What happens if my move takes longer than the estimate?
Local moves are billed on the actual completion time, so if the job runs past the estimate, the bill reflects the extra time. The crew does not leave halfway. The one way to cap the total in advance is a free on-site estimate, which gives you a not-to-exceed price.
The longer answer
Phone quote vs. on-site estimate when time runs over
| Phone or email quote | On-site estimate | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Your description | Our walkthrough |
| Binding? | No | Not-to-exceed maximum |
| If the move runs long | Billed at actual time | Billed at actual time, up to the cap |
| If the move runs short | You pay less | You pay less |
The usual reasons a move runs over
- Packing not finished when the crew arrives, or loose items in closets and cabinets
- More furniture or boxes than were described, often from a garage or storage area
- A long walk from parking, or no legal spot near the door
- Several flights of stairs, or a shared elevator with a wait, which is billed as job time
- Traffic between the two homes, which counts twice when they are more than 10 minutes apart
Staying on track
- Describe the home fully when you ask for a quote, including the garage.
- Finish packing the night before and empty drawers.
- Reserve elevators and save curb space at both addresses.
- Be available to answer the crew's questions quickly.
It works the other way too. When a home is fully packed and access is easy, a move can finish under the estimate, and you pay only for the shorter time.
The moving checklist goes through prep week by week, and our cost guide shows how 15-minute billing adds up after the minimum.
Questions about time and price
More questions people ask
Will the crew stop at the estimated hours and leave?
No. The crew finishes the job. Time is counted in 15-minute steps after the 3-hour minimum.
Can you tell me before it goes over?
Ask the foreman at any point how the time is tracking. They can tell you what is left and roughly how long it will take.
Is a phone estimate a guarantee?
No, it is non-binding. For a ceiling price, book the free on-site visit.