What Is Included In The Hourly Moving Rate And What Can Be Charged Extra?
What Is Included In The Hourly Moving Rate And What Can Be Charged Extra?
So, you are planning a move from your current home or business location, and like everyone else, you want to know how you will be charged? You can’t accurately predict the total fee a moving company in Toronto will charge you. Not until the necessary procedures have been followed and you’ve been given a rate. However, one thing you will realize or might have realized is that a moving company may charge you at a flat rate or an hourly rate.
You are probably thinking and deciding on the best option already, but there are important things you should know before signing the agreement. This will help you stay better prepared in terms of budget planning and getting value for money. If the moving and packing company you hired is charging at an hourly rate, you should understand how the service will be offered and what is included in this type of moving rate.
Another thing to know is that, often, you might hear a term like ‘extra charges’ when given an estimate. But what exactly can be charged extra during a move? Once again, we’ve prepared an enlightening article to answer your questions so that you can stay informed and make better decisions. Surf on!
What to Know about the Hourly Moving Rate
First, you should understand how Toronto movers and packers operate. Much like every moving and packing company anywhere else, the moving rate you will be given depends on some conditions. Let’s take a look at them.
Your type of move
There are various moving companies in the industry, just as there are different types of moves. Some moving and packing companies are limited to very few types of moving services, while some offer much broader services. There is no particularly general rate fixed for companies to charge at, so rates differ from one company to another.
Typically, an hourly rate is given when you are moving locally. A local move in Toronto is a short-distance move and is usually within or across the Grand Toronto Area.
Size or number of trucks
This depends on the number of items to be moved, how bulky some of these items are, and how much truck space is needed to pack them all. While this is not exactly time-based, the time spent to pack and load all your stuff will also be included in your moving estimate.
Number of movers
Of course, manpower also counts. The number of movers that will handle the project is relative to the size of your belongings, not really the distance you are moving this time around. It is also logical that if there is so much to pack and load, more movers will be required to save time, else a longer period will be spent.
Here’s a practical scenario: 4 movers can take care of a residential move that involves disassembly of certain items, packing of items from the apartment, loading these items into the truck, and packaging of the items that require special care. In total, they may spend 6 hours. Alternatively, 8 movers can take care of the same moving service, following the necessary procedure and spending half the time. It is usually better when more movers execute the task and lesser time is spent. You will also be paying a lesser cost if the moving time given by the company is not used up.
The distance of your move
In Toronto, the hourly rate starts from $45 per hour. You should also know that the minimum hourly rate differs. Some companies’ minimum hourly rate is 2 hours while some are 3 hours. The hourly rate is given at a fixed price, which will cover the time spent by the company from their office to your location and also from your new location back to their office.
Some other things that are already covered or included in the hourly rate are
– Moving equipment provided by the company
– Insurance coverage
– Tools for disassembling and assembling your furniture, both at your old and new location
What Can be Charged Extra during a Move?
Moving does not only require physical effort, it does require financial effort too. When moving, you may be surprised at some extra fees you may have to pay. But to better prepare yourself, here are some situations that may cause you to be charged extra by a moving company:
Handling of bulky items
The word ‘bulky’ here refers to any item that is heavy or oversized and cannot be moved the conventional way. Items that will take up a lot of space in the truck also belong to this category. For this category of items, the company will have to devise a new way to ensure no damage is done and the move is successful. Some may require cranes to be moved.
Storage fee
Your household items might need to spend some time with the moving company. Keeping these items at the company’s warehouse will call for an additional fee. This may be the case if your new apartment is not fully ready to be moved into.
Long carry fee
This fee is usually triggered when the company cannot park at a certain distance to the new building you are moving to. Most especially in big cities, finding a free spot that is convenient enough to park a truck and unload items may be a challenge. For about every 75ft, you may be charged a certain amount.
Split pick up or extra stop and unloading fee
You will be charged this fee when all your items are not in one location. If the company has to stop and pick up items at different locations or the company has to move your belongings to different locations, then you will be charged extra. Whether it is along the same route or not, you should expect this fee.
Conclusion
The hourly rate is the commonly preferred method of estimating a local move. Moving companies charge an hourly rate plus truck charge and It is indeed cost-effective. A local move takes hours to be executed, and the best thing to do before hiring is to discuss the company’s service in full. Understand what may incur extra charges. You don’t want to learn about an extra fee after signing an agreement or after the move is completed.
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