How to Read a Moving Quote: What Every Line Item Actually Means
How to Read a Moving Quote: What Every Line Item Actually Means
Most people receive a moving quote, look at the bottom line number, and make a decision based on that. The problem is that the bottom line on a moving quote can mean almost anything depending on who wrote it and what they left out.
Hidden fees are the moving industry's most reliable trick. A company quotes you $400, you agree, and on moving day the final bill is $800. By then your belongings are already on the truck.
This guide walks you through every line item you might see on a moving quote, what each one actually means, which ones are legitimate, and which ones are red flags. We'll also show you exactly how a GoodGuys quote is structured so you know what transparent pricing actually looks like.
The Most Important Question First: Binding vs. Non-Binding
Before you read a single line item on any moving quote, you need to know whether the estimate is binding or non-binding. This distinction changes everything.
Binding estimate: The price is locked. Regardless of how long the move actually takes or how much stuff there is, you pay the number on the quote.
Non-binding estimate: The final price is based on actual hours worked. The quote gives you an informed projection of what the job will cost, but the clock runs from when the crew arrives to when the last item is placed. If the job takes longer than estimated, you pay more. If it goes faster, you pay less.
GoodGuys provides non-binding estimates. We price by the hour per mover, and your final bill reflects the actual time your move takes. The advantage is that you're never overcharged for a move that goes faster than expected.
The key with a non-binding estimate is that every factor affecting the time and cost should be disclosed upfront in the quote, not revealed on moving day. That's what separates a trustworthy company from a predatory one.
The Standard Line Items: What's Normal and What to Expect
Hourly Rate / Labor
The core of any local moving quote. At GoodGuys that's our base weekday and Saturday rates, multiplied by the number of movers and the estimated hours.
What to watch for: Some companies advertise a low hourly rate and then pad the job with a slow crew to inflate hours. Ask specifically how many movers will be on your job and get that number in writing.
Crew Size
The number of movers assigned to your job. More movers costs more per hour but typically reduces total job time. For a 2-bedroom home a 2-person crew is standard. For larger homes or jobs with stairs or heavy items, a 3 or 4-person crew is appropriate.
Minimum Hours
Most reputable movers have a minimum charge regardless of how short the job is. GoodGuys has a 3-hour minimum on all moves. A 3-hour minimum is standard and legitimate. Be suspicious of companies with no minimum at all.
Travel Fee
A flat fee covering the crew's drive to your location and back to the warehouse. At GoodGuys this is a flat $100 on all in-state moves. A flat travel fee is the cleaner, more honest approach versus a variable fuel surcharge.
Deposit
A payment required to hold your move date. At GoodGuys this is $100, applied toward your total and fully refundable with 48 or more hours notice. A deposit is legitimate and protects both parties.
GoodGuys Handicap System: How We Price Complexity Honestly
Rather than charging surprise fees for difficult aspects of a move, we use a system of handicaps applied as percentage additions to your base estimate. Each handicap reflects how much longer we estimate that factor will add to the job.
How it works:
If your base estimate is $640 and your home has one staircase, a 10% handicap is applied: $640 + $64 = $704 estimated total. Every handicap is disclosed in your written quote before you commit to anything.
Current GoodGuys handicaps include:
Staircase: +10% per flight
Each staircase at your pickup or destination adds 10% to the base estimate. Carrying a sofa or dresser up two flights takes meaningfully longer than rolling it across a flat surface.
Heavy items over 500 lbs: Dynamic fee based on weight
Items over 500 lbs require extra crew, specialty equipment, and significantly more time and care. The fee is dynamic depending on the actual weight and nature of the item. We discuss this specifically during your booking call so there are no surprises.
Every handicap is in your written quote and explained on the phone before you book. Nothing appears on your final bill that wasn't disclosed upfront.
A Sample GoodGuys Quote
Here's what a real GoodGuys quote looks like for a 3-bedroom home in Alpharetta with one staircase on a weekday:
Line Item | Detail | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Base labor | 2 movers x estimated 7 hours @ $80/hr | $1,120 |
Staircase handicap | 10% of base labor (1 flight) | $112 |
Travel fee | Flat in-state fee | $100 |
Boxes (if needed) | Only if GoodGuys supplies boxes | Variable |
Estimated Total | $1,332 | |
Deposit (due at booking) | Applied toward total | $100 |
Balance due on move day | $1,232 |
Moving blankets, shrink wrap, and tape are always included at no extra charge. The deposit is applied to your total, not charged on top of it. Every number above is in your written quote before you commit.
Packing and Junk Removal: Separate Line Items
Professional packing: Priced based on home size and scope. Added to your quote as a separate line if requested. Includes all materials.
Junk removal: Small items are variable pricing. Large items like sofas, mattresses, and large appliances are $100 for the first item and $75 for every item after. Large-volume jobs are custom quoted based on truck space.
These are never added to your quote without your knowledge.
Red Flag Line Items: What to Watch For on Other Companies' Quotes
Fuel Surcharge (Variable)
A fuel surcharge that varies based on current gas prices is often used to inflate the final bill after you've committed. A reputable company charges a flat travel fee. If a company's fuel surcharge is variable and calculated after the move, ask for a cap or a flat number in writing.
Stair Fees Per Flight (Flat Fees)
Some companies charge a flat per-flight stair fee on top of their hourly rate. This can add up quickly and should be disclosed upfront. Ask specifically: is the stair fee in the written quote or assessed on moving day?
Long Carry Fees
If the truck can't park close to your door, some companies charge a per-foot fee for the extra distance. The question is whether it was disclosed before the move.
Elevator Fees
Some companies charge a separate fee for elevator access. Like stair fees, this should be disclosed upfront during the estimate, not added to the bill on moving day.
Truck Fee Charged Separately
Some companies advertise a low hourly rate and then charge separately for the truck. A legitimate moving company includes the truck in their rate.
Assembly and Disassembly Fees
Some companies charge separately for furniture disassembly and reassembly. At GoodGuys, this is included in the hourly rate.
Valuation or Insurance Add-Ons at Signing
Georgia law requires movers to provide basic liability coverage of $0.30 per pound per item at no charge. Any additional coverage should be explained clearly and chosen voluntarily.
Large Deposits
A $100 deposit is standard. A deposit of $300, $500, or more demanded before any work is done is a red flag.
The Questions to Ask Before Signing Anything
Is this estimate binding or non-binding?
Is the truck included in the hourly rate, or is it a separate charge?
Are moving blankets, shrink wrap, and tape included?
Are there stair fees, long carry fees, or elevator fees? If so, are they in this written quote?
Is furniture disassembly and reassembly included?
What is the deposit, and is it refundable?
Are you a licensed carrier or a broker?
What is your basic liability coverage, and how do I add additional coverage if I want it?
If a company can't answer all of these clearly and in writing before you book, that's your answer.
How GoodGuys Handles the Quote Differently
We talk through your move in detail on the phone or take your information online
We send you a written, itemized quote with every line item listed
We call you when we send the quote and walk through every line together
You ask questions, we answer them honestly
You decide whether to book with no pressure and no obligation
Every charge that will appear on your final bill is in that written quote. That's how it should work. It's how we built this company.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a non-binding moving estimate?
A non-binding estimate projects your move cost based on estimated hours and crew size but the final price reflects actual time worked. GoodGuys provides non-binding hourly estimates.
What should always be included in a moving quote at no extra charge?
At minimum: the truck, moving blankets, shrink wrap, and tape. Furniture disassembly and reassembly should also be included or clearly disclosed as a separate charge. At GoodGuys all of these are included.
What is a handicap on a moving quote?
At GoodGuys, a handicap is a percentage added to your base estimate to account for factors that will increase job time. Each staircase adds 10% to the base estimate. Every handicap is disclosed in your written quote before you book.
Is a $100 deposit normal for a moving company?
Yes. A $100 deposit to hold your date is standard and legitimate. Deposits significantly larger than this demanded before any work is done are a red flag.
What is the difference between a moving carrier and a broker?
A carrier owns their trucks and employs their crew. A broker takes your booking and assigns it to a third party. GoodGuys is a licensed carrier. We never subcontract your move.
How do I know if a moving quote is trustworthy?
Get it in writing with every line item listed. A trustworthy company can explain every number on the page before you commit.
Want to see exactly what a GoodGuys quote looks like for your move? Get a free estimate and we will send you a written quote and call you to walk through every line. No pressure, no hidden fees, no surprises.