Packing your life into boxes is already stressful. The last thing you want is surprise costs appearing after you thought you had handled all of the moving expenses. Some people might have carefully budgeted the move based on a quote, only to see extra fees appear on the final bill.
Learn from people’s past moving mistakes. Knowing where surprise charges come from is a helpful way to prepare. Read on about the six unexpected moving expenses that frequently sneak up during relocations.
1. Estimates Don’t Cover Everything
When you get a moving estimate, it might only cover the labor and rented truck time. Other services like packing supplies, navigating staircases, or conducting long walks from the truck to the door are commonly considered extra services that warrant additional fees.
Some estimates are nonbinding, which means the price can increase once the move begins. Always ask for a detailed quote with line items, so you understand what’s included and what’s not.
2. Furniture Disassembly and Setup
Taking apart bulky furniture, like beds or tables, isn’t always part of the basic moving package. Before hiring a moving company for long-distance moves, ask if furniture disassembly and reassembly are part of the cost, or if you’ll receive a separate bill.
If you need movers to disassemble and set up these items, expect extra charges. Full-service movers sometimes treat this as an add-on service.
3. Specialty Item Handling
Large or delicate items—such as pianos, safes, aquariums, and antiques—require special moving equipment or extra hands. Moving companies commonly charge extra. Even if you include these items in your initial inventory, don’t assume that the base rate includes handling these items.
4. Packing Materials Add Up
Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and various packing supplies might seem inexpensive, but costs add up quickly. Moving services might charge separately for these materials, especially specialty items like wardrobe boxes or mattress bags. If you plan to pack up your belongings yourself, be sure to account for these supplies in your budget.
5. Long Carry or Access Fees
When your moving truck can’t park close to your home, expect to pay long carry fees. This happens when the truck must park more than 75 feet from the front door. Narrow streets, blocked driveways, or gated communities often cause this issue. These extra steps take time and effort, which usually results in additional fees.
6. Rescheduling or Delay Charges
Plans change, but long-distance movers often charge if you reschedule with less than 72 hours’ notice. Delays at your new home, like elevators being unavailable or keys not ready, may also lead to wait-time fees.
Charges add up quickly. Clear communication and planning with the moving company are key to avoiding extra costs.
Move Without Surprise Fees
Before you book your next move, don’t overlook these unexpected moving expenses. At Capitol North American, we believe in clear pricing and straightforward service. With trained crews and years of moving experience in Wisconsin and Nevada, we offer full support throughout the process. Our goal is to take the stress—and the surprise—out of the move.
If you need a team you can trust, Capitol North American would love to be of service to you. Contact us when the time comes to relocate.
