How to Compare Relocation Costs Online

So you're thinking about relocating and you want to get an idea of how much it's going to cost. The internet is a great place to start your research but, as with anything else, you need to know how to compare relocation costs online effectively.

Moving is hard enough as it is, but add in a few hundred (or thousand) miles between you and your old home, and you've got a recipe for disaster. But don't worry, we're here to help! Here are the types of professionals you can hire to help with your relocation.

An Auto Transport Company

If you're moving long distances, chances are you won't want to (or be able to) drive your car back and forth between your old and new homes. And while you could always have a friend or family member drive it for you, hiring Sonic auto transportation is usually a much easier—and cheaper—option. Just be sure to book in advance so you can get the best possible rate.

A Good Real Estate Agent

One of the most important aspects of any move is finding a good place to live. And while you could try to find a new home on your own, working with a real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of your new city will make the process a whole lot easier—and likely save you some money in the process. Not to mention, they can also help you sell your old home so you don't have to worry about that aspect of the move either.

A Reputable Moving Company

Trying to move all of your belongings yourself is not only incredibly stressful, but it's also a huge time commitment. And if you're moving cross-country, it's not even realistic. That's why hiring a reputable moving company to handle the heavy lifting for you is always a good idea. Just be sure to do your research beforehand so you can be sure you're working with a company that won't lose or damage your belongings in transit.

A Cleaning Service

Once you've moved all of your stuff into your new place, the last thing you'll want to do is spend hours cleaning it from top to bottom. But unless you want to live in a pigsty, hiring a professional cleaning service to give your new place the once-over before you start unpacking is definitely worth the money. Trust us, you'll be glad you did when you're not scrubbing toilets on moving day.

A Pet Sitter or Dog Walker

If you have pets, one of the biggest challenges of moving is figuring out what to do with them during the actual move itself. Driving cross-country with dogs in tow isn't exactly fun (for either of you), so hiring a pet sitter or dog walker for the day—or even better, for the duration of your move—is always a good idea. That way, Fido doesn't have to miss out on all the fun and can stay comfortable in his own home until everything has settled down at your new place.

Moving long distances is no small feat—but with the help of these professionals, it doesn't have to be nearly as daunting as it may seem at first glance. Once you’ve decided who to hire, here are 5 tips from your friendly neighborhood moving company to help you get started with comparing quotes.

1. Get multiple quotes

The first step in comparing relocation costs is to get multiple quotes from different companies. This will give you a good baseline to work from and help you weed out the high-priced outliers. Be sure to get at least 3 quotes so you have a good mix of prices to compare. To get a more tailored and accurate estimate of your moving budget, consider using a NY moving expenses calculator. This tool can help you adjust for local variables and refine your budget planning with more precision.

2. Know what's included

When you're looking at quotes from different companies, be sure to take note of what's included in each one. Some companies may include things like packing and unpacking in their quote while others may not. Knowing what's included will help you better compare apples to apples.

3. Compare services

In addition to knowing what's included in each quote, it's also important to compare the services each company offers. For example, some companies may offer full-service moves while others may only offer basic transportation services. Again, this will help you better compare pricing between companies.

4. Consider hidden costs

There are always going to be hidden costs when you're comparing relocation costs online (or anywhere else for that matter). Be sure to factor in things like fuel surcharges, insurance, and storage fees so you don't end up with any unwelcome surprises down the road.

5. Go with your gut

In the end, it's important to go with your gut when comparing relocation costs online (or anywhere else). If a company's quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. On the other hand, if a company seems reputable and their quote is inline with your budget, they're probably worth considering.

Comparing relocation costs doesn't have to be complicated or stressful – just follow these 5 simple tips from your friendly neighborhood moving company and you'll be well on your way to finding the right mover for your needs (and budget!).