How to Estimate Your Moving Costs by Cubic Feet

The question that everyone planning a move wants an answer to is: How much is my move going to cost?

Every residential moving company will provide you with an estimate that they calculate in various ways. Many companies will base their moving estimates on weight. Other moving companies will base their estimates on the calculated cubic feet of your belongings.

There are pros and cons to each type of estimate, but it is crucial to do one thing to ensure you do not get taken advantage of: hire a reputable moving company.

A highly rated moving company like Roadway Moving will walk you through the cost estimate process, explain their estimate to you, and provide valid reasons why your move may cost more than their estimate. You should never hire a moving company that is unwilling to take the time to explain your potential moving costs to you.

Below are tips on how to estimate your moving costs by cubic feet:

How to Calculate Cubic Feet

The cubic foot of an item that you are preparing for a long-distance move can be found using this equation:

length (ft) x width (ft) x height (ft) = cubic feet

If you are trying to figure out the cubic foot of an item using inches, use this equation:

length (in) x width (in) x height (in) ÷ 1728 = cubic feet

NYC Movers will Estimate Your Cubic Feet

Some long-distance movers will charge by the cubic foot instead of by the weight of your possessions. The price per cube depends on the route, so it is imperative that you estimate the cubic feet of your move correctly to avoid getting overcharged.

The importance of hiring a reputable residential or commercial moving company cannot be stressed enough. Make sure you read online reviews before agreeing to any contract. The moving company should also have helpful and courteous customer service representatives available to you anytime you need them.

Here is the average cubic foot count of your typical apartment or house:

• Studio: 200cf
• 1-Bedroom: 300cf
• 2-Bedroom: 600cf
• 3-Bedroom: 1000cf
• 4-Bedroom: 1500cf

Understanding Cubic Feet Helps with Storage

Many moving companies also offer their customers moving & storage options. Storage units are sold and listed by cubic feet. Sometimes long-distance movers will temporarily place your possessions in a storage unit until they can move it to your new destination.

Other customers need storage for their possessions for a longer period of time before their move. Understanding the cubic feet of your items will help you choose the correct amount of storage to purchase. This will save you money on the storage and will give you an accurate estimate of the cost of your move per cubic foot.

Provide NYC Movers with an Inventory List

Creating an inventory list before your move in New York City is a very important step. Keeping a record of all your possessions that includes where they are located, what condition they are in, and where you would like them placed in your new apartment should be done before any move.

Some things that you should note on your inventory list before any local or long-distance move are:

Separate the list by room: Each room and their contents should be listed separately to avoid confusion and to provide an accurate picture of your move to the residential moving company.

Note important details of each item: These details include: each item’s condition, value, location in the room, and its cubic feet.

Take photos: Back up your inventory list with pictures of each item taken with your cell phone. Take pictures of specific details of items that are particularly valuable or damaged.

Double-check your list: Making an inventory list like this is tedious, but the effort will pay off in the end. Double-check each listed item for accuracy. Then, when you approach your moving company for an estimate, you can provide them with an accurate picture of your move.

Add up the cubic feet: Finally, you should add up the cubic feet of all the items on your inventory list. This way, you can check your moving company’s estimate against the actual cubic feet of your move. This will also help reputable long-distance movers provide you with an accurate and cost-effective estimate.

Only Hire Reputable Movers

Cubic feet moving estimates are much maligned because they leave a lot of room for scam moving companies to pad their estimates. That is why it is imperative that you hire the top-rated moving company in NYC to move you and your family.

New beginnings start with a moving company that cares. Whether you are moving across town or across the country, give Roadway Moving a call today 212-812-5240 and get your free quote.