your deposit policy explicitly: "Non-refundable deposit at booking: $X (15% of estimate); balance due on completion before unloading." Some movers waive the deposit for repeat customers or commercial accounts.

Moving Company Estimate Template

Built for Moving Bids

Crew + Truck Itemized

Valuation Options

Access Fees Disclosed

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Local Moving Companies

Long-Distance Movers

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Specialty Moves

Moving Estimate FAQ