Things can change on you all the time. Eventually you're going to have to deal with movers and the threat of fraud. Whether you're relocating from Florida, Seattle or Boston. It doesn't matter really why your moving it could be because of your employment dictates so or just because you are choosing to do so for better community living for your family, you need to know a few things first about moving companies and how they tend to operate.

Sometimes you may get stuck paying more if you're not careful on what to look out for. You need to know the difference in terminology so that you don't get screwed right off the bat. All your written estimates and contracts should be free.

The three different types of estimates are, (Non-Binding) Estimate, Binding Estimate, and Not-to-Exceed Binding Estimate. The (Non-Binding) Estimate, which is all you can get in some intrastate situations, is not guaranteed.

If all the estimators come up with about the same amounts, you probably have non-standard items. If you live in a state where it's illegal to give Binding Estimates on intrastate moves, or a location where you can't find a moving company that will give them, be sure to attend both before and after weighing, as is your legal right

We recommend using a Binding Estimate. With this method, estimators list all the items to be shipped and all the services you require on the estimate form, then mark it as a binding price. This is your only protection for not getting an unexpected increase in price.

The estimators must also write down how long the price is in effect, usually 60 days. If they are due for a tariff increase, be sure that you either move before then, or that they'll guarantee in writing to hold the price till you move.

The kind of estimate that gives you the best of both worlds is the third type of estimate. This third type is called a Not-to-Exceed Estimate. The movers give you a Binding Estimate, then weigh the vehicle and reduce the price if the weight is less than anticipated. This is what you would want so make sure that this is actually an option with movers.