Estimates for long distance moves may cause some confusion and trying to decide which one is best for you can be a little overwhelming.

First option and the best option of all is the Binding Not-To-Exceed estimate. This means that if the actual weight of your shipment is more than the written estimate, you still pay the amount quoted; however, if the actual weight is less than the written estimate, you pay the lower amount.

Second option is a binding estimate which means that the price quoted in the estimate is the amount you pay, even if your shipment weighs more than the estimated amount or less than the estimated amount. This is your second best choice.

Third option is a non-binding estimate. A non-binding estimate is not a contract. It is an estimated cost of your move and does not bind your mover to this price. This means your total price can be lower or higher then the price the moving company initially quoted you. The problem with this kind of estimate is that you have no guarantee of a cost to move.

Here are some important points that will help you get a good and accurate quote:

The price of the moving estimate should never be your main factor. A company reputation goes a long way. Deal only with licensed and insured movers.

Get several moving estimates. They're free, so take advantage of them.

A visual estimate is always better then a telephone or an internet estimate. Professional mover need to see exactly what has to be moved.

Show the on site estimator everything, including the basement, attic, garden shed, garage, closets.

Find out how binding each estimate is. It will be easy to discard high estimates but should you receive an estimate that is substantially lower than the others, inquire as to why. Maybe the estimator didn't see a piece of heavy machinery such as the washing machine in the basement. If he did and he sticks by his estimate, ask him to make it binding and to put it in writing. Always have things in writing.

Ask the estimator about purchasing extra valuation / insurance. Movers will provide you with only a basic insurance that will not cover the replacement of more expensive items.