A moving estimate is not a number pulled out of thin air, and it should not feel like one when you receive it. At CG Moving Company, every estimate starts from the same handful of inputs: what you’re moving, how far it’s going, and how long it will reasonably take. Understanding that process makes it much easier to compare quotes and to spot one that’s missing a piece, which we cover in more detail in questions to ask a moving company before you hire one.
What information actually shapes the number?
Inventory, distance, access, and crew size drive nearly every estimate.
These are the inputs that change a price the most, which is why a mover who skips asking about them is likely guessing.
- A full inventory of furniture, boxes, and large items
- Distance between the two addresses
- Access at both ends, including stairs, elevators, and parking
- Crew size and estimated hours needed
What's the difference between binding and non-binding estimates?
Binding locks the price; non-binding can change based on actual weight or hours.
A binding estimate guarantees the final price based on the inventory given, as long as that inventory doesn’t change. A non-binding estimate is a good-faith prediction that can move up or down depending on actual hours worked or actual weight moved, which is why an accurate inventory walkthrough matters more for this type.
How do labor and timing get calculated?
Crew size and hourly rates are set by inventory volume and access difficulty.
More furniture and tighter access both add time, and time is the biggest line item on most local moves. A move with a long carry from the door to the truck, or several flights of stairs with no elevator, will reasonably take longer than the same inventory with a short, flat path to the truck.
What should a complete estimate include before you sign?
A real estimate lists inventory, rate type, timing, and any extra fees in writing.
Before you agree to anything, the estimate should spell out exactly what’s being charged and under what conditions, which carries over directly into the bill of lading you’ll sign on move day.
Why do two estimates for the same move sometimes look so different?
Different assumptions about crew size, hours, or access explain most gaps.
A lower number often means a smaller crew, a tighter time assumption, or a travel charge counted differently, not necessarily a better deal. Comparing the assumptions behind each estimate, not just the total, is the only reliable way to tell which quote actually reflects your move.
An estimate built on real inventory and real access details is one you can trust on move day. Request a detailed estimate from CG Moving Company and we’ll walk you through exactly how we arrived at the number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my estimate change after I book but before moving day?
It can, but only if your inventory or access changes from what was walked through originally, such as adding furniture or discovering a flight of stairs that wasn’t mentioned. If nothing changes, a binding estimate holds and a non-binding estimate should land close to the original number.
Who actually does the in-home or virtual walkthrough, a salesperson or the crew that shows up on moving day?
The walkthrough is usually done by an estimator or coordinator, not necessarily the crew lead who runs your move. That’s normal; the estimator’s job is building an accurate number, while the crew’s job is executing the move itself.
What happens if the final bill doesn't match the estimate I signed?
Review the bill of lading on-site before you sign it, since that document should reconcile with your original estimate and explain any difference. If something doesn’t add up, raise it with the crew lead on the spot rather than after the truck has left.
Can I get an estimate without an in-home walkthrough?
Yes, a virtual walkthrough is available and works for many moves, especially when the home layout is straightforward. It’s generally less precise than an in-person visit, so it’s worth mentioning any unusual access issues, like a narrow stairwell, directly to your estimator.
Want to see exactly how your number was calculated? Ask CG Moving Company for a detailed estimate and we’ll walk through every line with you.
