What to Include in a Moving Quote Request

‘I am moving a one-bedroom apartment’ is a useful starting point for a moving quote request. It does not tell the moving company how much furniture you have, whether there are stairs, or whether the kitchen still needs packing. Those details shape the work being estimated.

Prepare one set of information and use it for every company you contact. This gives you a fairer comparison than describing a different version of the move each time. If something is uncertain, label it as an open question rather than making an estimate sound more complete than it is.

List furniture and large items in each room, then add closets, the patio, garage and any storage unit. Include beds and mattresses, sofas, desks, tables and appliances that belong to you. Mark anything staying behind. A short inventory is easier to review when it separates the things being moved from the things the mover will see but should leave.

Add an approximate box count and identify unusually heavy, fragile or awkward pieces. Mention furniture that may need disassembly and items with an existing condition that affects handling. ‘One large framed mirror’ is more useful than ‘some decorations.’ Update the count as packing progresses.

Photos or a walkthrough can help explain your list, but ask how the mover will complete its inspection. The California Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) says a visual inspection is required with an estimate for a move within California. An initial online response should not be confused with that complete process.

Give the pickup and delivery details, plus any extra stop. Describe the floor, stairs, elevator, loading entrance and approximate walk from the truck to the door. Include steps before an elevator and any tight turns that may affect large furniture.

Share building move windows, reservation requirements and requested paperwork. If you are still waiting for management, say exactly what is pending. For example: ‘The building has a loading bay; I am confirming its hours and whether a reservation is needed.’ That is a practical question the mover can factor into the discussion.

Avoid assuming that two neighboring addresses have the same access. A ground-floor pickup and a delivery through a service elevator involve different arrangements, even when the driving distance is short.

Tell the company what will be packed when the crew arrives. If you want packing help, identify the rooms or items and whether you need materials. Explain what you will handle yourself, including any personal belongings traveling separately.

Ask the written estimate to identify the services you are buying. Discuss packing labor, materials, unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly where relevant. ‘Full service’ alone does not tell you which of those tasks is included. A useful follow-up is: ‘What will your crew do, and what needs to be ready before they arrive?’

Provide your preferred moving date and any flexibility. Add fixed constraints such as a lease handover, elevator reservation or storage access window. Ask how availability and the arrival window will be confirmed.

Keep the estimate and booking confirmation together, but check what each document confirms. Requesting a quote is not the same as reserving a date. Before making plans around the move, confirm the actual booking status and save the contact details for changes.

Start with the scope, then compare the price. Two hourly rates may cover different crew sizes, equipment, minimums or services. Ask how billable time begins and ends and how travel is handled. A low headline number cannot answer those questions on its own.

Use the same review list for each estimate. An omitted charge or term is a question to resolve, not proof that it is free or does not apply.

• Inventory and stops: does the estimate cover the same belongings and addresses?
• Crew and equipment: what is included in the proposed work?
• Time and minimums: how are billable time and any minimum defined?
• Other charges: how are materials, travel, additional stops and special handling treated?
• Payment and changes: what are the deposit, payment, cancellation and rescheduling terms?
• Loss or damage: what protection applies, what is excluded and how are claims handled?

For moves within California, BHGS explains the written agreement, not-to-exceed price and change-order process. Review those terms with the mover, including what happens if you request additional work. For an interstate move, consult FMCSA's estimating guidance instead of assuming the California framework is the same.

FMCSA distinguishes binding estimates, which cover the specified shipment and services at an agreed price, from non-binding estimates, which do not guarantee the final cost. Ask which estimate you have and how changes are documented. The official guides linked below provide the details for each framework.

If your inventory or services change, notify the company before loading and obtain the appropriate updated paperwork. Keep the current version with your moving documents.

You can adapt this message: ‘I am planning a move on [date] from [pickup area] to [delivery area]. My inventory is [furniture and box count]. Pickup access is [floor, stairs/elevator and loading details]; delivery access is [details]. I need [packing or other help]. My fixed deadlines are [windows]. Please explain the next steps for inspection, a written estimate and date confirmation.’

To discuss the move with Steady Moving Services, review the services below and send your quote request with those details. A shared description of the job gives you a clearer basis for deciding what to book.