Binding vs. Non-Binding Moving Estimates: What to Know Before You Sign

A non-binding estimate is the mover’s best guess at your final cost, based on the information available at the time. It is not a guarantee. Your final bill can end up higher or lower than the estimate, depending on the actual weight of your shipment, the time your move takes, or any additional services added along the way.

Non-binding estimates are common for local moves priced by the hour, since the exact time a move takes can vary based on factors like parking access, stairs, or how ready your belongings are on moving day. The advantage of a non-binding estimate is that if your move ends up smaller or faster than expected, you could pay less than quoted. The downside is the opposite is also true, and federal law only requires movers to charge no more than 110 percent of a non-binding estimate at delivery, with the remaining balance due within 30 days.

A binding estimate is a fixed price agreed upon before the move, based on an accurate inventory of your belongings and the services you have requested. As long as your inventory and services do not change, the price stays the same, even if the actual move ends up taking longer or weighing more than expected.

Binding estimates give you certainty, which is especially valuable for long-distance and interstate moves where the total cost can be harder to predict. Correira Brothers provides upfront, binding estimates for our long-distance moving services, so the number you receive before your move is the number you pay at delivery, with no surprise charges added afterward.

The trade-off with a binding estimate is that it requires an accurate inventory from the start. If you add items or services after the estimate is locked in, most companies will require a written update to the agreement, which may adjust your price.

Whether your estimate is binding or non-binding, several factors typically drive the final price:

• The total weight or volume of your belongings
• The distance between your current home and your new one
• The time of year and how close your move date is to peak season
• Access issues at either location, such as stairs, long carries, or limited parking
• Additional services like packing, unpacking, or short-term storage

Being upfront about these details when you request an estimate is the best way to avoid a final bill that looks nothing like what you were originally quoted, regardless of which type of estimate you choose.

A few warning signs suggest an estimate may not be trustworthy. Be cautious of a mover who gives you a binding estimate without ever walking through your home or asking detailed questions about your inventory, since an accurate binding price depends on accurate information. Also be wary of a non-binding estimate that comes in dramatically lower than every other quote you received, since an unusually low number sometimes signals hidden fees added later or a bait-and-switch tactic.

Always get your estimate in writing, and read the fine print on what’s included versus what’s billed separately. A reputable mover will walk you through exactly how they built your estimate rather than rushing you to sign.

Sources and further reading: FMCSA: Protect Your Move; Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission.

We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to pricing. Depending on the type of move you need, whether it is local, intrastate, or interstate, our team walks through your inventory, timeline, and any specialty items before providing a clear estimate. For long-distance moves, we provide binding estimates so you know your total cost upfront, with no hidden fees added at delivery. If you would like to talk through what your move might cost before committing to anything, reach out and one of our moving consultants can walk you through it.