What is the Difference Between a Binding and Non-Binding Moving Estimate in Florida?

When it comes to moving and relocating, there are a lot of different things that you will need to take into consideration as you prepare for the move ahead. During this time, you will also be faced with many questions, especially when it comes to making an agreement and signing a contract with a moving company. One of the most common questions you might find yourself asking is, should I choose a binding or non-binding estimate? 

Making this decision isn’t easy, which is why it is so important to understand these types of estimates and exactly what they mean. This will make it easier for you to make an educated decision regarding your move, to ensure you’re making the best choice possible. 

Relocation is complex and it takes a lot of planning to prepare for the move you’re about to make. This is why it is important to develop a moving plan, keep a moving checklist and create a budget to help you stay on track. This will not only make it easier to save money throughout your move and monitor your expenses, but this can help you decide between a binding and non-binding estimate. 

With money playing a large role in any move, there has never been a better time to develop a successful moving plan. You will be able to budget for your move and make sure you are financially stable as you go through the steps to relocate.

When it comes to choosing between a binding and non-binding estimate, education is key. To make the right choice for your family as you relocate, you must first understand these terms so that you can make the right decision. 

What is a Non-Binding Moving Estimate in Florida?

A non-binding moving estimate is more common, especially when you are planning to move a long distance because most moving companies cannot guarantee an exact estimate for such a long trip. Many factors play a role in this estimate, which include the weight of your belongings, the cost of gas, and the price for movers. Essentially, a non-binding estimate can change at any point. 

When choosing a non-binding estimate, you are getting an estimate of the cost of your relocation. This means that nothing is set in stone and the cost may be subject to change depending on a variety of situations. 

In most cases, a moving company will give you a maximum price quote and note that you won’t be charged more, but this isn’t always true. If the moving circumstances were to change and you needed to add more to your shipment or the weight of your belongings is heavier than expected, then the cost could be rewritten by the company. 

When you agree to a non-binding agreement, this is what you are signing up for. For some, this may be a better route to take, especially if the weight of your belongings continues to change. So, if you haven’t been prepared, made a checklist, or kept track of everything you’re packing, a non-binding estimate might help you play it safe. 

Just remember to find a trusted, reliable, and reputable moving company to work with because if you end up working with an unreliable moving team, this non-binding estimate could turn into a scam or an incident with rogue movers. To avoid this, look for red flags and take proper precautionary steps to make sure you are choosing the best moving company to help you with your relocation. 

How to Avoid Moving Scams: 

• Ask around, if you know anyone who has moved recently it may be helpful to ask who they moved with and see if they recommend any specific moving company. 
• Look at online reviews, check for ratings and commentary about the moving company you’re considering. If a majority are positive, they may be a company worth calling to ask about estimates or quotes.  
• Try to make a plan, most reputable moving company’s will offer you a moving estimate even if you call months in advance, so as soon as you decide on a moving day it is best to devise a plan by seeking out a trustworthy moving team. 
• Ask the moving company about their quotes, see if they offer binding, non-binding, or both types of estimates. 

Remember, dishonorable moving companies are out there and they can scam you, making your relocation even more of a hassle than it needs to be. That is why understanding these estimates and how to properly choose what is best for your move is essential to this process. 

Don’t forget to ask for multiple quotes and get a feel for the company you’re considering, it’s the least you can do to plan for an easy, worry-free move with a company you can trust. 

Considering a Binding Moving Estimate for Your Florida Move

A binding moving estimate is a written agreement between you and the moving company you’ve hired that guarantees that the total cost of your move will be exactly as written in the estimate. This means that even if the shipment you are having transferred weighs more or less, you will still pay the original estimated amount. 

A binding estimate will include the costs for the shipment of your belongings and the moving services that will be required to get you moved to your new location. This will include the weight of your things, the cost of gas, and what you will pay for the movers. After taking all of that into consideration, the moving company will decide on a price that will cover each cost, giving you the total amount as your binding moving estimate. 

If you choose to go with a binding moving estimate, it is important to create a moving budget and keep a moving checklist. This will not only help you save money but writing a checklist will help you be sure that all of your belongings are accounted for. With a binding estimate, you must be sure all of your belongings are written down on a transfer list, which is seen by the moving company. They have the right to refuse extra items, so you want to be aware of this ahead of time. 

If you agree to a binding estimate with your moving company, the amount they give you will be the exact amount you need to pay for their services. Nothing more, nothing less – regardless of any circumstances.  

Key Components of a Binding Estimate:

The Subject of the Contract 

• An agreement must be made between the homeowner and the moving company, regarding the subject of the contract. In this case, the subject is the price of the relocation that the movers are offering. 

“Meeting of the Minds” 

• This is when both parties will meet with the intent to create a valid agreement regarding the subject of the contract. 

Legal 

• The subject of the contract must be legal. Any unlawful promise, such as agreeing to commit a crime, is an agreement that is considered unlawful. 

Contractors must have Legal Capacity 

• Each agreeing party must have the ability to sign the contract, agreeing with the binding estimate that is being presented. 

What is the Difference Between a Binding Estimate and a Non-Binding Estimate?

When you are moving or relocating, there are a few different estimates that a moving company will offer. This is when binding and non-binding estimates will come into play. 

There is a subtle difference between a binding estimate and a non-binding estimate which will help you decide which type of estimate you want to agree to during the moving process. A non-binding estimate is what movers roughly guess the cost of the move to be, including shipping weight, gasoline, mileage, and a moving team. But, this price can change depending on multiple factors. 

A non-binding estimate is a good way to get an idea of what your move is going to cost but you have to remember, it is subject to change at any time so there could be more charges tacked on once your move is complete. 

On the other hand, if you want an estimate that is set in stone and unable to be changed, you may consider a binding estimate instead. The cost in this case is not up for debate since it has been written in a contract, agreed to, and signed. So, if you agree to a binding estimate with your moving company, you will pay the exact amount that they originally told you. 

Even though they are similar, these are two very different estimates that you will come into contact with as you plan your relocation and prepare to hire a moving company to help you. A non-binding estimate is given but could potentially change depending on the circumstances of your move. This means you could be paying way more than you had planned for, even if your shipment weighs less than the original estimate. 

A binding estimate is unable to be changed once the quote is given and agreed to. This can be a great option if you’ve got everything planned out, accounted for, and taken down on your transfer list. But, if you aren’t as prepared, you may run into issues with some of your belongings not being accounted for, which would result in the company refusing to take these extra items because they weren’t a part of the deal. 

Knowing the difference between these different estimates is important, especially when you are preparing to relocate to a completely new place. It can be an overwhelming and stressful time, but understanding the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate can make all the difference during your moving process. You will be able to decide on the estimate that is right for you while working with a reputable and reliable moving company. 

How to Choose Between a Binding and Non-Binding Moving Estimate?

Now that you have a better understanding of a binding and non-binding estimate, you’ll soon be faced with the choice between the two. If you’re still a bit unsure what you should do during your move, there are a few things to consider before you choose one option over the other. 

If you are 100% sure about the weight and the size of your shipment, along with being sure everything you are bringing is accounted for, then a binding estimate will be the right fit for you. Agreeing to this type of estimate should be easy for you, knowing the weight of your shipment will remain the same and everything will work out once your belongings are delivered. 

But, if you are unsure about how much you will end up moving with, a non-binding estimate may be better for you. You’ll start with a quote from the company you contacted, but this will not be your final price. Use this estimate to help you budget and plan out your spending throughout the move. 

To decide what estimate will work best for you, there is a lot to take into consideration. It is your job to understand the difference between the two so that you can make an educated decision in regards to your move. Think about how certain you are about the items that are being shipped and how this might affect your final choice. 

Most importantly, make a good call when deciding what moving company you want to work with. Do your best to find a reliable, trustworthy team that will help answer any of your questions and give you insight into their estimate. Make sure the team you hire is willing to work with you and offer advice, guiding your decision as you make it. 

Binding and Non-Binding Moving Estimates in Florida

When it comes to moving and relocating, the entire process is already stressful enough. Not only do you have to find a home in a good location to move to, but you have to take care of all the behind-the-scenes work too. 

You have to hire movers with a moving company, to ship your belongings and make sure everything arrives intact. You need a group of movers to travel to your new location, drive the moving truck which carries all of your things, and bring everything into your new space.

These expenses will be quick to add up, making it important to keep track of your finances by planning out a budget for your move. This will not only help you out financially, but it will make the entire moving process a lot easier.

To better prepare for your move, it is important to know the difference between a binding and non-binding moving estimate. If this is something you’re new to, then you may want to take time to learn about the two different types of estimates you’ll be choosing between once you pick out the moving company you want to work with. 

Educate yourself and prepare to make a decision, depending on what is best for you and your family during your move. 

If you know the exact weight of your belongings and won’t be adding any more to the load, a binding estimate is probably the right fit for you. But, if you are unsure about the weight of your belongings or what you might end up moving with, a non-binding estimate may be a better option. It all depends on your situation and what is best for you. This is why education on these two estimates is key, helping you as you make your final decision with your moving company. 

Relocation is complex and it isn’t an easy task to handle, making it increasingly important to use your best judgment when picking either a binding or non-binding estimate for your move. We are here to help with all of the legal needs that pop up during the moving process. Call us at 727-933-0015 today!