Many moving companies advertise “binding estimates” — promising that your price is set in advance. But in reality, those estimates often leave room for adjustments once the move begins. If the movers decide extra labor, materials, or services are needed, your “binding” price can suddenly grow.

At FlatRate Moving, our guaranteed, all-inclusive flat rate is different. The price you’re quoted is the price you pay — no matter what. We account for every detail of your move upfront so there are no hidden charges, no surprise add-ons, and no negotiations on moving day.

Here are the most common issues with binding estimates:

  1. No detailed inventory – Most movers offering binding estimates don’t take the time to build an itemized inventory of your belongings. This means the price isn’t based on an accurate picture of your move. Once the move day comes, anything “unexpected” can trigger new fees.
  2. Lack of planning – Movers often fail to plan for building restrictions, elevator reservations, limited moving hours, or parking rules. When those issues come up during the move, they bill you extra for the time and complications.
  3. “Not-to-exceed” clauses – Some binding estimates cap your maximum cost, but still leave room for upward adjustments if weight, cubic footage, or labor takes longer than planned.
  4. Hidden exclusions – Services like wardrobe boxes, TV crates, marble crating, or protective materials are usually not included. Stairs, long carries, shuttle trucks, fuel, tolls, tickets, and parking are also common add-ons.
  5. Conditional validity – If delays occur due to traffic, building restrictions, or labor needs, the movers may charge additional fees not covered by the original estimate.
  6. Revised binding estimates – Movers can issue a “revised” contract on moving day. At that point, you’re already committed and have little choice but to agree to the higher price.

Binding estimates look tempting on paper but fall apart in practice. They don’t include thorough planning, detailed inventories, or all the restrictions that come with real-world moving.

%name FlatRate Moving vs. Fixed Price or Other Binding Estimates 

Why FlatRate’s Flat Price Is Different

At FlatRate Moving, our pricing is not a binding estimate — it’s a guaranteed, all-inclusive contract. The price we quote is the price you pay, no matter what.

Unlike other companies, we don’t just list a handful of items and hope for the best. We carefully account for:

  • Every piece of furniture and box
  • All protective materials (wardrobe boxes, TV crates, marble crating, shrink wrap, mattress boxes, etc.).
  • All building restrictions and requirements (certificates of insurance, elevator reservations, time windows, and parking).
  • All travel expenses (fuel, tolls, tickets, and parking).
  • All labor, even if your move takes longer than expected.

This way, there are no loopholes, no surprise fees, and no last-minute “revised estimates.”

What FlatRate Moving Always Includes in Your Move

FlatRate revolutionized the moving industry by introducing a guaranteed, all-inclusive, one-price move. Some services that we always offer customers at no extra charge include:

FlatRate will pack and wrap all furniture including:  

  • Couches & Chairs – Wrapped in blankets & shrink wrap.
  • Tables – Disassembled & wrapped in blankets.
  • Mattresses – Wrapped and packed in special boxes.
  • Armoires – Disassembled & double wrapped in blankets, cardboard crating the glass as needed.

Addition Items we  pack for you:

  • Lamps – Packed in a lamp box.
  • Hanging Clothes – Packed in wardrobe boxes.
  • Electronics – Wrapped and packed in a cardboard box.
  • Flat-screen TVs – Wrapped and packed in plasma box.
  • Computers – Wrapped and packed in cardboard box.
  • Small Mirrors – Wrapped and packed in a cardboard box.
  • Paintings – Wrapped and packed in a cardboard box.
  • Small Sculptures – Wrapped and packed in cardboard picture crate.
  • Glass/Marble – Items containing glass or marble up to 4 feet are cardboard created.

Floor, corner, and hallway protection:

  • Corners – Protected in both your departing location and your new home so nothing gets scuffed.
  • Hallways – Walls are protected before moving items in or out to prevent damage.
  • Floors – Masonite is laid down upon arrival to prevent scratches.

All labor and travel expenses included – Your flat rate includes labor and travel-related expenses such as tickets, tolls, and fuel — eliminating the surprise costs other companies often add at the end.

Why FlatRate Beats “Binding” Estimates

Other companies may give you a binding estimate, but if they didn’t account for every element your move might require, the price can still rise. Once the move begins, the real costs start adding up — extra fees for stairs, fuel, tolls, parking, or even packing materials you assumed were included, like wardrobe boxes, TV crates, or marble crating.

FlatRate’s approach is different. We take the time to plan your move in detail before the first box is packed, factoring in all materials, protections, and travel expenses. This ensures your final price is truly final — no exceptions.

With FlatRate Moving, you get complete transparency and certainty. No matter what challenges come up on moving day, your price stays the same, and your belongings are handled with the care and materials they deserve.

 

Categories: Move Planning, Moving Company, Moving Expenses