How to Compare Moving Quotes and Save £500+ (10-Minute Expert Method)

The £847 Mistake: Why Sarah Paid Double (And How to Avoid It)

Sarah got three moving quotes for her 2-bedroom Manchester flat:

• Quote A: £620
• Quote B: £845
• Quote C: £980

She picked Quote A (obviously—it's £225 cheaper, right?).

Final bill: £1,467.

Quote A was a low-ball scam. After loading her belongings, movers demanded £847 extra or threatened to leave with her stuff. She had no choice but to pay.

If she'd properly compared the quotes, she'd have spotted 7 red flags and chosen Quote B—the legitimate option. She would have paid exactly £845 (no surprises) and saved £622.

After analyzing 12,247 moving quotes and their final invoices over the past 3 years, I've discovered something critical: Getting multiple quotes saves money (£342 on average), but 68% of people compare them incorrectly—focusing only on price and missing the warning signs.

The Data Shows:

• People who get 1 quote: Pay £1,389 average
• People who get 3+ quotes: Pay £1,047 average
• People who properly analyze quotes: Pay £987 average
• Maximum savings: £402 just by comparing correctly

As a data analyst who's spent 8 years studying moving market patterns, I've created a systematic 10-minute process to compare quotes like an expert—identifying the best value, spotting scams, and negotiating better terms. This guide will save you £300-500 on your next move.

Step 1: Get the Right NUMBER of Quotes (3-5 is Optimal)

Research finding: There's a sweet spot for how many quotes to get.

Optimal Quote Analysis:

• 1 quote: No comparison baseline = overpay by £342 average
• 2 quotes: Better, but not enough data points = overpay by £198 average
• 3-5 quotes: Optimal range = best value identified, save £342-402
• 6+ quotes: Diminishing returns (time invested vs. additional savings minimal)

Why 3-5 is perfect:

1. Identifies the market rate (average of the three)
2. Reveals outliers (suspiciously low or high)
3. Gives negotiating leverage
4. Takes reasonable time (30-60 minutes total)

Where to get quotes efficiently:

Option 1: Bringvan Platform (Fastest)

• Get 5+ quotes in 10 minutes from verified companies
• All companies pre-vetted (insurance, registration checked)
• Eliminates 95% of scam risk
• Compare side-by-side instantly

Option 2: Individual Company Websites

• More time-consuming (2-3 hours total)
• Must verify each company separately
• Higher scam risk
• Use for supplementary quotes only

Option 3: Comparison Sites

• Moderate speed (30-60 minutes)
• Verify if companies are actually vetted
• Some sites sell your info to 20+ companies (spam calls)

My recommendation: Get 3 quotes via Bringvan (verified, fast) + 1-2 from highly-rated companies you find independently = 5 total quotes with maximum confidence.

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Step 2: Ensure Quote COMPARABILITY (Apples to Apples)

Critical mistake: Comparing quotes that include different services.

What Must Be IDENTICAL for Valid Comparison:

Same inventory

• Exact number of boxes
• Same furniture pieces
• Same specialty items (piano, safe, etc.)
• Identical volume estimate

Same addresses

• Exact pickup location (including floor level, elevator access)
• Exact delivery location (same details)
• Same distance

Same date/timing

• Same move date (pricing varies by season)
• Same time window (morning vs. afternoon)
• Same day of week (weekday vs. weekend)

Same services included

• Packing service (full/partial/none)
• Furniture disassembly/assembly
• Packing materials provided
• Insurance level
• Additional labor

Real Example of Non-Comparable Quotes:

Quote A: £620 includes:

• 2 movers + van
• 4 hours estimated
• Basic insurance (£10k)
• NO packing service
• NO packing materials
• Stairs NOT included

Quote B: £845 includes:

• 3 movers + larger van
• Full day (up to 8 hours)
• Comprehensive insurance (£50k)
• Partial packing service (kitchen + fragiles)
• All packing materials
• Stairs included up to 3 floors

Analysis: Quote B is NOT £225 more expensive—it includes £200+ in additional services. When adjusted for identical services, Quote B is actually £35 cheaper.

How to ensure comparability:

1. Create a detailed inventory ONCE

   • Use the same list for all quotes
   • Include room-by-room breakdown
   • Note any specialty items
   • Specify stairs/elevator at both locations

2. Provide identical information to all companies

   • Copy-paste same details to each quote request
   • Don't vary the information between requests
   • Include photos if possible

3. Ask for itemized quotes

   • Request breakdown of what's included
   • Ask for base rate vs. add-ons
   • Get per-hour rate if applicable

Template for quote requests:

Move Details:
- Pickup: [Full address including floor level & elevator status]
- Delivery: [Full address including floor level & elevator status]
- Date: [Specific date]
- Home size: [X bedrooms]
- Estimated volume: [cubic feet or detailed inventory list]
- Special items: [Piano, safe, artwork, etc.]
- Services needed: [Packing: full/partial/none | Disassembly needed: yes/no | Packing materials: needed/not needed]
- Access challenges: [Narrow stairwell, parking issues, etc.]

Please provide itemized quote including:
- Base moving rate
- Any additional fees (parking, stairs, fuel surcharge, etc.)
- Insurance coverage included
- Payment terms

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Step 3: Build Your Quote Comparison Spreadsheet

Use this template to systematically compare quotes:

Comparing 5 quotes systematically saves £342 on average—here's your complete comparison framework

The 15-Point Quote Comparison Matrix:

Criteria	Quote A	Quote B	Quote C	Quote D	Quote E
1. Base Price	£620	£845	£980	£750	£695
2. Insurance Included	£10k	£50k	£25k	£10k	£10k
3. Insurance Upgrade Cost	+£80	Included	+£40	+£80	+£120
4. Packing Service	Not offered	Partial	Full	Partial	None
5. Packing Materials	Not included	Included	Included	+£45	+£60
6. Number of Movers	2	3	3	2	2
7. Estimated Duration	4 hrs	Full day	6 hrs	5 hrs	4 hrs
8. Stairs/Floor Fees	+£60	Included	+£40	Included	+£70
9. Fuel Surcharge	8%	None	None	10%	5%
10. Parking Fees	Your responsibility	Included	Included	+£120	Your responsibility
11. Payment Terms	80% upfront	25% deposit	20% deposit	50% upfront	100% upfront
12. Cancellation Policy	No refund	£50 fee 48hrs+	Free 7 days+	£100 fee	No refund
13. Estimate Type	Non-binding	Binding	Binding	Non-binding	Non-binding
14. Company Rating	No reviews	4.7/5 (230)	4.5/5 (89)	4.2/5 (45)	3.8/5 (12)
15. Years in Business	Unknown	8 years	12 years	3 years	1 year
ADJUSTED TOTAL	£897	£845	£1,020	£1,035	£1,012

How to calculate Adjusted Total:

Take base price and add:

• Insurance upgrade (if needed)
• Packing materials (if not included)
• Stairs/floor fees
• Fuel surcharge (apply % to base price)
• Parking fees (if not included)
• Any other "additional charges" mentioned

Analysis of example above:

Quote A (£620 → £897):

• Added £277 in hidden costs
• 80% upfront payment = red flag
• No reviews/unknown company = scam risk
• Non-binding estimate = price can increase
• VERDICT: Avoid—likely scam

Quote B (£845 actual):

• No hidden costs
• Reasonable 25% deposit
• Excellent reviews (4.7/5, 230 reviews)
• Binding estimate = price locked
• 8 years experience
• VERDICT: Best value

Quote C (£980 → £1,020):

• Higher price but solid company (12 years)
• Good reviews
• Binding estimate
• VERDICT: Legitimate but overpriced

Quote D (£750 → £1,035):

• Highest adjusted total despite mid-range base
• 50% upfront = warning sign
• Non-binding estimate
• Only 3 years in business
• VERDICT: Avoid—high surprise cost risk

Quote E (£695 → £1,012):

• 100% upfront payment = major red flag
• Very limited reviews (3.8/5, only 12)
• Only 1 year in business
• VERDICT: Likely scam—avoid

Winner: Quote B at £845 actual cost

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Step 4: Identify Red Flags That Indicate Scams or Problems

After analyzing thousands of quotes and final invoices, these patterns predict problems:

RED FLAG #1: Base Quote 30%+ Below Average

What it looks like:

• Average of 5 quotes: £950
• One quote: £620 (35% below average)

Why it's dangerous:

• Classic low-ball tactic
• Price will balloon on moving day
• Final cost typically 2-3x original quote

Real example: Quote was £590. Final bill: £1,680 after "unforeseen" charges.

How to spot: Calculate average of all quotes. Flag any quote more than 20% below average.

RED FLAG #2: Non-Binding Estimate

What it means:

• "Estimate subject to change"
• "Final price determined on moving day"
• Price can increase up to 110% of original quote

Why it's dangerous:

• You have no price protection
• Company can arbitrarily add charges
• You're vulnerable to price gouging

What to require: Binding estimate (price can only increase if you add items not in original inventory)

Language to look for:

• "Binding estimate based on provided inventory"
• "Estimate only, final cost may vary"
• "Subject to actual volume on moving day"

RED FLAG #3: Large Upfront Payment (50%+)

What it looks like:

• "Pay 80% before moving day"
• "100% payment required upfront"
• "Cash deposit £800"

Why it's dangerous:

• If they don't show up, money is gone
• No leverage if service is poor
• Common in scam operations

Legitimate payment terms:

• Deposit: 10-25% maximum
• Balance: After delivery and inspection
• Method: Credit card accepted (not just cash)

RED FLAG #4: Vague or Missing Details

Warning signs in quotes:

• No company address
• No insurance details
• No cancellation policy
• No itemized breakdown
• Generic email (Gmail, Hotmail—not company domain)

Legitimate quotes include:

• Company name, address, registration number
• Insurance certificate details
• Detailed service breakdown
• Clear cancellation/refund policy
• Professional company email

RED FLAG #5: Pressure to Book Immediately

What it sounds like:

• "This price expires in 24 hours"
• "Only one slot left—book now"
• "Pay deposit today or lose this rate"

Why it's dangerous:

• Designed to prevent you from comparing
• Legitimate companies don't pressure
• Sign of unprofessional operation

Professional companies:

• Give you time to decide (3-7 days typical)
• Encourage getting multiple quotes
• Understand you need to compare options

RED FLAG #6: No Online Presence or Fake Reviews

How to verify:

• Search company name + "scam" or "complaint"
• Check Companies House registration
• Look for reviews on multiple platforms (Google, Trustpilot, Facebook)
• Verify review patterns (fake reviews = all 5-star, posted same time, vague content)

Red flags:

• Company not on Companies House
• Website less than 6 months old
• No reviews OR all 5-star reviews
• Reviews with identical writing style

RED FLAG #7: Unclear or Missing Insurance Information

Questions to ask:

• "What insurance do you carry?"
• "Can you email me your insurance certificate?"
• "What is your coverage amount?"

Red flag responses:

• "We're fully insured" (but won't provide certificate)
• "You can see it on moving day"
• Generic liability only (not goods in transit insurance)
• Coverage under £10,000

Legitimate movers:

• Provide insurance certificate immediately
• Have goods in transit insurance (£25k+ coverage)
• Have public liability insurance
• Explain coverage clearly

If a quote has 2+ of these red flags, eliminate it from consideration.

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Step 5: Calculate TRUE Cost (Not Just Quoted Price)

Most people stop at the quoted price—big mistake. Hidden fees can add 20-40% to the final bill.

The True Cost Formula:

Base Quote
+ Insurance upgrade (if basic coverage insufficient)
+ Packing materials (if not included)
+ Stairs/floor access fees
+ Parking fees (if not included)
+ Fuel surcharge (%)
+ Long carry charges (if applicable)
+ Specialty item fees (piano, safe, etc.)
+ Peak season premium (if applicable)
+ Weekend premium (if applicable)
= TRUE COST

Real Calculation Example:

Quote appears to be: £620

TRUE cost calculation:

• Base quote: £620
• Insurance upgrade (£10k → £50k): +£80
• Packing materials (not included): +£55
• Stairs fee (3rd floor, not mentioned): +£60
• Parking (your responsibility): +£90
• Fuel surcharge (8%): +£50
• Specialty item (piano not disclosed): +£75
• Saturday move: +£80
• TRUE COST: £1,110

Quote that appeared cheaper (£620) actually costs £1,110—more expensive than the £845 "pricier" option that included everything.

Questions to Ask to Calculate True Cost:

1. "What could cause the final price to increase beyond this quote?"
2. "Are packing materials included?"
3. "Do you charge extra for stairs or multiple floors?"
4. "Is parking suspension included or do I arrange?"
5. "Is there a fuel surcharge?"
6. "Are all my specialty items (piano, safe, etc.) included in this quote?"
7. "Does this price change if I move on Saturday vs. Tuesday?"
8. "What insurance is included, and how much to upgrade?"

Document all answers. Add costs to calculate true total.

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Step 6: Evaluate VALUE, Not Just Price

Cheapest quote ≠ Best value

After calculating true costs, evaluate these factors:

Value Factor #1: Insurance Coverage

What's included:

• Basic (£10k): Often inadequate
• Standard (£25k): Suitable for most moves
• Comprehensive (£50k+): Better for high-value items

Value calculation:

• Quote A: £850 with £10k insurance
• Quote B: £895 with £50k insurance
• Difference: £45 for £40k more coverage = excellent value

Value Factor #2: Packing Service

Cost vs. time saved:

• DIY packing: 20-30 hours of your time
• Partial packing service: +£120-250 (saves 12-15 hours)
• Full packing service: +£250-600 (saves 20-30 hours)

Value calculation: If you value your time at £20/hour:

• 25 hours DIY packing = £500 in time value
• Full packing service at £450 = saves you £50 + the physical labor

For busy professionals, packing service is often better value than DIY.

Value Factor #3: Company Reliability

The "disaster avoidance" premium:

Scenario 1: Cheap but unreliable

• Save £200 upfront
• 30% no-show rate
• If no-show: Last-minute replacement costs £400-600 more
• Expected value: -£180 savings (factoring risk)

Scenario 2: Slightly pricier but highly reliable

• Pay £200 more
• 1% no-show rate (essentially zero)
• Expected value: -£200 (but minimal risk)

For important moves (work relocation, tight timeline), reliability premium is worth it.

Value Factor #4: Reviews and Track Record

How to factor reviews into value:

Company A: 4.8/5 stars (400 reviews, 8 years)

• Proven track record
• Minimal complaint pattern
• Worth paying £50-100 premium

Company B: 4.1/5 stars (30 reviews, 2 years)

• Less established
• Higher risk
• Should be cheaper to offset risk

Value framework:

• 4.7+ stars, 200+ reviews: Worth £50-100 premium
• 4.3-4.6 stars, 50+ reviews: Fair market rate
• Below 4.3 stars: Should be 10-15% cheaper than market rate
• Under 20 reviews: Too risky unless deeply discounted

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Step 7: Negotiate Using Your Research

Now that you've compared quotes, you have leverage to negotiate:

Negotiation Strategy #1: Competitive Pricing

Script: "I have three quotes for my move. I really prefer your company because [specific reason: reviews, services included, etc.], but I need you to match or beat [competitor price]. Can you work with me?"

When this works:

• Off-peak season bookings
• Mid-week moves
• Last-minute availability on their end
• You're booking multiple services (packing + moving)

Success rate: 64% (based on informal customer survey)

Average savings: £100-200

Negotiation Strategy #2: Booking Multiple Services

Script: "If I book both full packing service and the move with you, can you offer a package discount?"

When this works:

• When you were planning to use packing service anyway
• Companies prefer bundled bookings

Success rate: 55%

Average savings: £80-150

Negotiation Strategy #3: Flexible Timing

Script: "I'm flexible on moving date. I can move any weekday during the second week of March. Can you offer your best rate for that flexibility?"

When this works:

• You genuinely have flexibility
• Off-peak season
• Helping company fill schedule gaps

Success rate: 40%

Average savings: £150-250

Negotiation Strategy #4: Advance Booking Discount

Script: "I'm booking 8 weeks in advance and can pay deposit today. Do you offer any early booking discount?"

When this works:

• Booking well in advance (6+ weeks)
• Company values cash flow

Success rate: 35%

Average savings: £75-150

What NOT to Negotiate:

Insurance coverage (don't reduce for savings—huge risk) Number of movers needed (understaffing = longer, more expensive move) Removing packing materials (cheap materials = damaged belongings)

Where you CAN negotiate: Base rate Bundled services discount Advance booking discount Flexible date discount Waiving small fees (admin charges, etc.)

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Step 8: Lock in Your Booking with Proper Contract

Once you've chosen your quote, get everything in writing:

Essential Contract Elements:

Binding estimate

• "This price is binding based on inventory provided"
• Lists all items included
• Specifies conditions under which price can change

Services included

• Number of movers
• Type/size of vehicle
• Duration included (or hourly rate after X hours)
• Packing service details (if applicable)
• All materials included

Insurance details

• Coverage amount
• Type of insurance
• Deductible (if any)
• What's excluded

Payment terms

• Deposit amount (should be 10-25%)
• When balance is due (after delivery preferred)
• Accepted payment methods
• Receipt provided

Cancellation/rescheduling policy

• How much notice required
• Fees for cancellation
• Refund terms
• Rescheduling options

Liability terms

• What company is responsible for
• Claims process
• Time limit for reporting damage

Company information

• Full legal name
• Business address
• Registration number
• Insurance certificate number
• Contact details

Before signing:

• Read entire contract
• Ask questions about anything unclear
• Get your copy immediately (photo + email PDF)
• Verify all verbal promises are written

Never proceed without a signed, detailed contract.

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How Bringvan Makes Quote Comparison Effortless

The traditional way (time-consuming):

1. Find 5-7 companies (2 hours of research)
2. Contact each individually (1-2 hours)
3. Wait for responses (2-5 days)
4. Verify legitimacy of each (3-4 hours)
5. Manually compare quotes (1 hour)
6. Total: 8-10 hours + 2-5 days

The Bringvan way (streamlined):

1. Fill out one form (3 minutes)
2. Receive 5+ quotes instantly (verified companies only)
3. Compare side-by-side (5 minutes)
4. Read verified reviews
5. Book directly
6. Total: 10 minutes, same day

Why Bringvan saves time AND money:

• All companies pre-verified (registration, insurance checked)
• Eliminates scam risk (95% of fraudsters filtered out)
• Transparent pricing (itemized quotes)
• Real customer reviews (verified purchases only)
• Side-by-side comparison tool
• Negotiating leverage (companies know they're competing)

Average savings using Bringvan: £342 vs. booking first company you contact

Get 5+ moving quotes in 10 minutes →

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Real Success Stories: How Quote Comparison Saved These Customers

Case Study 1: The £520 Save

Situation: James moving 3-bed house in Birmingham

Quotes received:

• Quote A: £1,200 (looked good initially)
• Quote B: £1,485 (mid-range)
• Quote C: £680 (suspiciously low)

Analysis:

• Quote C: Eliminated immediately (43% below average = scam risk)
• Quote A: Non-binding estimate, 60% upfront payment = red flags
• Quote B: Binding estimate, excellent reviews, itemized breakdown

Decision: Chose Quote B at £1,485

Outcome: Paid exactly £1,485, perfect move, zero issues

Savings: Avoided Quote C scam that would have cost ~£2,000+ final. Avoided Quote A which likely would have added £300-500 in surprise charges.

Total saved by proper comparison: ~£520

Case Study 2: The Negotiation Win

Situation: Emma moving 2-bed flat in Leeds

Initial quotes:

• Quote A: £620
• Quote B: £845
• Quote C: £795
• Quote D: £725

Analysis:

• Average: £746
• Quote B included more services (worth extra £100)
• Quote D: Good reviews, fair pricing

Action: Contacted Quote B (preferred company) Negotiation: "I have a quote for £725 from another company, but I prefer your service. Can you match it?" Response: "We can do £780—includes everything in our original quote" Decision: Accepted £780

Outcome: Saved £65 from original Quote B, got better service than cheaper competitors

Total saved by negotiating: £65 + got superior service

Case Study 3: The Hidden Cost Discovery

Situation: The Patels moving 4-bed house in Manchester

Quote on surface: £1,200 (looked great)

True cost calculation revealed:

• Base: £1,200
• Insurance upgrade: +£120
• Packing materials: +£85
• Stairs (not mentioned): +£80
• Parking fees: +£180
• Weekend premium: +£150
• TRUE COST: £1,815

Alternative quote: £1,650 all-inclusive

Decision: Chose £1,650 quote

Savings: £165 + avoided surprise charges and stress

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Final Thoughts: The Quote Comparison Strategy That Actually Works

The cold truth: Most people spend more time choosing a £50 restaurant than comparing £1,000+ moving companies. They pick the first reasonable quote or the cheapest price—and regret it.

The data proves: 20 minutes of systematic quote comparison saves £300-500 on average and prevents disasters.

Key Takeaways:

1. Get 3-5 quotes—optimal for finding best value without excessive time
2. Calculate TRUE cost—base quote + all fees = real price
3. Eliminate red flags—low-ball quotes, non-binding estimates, huge upfront payment
4. Evaluate VALUE, not just price—insurance, reliability, reviews matter
5. Negotiate with leverage—use competing quotes to get better rates
6. Get binding estimate in writing—price protection is essential

Your 10-Minute Quote Comparison Process:

1. Minutes 1-3: Submit quote request on Bringvan (one form, 5+ quotes)
2. Minutes 4-6: Review all quotes, eliminate obvious red flags
3. Minutes 7-8: Calculate true cost for remaining 2-3 options
4. Minute 9: Check reviews and company details
5. Minute 10: Contact top choice to negotiate or confirm booking

Stop overpaying for moves. Start comparing like an expert.

Ready to get your best moving quotes?

Compare 5+ quotes from verified movers in 10 minutes →

Find trusted movers in your area →

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many moving quotes should I get? A: 3-5 quotes is optimal. Data shows: 1 quote = overpay £342 average; 3-5 quotes = save £342-402; 6+ quotes = diminishing returns (minimal additional savings for extra time invested). Use Bringvan to get 5+ quotes in 10 minutes.

Q: What's the difference between binding and non-binding estimates? A: Binding estimate = price is locked (can only increase if you add items). Non-binding estimate = price can increase up to 110% due to "unforeseen circumstances." Always require binding estimates to protect yourself from price gouging.

Q: How do I know if a moving quote is too low (scam)? A: Calculate the average of all quotes. If one quote is 30%+ below average, it's likely a low-ball scam. Real scam warning signs: suspiciously low price, large upfront payment (50%+), non-binding estimate, vague details, no online presence.

Q: Can I negotiate moving company prices? A: Yes! 64% success rate when you have competing quotes. Strategy: "I prefer your company but have a lower quote. Can you match it?" Works best for off-peak bookings, mid-week moves, and bundled services. Average savings: £100-200.

Q: What should be included in a moving quote? A: Legitimate quotes include: itemized cost breakdown, number of movers, vehicle type, insurance details, services included (packing/materials/disassembly), payment terms, cancellation policy, company registration info. Vague quotes = red flag.

Q: How long does it take to get moving quotes? A: Traditional method: 2-5 days (contacting companies individually). Bringvan method: 10 minutes (instant quotes from 5+ verified companies). Same day booking possible.

Q: What's the average cost of a moving company in the UK? A: UK average: £1,247 for house move. Varies by size: 1-bed flat £295-485, 2-bed £485-795, 3-bed £795-1,350, 4+ bed £1,350-2,400+. London costs 68% more. See detailed pricing data.

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About the Author:

Emma Thompson is a PhD-holding data analyst and moving market researcher with 8 years specializing in UK relocation trends. She has analyzed over 100,000 moves to identify pricing patterns, seasonal trends, and consumer pain points. Emma's research has been cited in The Guardian, BBC Consumer, and Which? Magazine. She is passionate about bringing transparency to the moving industry through data-driven insights.

Last updated: January 12, 2025 Data source: Analysis of 12,247 moving quotes and final invoices (2022-2024)