Whenever you book a moving company make sure you understandthe extent of the additional charges that might be billed to you. These movingcompany fees depend on the conditions surrounding your move. I personally foundthis out the hard way when an apartment I was moving from had double-booked theparking lot and since my mover arrived after another tenant's moving company, Iended up paying a several extra charges in order for my goods to be moved thatday. So, before you book, find out which charges might be applicable for bothyour move from and to your new home then get a quote and make sure that quoteholds.

Accessorial Charges

Some moving companies lump all extra fees that do not fallunder any of the following listings and call them "AccessorialCharges". These charges may include packing or unpacking services, extrapick-ups at a storage facility or disassembling furniture. To avoid thischarge, make sure you’re ready for the movers before they arrive.

Advanced Charges

These are fees for services provided by a professional otherthan the mover and can include a craftsman, or other third-party at yourrequest (piano mover, appliance preparation). If these services are arrangedthrough the moving company, the charges are billed to the mover who in turns,bills you.

Appliance Service

This is a fee that is sometimes charged if the moverneeds to prepare the major appliances for moving, which includes disconnectingat the original residence then reconnecting at your new home. In most cases, appliances included arewashers, dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators.

If you’re concerned about the safe transport of your major appliances, ask your mover if they are qualified to prepare them for moving. Ifnot, they can usually recommend you to someone who can provide this service foryou.

Auxiliary Service

An auxiliary service charge refers to an extra fee that israted per hour should the move be delayed because your goods need to betransferred to another truck in order to complete the move. As previouslymentioned, this can happen if you don't have adequate parking or if you live ina home that is not accessible by a large moving truck (a long narrow driveway).This means that the moving company has to transfer your goods to a smallertruck then to your home (or from your home).

Avoid these extra fees by ensuring the moving truck can parkclose enough and that nothing is blocking the truck's access. If you're unsureof accessibility, call the mover first and ask questions that pertain directlyto your move, such as the appropriate distance from your home or building'sentrance to the truck.

Customs Clearance

There are always custom fees associated with internationalmoves, however, the mover might also charge you for clearing your goods throughcustoms. Many international movers include this fee in their overall costalready, but ask, just in case. If it is included, make sure this is clearlymarked on your estimate.

You’ll also need to check with the country you're moving tofor details on what documents you will need and the import costs involved. Yourinternational mover should also be able to provide you with more information onregulations and procedures surrounding the entry of your household belongingsinto another country.

Elevator Carry

If you live in a walk-up apartment or high-rise condo, youmight be charged an additional fee for the moving company to transport yourgoods in an elevator either at the pickup point or destination. To ensure themovers are aware of your particular moving needs, let them know if an elevatorwill be part of the move. Keep in mind that not all moving companies charge forthis service, and particular those that are charging you by the hour (if doinga local move) but many do. It does take longer and more energy to load anelevator and unload it again than it does to move directly from a home to thetruck, so the fee is not unexpected.

Expedited Service

If you want a guaranteed date of arrival, then you may becharged a higher minimum rate. The best way to avoid this charge is to beflexible on the move in date. Most people can work around a move in date and ifyou pack your essentials and take them with you, you should be able to survivefor a few days or week without your household goods.

Flight Charge

Like the elevator carry charge, flight charge is a fee forcarrying items up or down flights of stairs either at the place of origin or atthe destination. For example, a third-floor residence would equal two flightssince the mover begins on the first floor. If there are elevators available,and is large enough to transport your goods, there should be no flight charge,however an elevator charge may apply. Again, ask your mover.

Linehaul Charges

This is a basic charge for a long distance move, which iscalculated by mileage and weight of your shipment. Linehaul charges are usuallyon top of your initial estimate. Since moving companies provide you with aweight estimate and distance estimate prior to booking their service, theyshould be able to give you the cost of the linehaul charge. Ask upfront.

Long Carry

This is an additional charge that is applied when the moverhas to carry goods from the truck or van to your residence over a longerdistance than is typical. Normally there is a distance limit between the rearof the moving truck/van to your residence's entrance. When this limit isexceeded, you are charged an additional fee. Ask the mover how far they willcarry before the long carry charge is applied. If you’re concerned about thedistance, either have it measured or ask the mover when they come for theirinterview/appointment. If you’re concerned about the distance at your new home,try to find some way of measuring the distance. Ask your Realtor orapartment/condo manager. If the company says that they will charge you, try tonegotiate the price. I did this once, and said that my husband and I wouldassist with the move in lieu of charging this additional fee. The mover agreed.You don’t know unless you ask!

Shuttle Service

This is a fee that is charged when your goods have to betransferred to a smaller truck because the large moving truck cannot accessyour home. Some movers, if they know ahead of time, don’t charge you extra.Again, ask and negotiate.

Specialty Movers

If you have larger items to move such as piano, items thatrequire a specialty mover, then the moving company will charge you anadditional fee. Pianos are difficult to move, so make sure you speak to yourmover about this charge and if they’re equipped to handle this kind ofspecialty item.

Storage-in-Transit (SIT)

This is a fee charged if and when your goods have to bestored before being moved to their new home. This type of service may benecessary when your new home isn't ready to occupy and your items must bestored. When booking your mover, you must specifically request this service.Additional charges apply, including warehouse handling and final deliverycharges. Before booking a mover find out exactly when your new house will beready so that this time frame can be built into the cost. Extensions on this time frame may incur extra charges.

Storage Extension Coverage

In case your belongings need to be put into storage you willprobably need to purchase extra insurance or if you've already purchased movinginsurance, this can usually be extended. This is called storage extensioncoverage. Check with the moving company or insurance company on the details ofyour policy to ensure you’re covered. Also make sure you have a definitivestorage timeframe established, or if you're unsure, provide a longer coverageperiod than you think you'll need. It’s always better to be over-insuredinstead of under.

Warehouse Handling

This is a fee charged whenever the storage-in-transitservice is provided. This charge refers to the physical movement and removal ofitems within the warehouse.