Moves for Seniors Blog

Senior moving can put a dent in your budget; which is why it is better to do your homework and be prepared. Start your research by getting multiple free quotes from a wide range of movers. The moving company will tell you the estimated cost of your move after you supply them with everything you plan to move – be sure not to leave anything out.

Photo Credit | Deposit Photos | @ VBaleha

Most senior moving companies claim to include all moving charges; however, many times these “hidden fees” are not communicated, but rather written in the fine print. Be sure to be aware of these possible fees by reading the information provided below.

Unexpected or “hidden fees” when moving:

Common Hidden Moving Costs

1. Packaging – Many times moving companies will charge extra fees for packaging items. This includes packing tape, boxes, bubble wrap, etc. If you did not pay to have your items packaged, but movers wrap an item when they arrive, plan on receiving a fee. This could happen even when you paid to have items wrapped; always check the fine print, there may verbiage regarding the cost of boxes, tape etc.

2. Stairs – Moving companies, more often than not, will charge you based on how many stairs they need to climb. The price for stairs range from $50 to $75 per set of stairs. Keep this in mind and make sure to ask the moving company prior to booking your move.

3. Narrow or Steep Roads – If the driver is not made aware of narrow or steep roads on the way to your house, they will most likely charge you a fee for the inconvenience of driving a large truck up a steep or narrow road. Sometimes they may even call you to let you know that they cannot get the moving truck down the road. If this happens, you will be required to pay for a local moving company to come in with a smaller truck.

4. Long Carry Fee – Movers are sticklers about how far they need to carry boxes. You will find that most movers have a specific distance that they are willing to move boxes. For example if the mover needs to move boxes further than 75 feet from the house to the truck, there will be an extra charge. Movers may charge up to $150 extra simply because they had to walk over 75 feet.

5. Re-weigh – This is very common with small moving companies who charge based on the weight and distance provided by the customer. If a customer says that their items add up to 300 lbs. and the movers feel that it looks like a lot more, they will do a re-weigh and the customer will be charged more money if the item turns out to be more than originally stated by customer.

6. Bulky items – Items that are very heavy; such as a lawn mower, show mobile, grand pianos, may add to your moving costs.

7. Cancellation fee

Uncommon Hidden Moving Costs

1. Extra stops – When the driver is asked to make extra stops, they may charge approximately $75 per stop.

2. Hoisting – If there is an item that needs to go through the window, movers may charge for that service.

3. Environmental (disposal) fee – Movers may tack on a disposal fee for the moving boxes, tape and trash left behind after the move.

4. Parking fees – When you are moving into a city, most likely the moving company will charge you parking fees that they are charged on city streets during certain hours of the day; such as rush hour.

5. Fuel – This should already be included in the moving quote, but sometimes moving companies may charge this an extra fee.

6. Storage – If items need to be stored.

Another charge to look into is insurance costs. Not only the costs of insurance but the details of shipping insurance. For example, if your items are lost or damaged, exactly how much will you get for the lost/damaged item? If you are shipping a $1000 TV and paying $4 for insurance and you will only get $30 if it was damaged, it doesn’t make much sense – do your research and make sure you completely understand the process.

And lastly check the company’s reviews. Find out if what the 1 and 2 star reviews are claiming are true by researching the company yourself. Find out how the moving company handles lost and damaged shipments.

Rather than worry about hidden fees in hiring just any company to help with your move, hire the experts. Call Moves for Seniors at (800) 227-0515 click here to request more information and a free moving consultation. We will make your move as easy and stress free as possible.