When most people start planning a move, the first question they ask is simple: “How much will it cost?” That’s where your moving quote comes in.
At America’s Best Moving, we know that no two moves are alike, which means no two moving quotes are either. Every home, office, and situation brings its own challenges and logistics, and each of those details plays a part in determining your total cost.
To help you better understand what goes into a moving quote, let’s break down the most important factors that influence your price, from stairs and long walks to furniture disassembly and time on the job.
What Is a Moving Quote?
A moving quote is an estimate of what your move will cost based on the information you provide to your moving company. It’s a detailed outline that helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises on moving day.
At ABMS, we build your quote around three key components:
- The size and scope of your move
- The time and labor required
- Any special conditions or services requested
By considering these factors, we can give you a fair, accurate, and transparent moving quote that reflects your exact needs, not just a flat guess.
The Biggest Factor: Time and Labor
Most moving companies, including ABMS, base their moving quote primarily on how long your move will take and how many movers are required. Simply put, time equals labor cost.
If your move is straightforward — say, a one-bedroom apartment with easy access — your total time may be minimal. But as soon as there are obstacles like stairs, long walks, or heavy furniture, that time begins to increase.
At America’s Best Moving, we charge by the hour, billed in 15-minute increments. That means you only pay for the actual time it takes to complete your move — nothing more, nothing less. It’s a fair, transparent approach that ensures your moving quote reflects the real work being done, not rounded-up hours or inflated estimates.
Here’s how some common conditions can affect your total time and cost:
- Stairs
Stairs are one of the most common — and time-consuming — factors in any move. Every additional flight means more physical work for the crew and more time to load and unload your belongings safely.
Even if the elevator is available, it may still slow things down compared to ground-floor access. That extra time directly affects the total labor cost, and therefore your final moving quote.
- Long Walks
Many people underestimate how much time a long walk from your front door to the truck can add. Whether you live in a large apartment complex, have a long driveway, or the truck can’t park close due to limited access, those extra steps matter.
At ABMS, we measure walking distance during our quote process, so your moving quote reflects realistic conditions. The longer the walk, the longer the move will take.
- Disassembly and Reassembly
Furniture disassembly and reassembly are often overlooked when people think about their moving quote, but they’re a big part of the timeline.
Taking apart beds, tables, or modular office furniture takes precision and time, especially if the items are large, complex, or assembled with multiple components. Once we reach your new location, those same items need to be reassembled properly so you can settle in right away.
The more furniture that requires this service, the more time your movers will need, which in turn increases your total moving quote.
Distance and Location: Two Key Influences
Whether you’re moving across town or across the state, distance always plays a role in your moving quote.
At America’s Best Moving, every move — local or long-distance — is billed at an hourly rate, charged in 15-minute increments, with a minimum of one hour of travel time regardless of distance. This ensures that even shorter trips are properly accounted for, so our team can arrive safely and fully prepared for your move.
The difference comes down to logistics. While local moves often involve shorter drives and quicker turnaround, long-distance moves typically require more travel time, coordination, and planning.
For moves that extend over 60 miles, we add a fuel surcharge to account for the increased travel distance and fuel consumption. This ensures fair pricing while maintaining the high level of service ABMS is known for.
So, while distance and location influence your moving quote, the foundation remains simple: time, care, and precision. You’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for and why.
Size and Weight of Your Belongings
The size and weight of your items can greatly influence your moving quote.
Large or heavy items — such as appliances, pianos, safes, or oversized furniture — require extra manpower, equipment, and handling time. On the other hand, a home that’s efficiently packed with lighter furniture and fewer boxes will typically result in a lower total.
At ABMS, we conduct a thorough assessment of your inventory to ensure your moving quote accurately matches what needs to be moved. That’s how we avoid underestimates or unexpected add-ons.
Packing Services and Materials
If you’d like professional packing services, that will be factored into your moving quote as well. While some customers prefer to pack their own boxes, others rely on our team to handle it for them, saving time and reducing the risk of damage.
ABMS offers full-service packing, partial packing, and specialty packing for fragile or high-value items. We also include the cost of materials (like boxes, tape, shrink wrap, and protective padding) when calculating your total moving quote.
Even if you handle your own packing, we still account for how items are packed when determining time.
Access Challenges and Special Conditions
Not every move happens in ideal conditions, and that’s okay. We’ve handled everything from downtown high-rises to tight rural driveways. But special circumstances often mean extra planning or labor, and your moving quote reflects that.
Common examples include:
- Limited truck access (narrow streets, low clearance, or no direct parking)
- Elevator restrictions (time windows, freight elevator use only, etc.)
- Weather-related delays (rain, snow, or extreme heat requiring safety breaks)
- Difficult layouts (tight corners, narrow staircases, or split-level homes)
Each of these conditions adds time, and since your moving quote is time-based, they naturally affect the total cost.
The Value of Accurate Information
One of the best ways to ensure your moving quote is as accurate as possible is to provide complete and detailed information upfront.
When ABMS builds your quote, we rely on what you tell us about your home or office. Photos, videos, or a quick virtual walkthrough can make a big difference in helping us prepare.
Accurate details help us plan the right number of movers, the right size truck, and the right amount of time. That means fewer surprises, smoother service, and a more reliable moving quote from the start.
Why ABMS Quotes Are Different
At America’s Best Moving, our goal isn’t just to move your belongings, it’s to move them with care, integrity, and precision.
We believe transparency is key. That’s why our moving quotes are designed to be straightforward, honest, and easy to understand. We’ll never hit you with hidden fees or vague hourly estimates that balloon on moving day.
Instead, we focus on:
- Clear communication about what’s included
- Fair and accurate estimates based on real-world experience
- Customized pricing for your specific move, not cookie-cutter templates
We also factor in small but important details, like protective floor coverings, careful handling of specialty items, and optional insurance coverage. When you get a moving quote from ABMS, you’re not just getting a price, you’re getting a plan.
Tips to Get the Most Accurate Moving Quote
Before you request your moving quote, here are a few quick tips to make sure it’s as precise as possible:
- Be honest about access. If there are stairs, long walks, or parking challenges, let us know early.
- Include photos or videos. A quick visual tour helps us spot potential obstacles before moving day.
- Decide on packing preferences. Will you pack yourself, or would you like ABMS to handle it?
- List any special items. Things like safes, pianos, or large glass tables need extra attention.
- Ask questions. We’re happy to explain exactly what’s included in your moving quote and why.
Final Thoughts
A moving quote isn’t just a number; it’s a reflection of your entire moving experience. From the moment we step into your home to the final box being set down, every factor matters: stairs, walking distance, furniture setup, and the time and care it takes to do things right.
At America’s Best Moving, we believe in providing moving quotes that are clear, fair, and rooted in real expertise. When you request a moving quote from us, you’re getting more than an estimate; you’re getting peace of mind, backed by movers you can trust.
America’s Best Moving System
📍 Serving Mauldin, Easley, Greenville & the entire Upstate
📞 864.254.6121
🌐 ab-moving.com
✉️ info@ab-moving.com
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Movers You Can Trust.
