At first glance, a moving quote often sounds convincing: the price roughly fits the budget, the date is free, the company seems friendly. But only a comparison shows whether all services are really included. If you are wondering how many moving quotes to get, three individual quotes are right in most cases. That gives you a good basis for a decision without the search itself turning into an extra moving project.
How many moving quotes should you get? Three are usually enough
Three quotes are a sensible middle way. With only one quote, there is nothing to compare. You then do not know whether the price is usual for your distance, your volume and the additional services you want. With two quotes the difference becomes visible, but it often remains unclear which quote suits your requirements better.
From three quotes onwards, price, scope of services and conditions can be placed much better. You are more likely to notice whether a particularly low amount leaves out important items or whether a higher price is justified by a more extensive service. At the same time, the effort stays manageable: you do not have to contact ten companies separately, coordinate call-backs and explain the same information several times.
More than three to five quotes are rarely necessary. Many quotes do not automatically mean a better decision. If the details differ widely, the comparison quickly becomes confusing. It then helps more to ask targeted questions about the two or three most interesting quotes.
Why comparing prices makes such a difference when moving
A move cannot always be priced from a fixed price list. The costs depend, among other things, on the size of the flat, the amount of furniture and boxes, the floors, the distance and the parking situation. A lift, long walking distances or bulky pieces of furniture can also affect the calculation.
That is why quotes for the same move can differ noticeably. That does not automatically mean that a quote is wrong or not reputable. Perhaps one company plans more movers, includes a no-parking zone or prices packing materials in straight away. Another quote may not include these items, or only list them later as additional costs.
This is exactly where the advantage of several quotes lies: you compare not just final prices, but understand better what you are paying for. That gives you certainty in a decision that is often made under time pressure.
The cheapest quote is not always the best
A very low price can be attractive, especially when the move brings many expenses anyway. But check whether the quotes really refer to the same scope of services. Are enough movers planned? Is dismantling and reassembling furniture included? Are boxes, carrying equipment or the disposal of old furniture charged extra?
A slightly higher quote can end up cheaper if it is priced more clearly and contains fewer open additional items. What matters is not only the figure at the bottom of the quote, but the question: does the service fit my move?
These points are worth comparing in moving quotes
For three quotes to be meaningful, all companies should receive the same information as far as possible. Describe your current and new flat precisely, name your preferred date and mention any special features early. The more concrete your request, the better moving companies can calculate.
Then pay particular attention to the scope of services. A quote should show clearly how many movers and vehicles are planned, whether travel is included and which work is taken on. Where needed, this also includes packing, dismantling furniture, fitting the kitchen or setting up a no-parking zone.
The price details are just as important. Is it a fixed price or billing by effort? With a fixed price, it is clearer what amount you can plan for - provided the details about the move are correct. With hourly billing, you should know which hourly rates apply and how travel, materials or extra working time are charged.
Also read the terms for changes of date or cancellations. Especially if a tenancy agreement has not yet been finally signed or a key handover could move, flexible rules are valuable.
How to get quotes you can compare
The quality of the comparison starts with your request. If a company only reads “two-room flat, move next week”, it has to make assumptions. These assumptions can lead to differences later. Details about floor space, the number of rooms, floors, a lift, walking distances and large furniture such as a piano, a wall unit or a kitchen are helpful.
The distance between the old and the new address also plays a role. For a move within the same city, different factors matter than for a move to another federal state. Also say whether boxes are already packed and whether you would like to help yourself. That creates a realistic basis for all quotes.
Photos or a viewing can make sense if the household is large or special items are to be transported. For a small flat with a manageable household, detailed information is often enough. It depends on how complex your move is.
The four steps to the right quote
The path to a decision does not have to be complicated. First describe your move as completely as possible and send your request. You then receive quotes from moving companies serving your area. Compare prices, services and possible additional costs calmly. Then you decide yourself which company you want to book directly.
With Umzigo, a single request lets you get several moving quotes free of charge and without obligation. That saves time, because you do not have to enter your moving details again for every company. The decision remains entirely yours.
When two quotes can be enough
There are situations in which two quotes are already enough. That can be the case, for example, with a very small move within one district if the scope of services is clear and both quotes clearly contain the same items. With a short-notice move, too, finding an available date quickly can be more important.
Even so, a quick comparison is almost always worthwhile. Even if the date is pressing, you can check whether furniture assembly, insurance, travel and possible surcharges are clearly settled. A few extra minutes of reading can avoid unnecessary discussions later.
When you should rather ask for four or five quotes
For larger or more demanding moves, an additional comparison can make sense. This applies, for example, to family houses, long-distance moves, moves with several pick-up or delivery addresses or households with particularly heavy and delicate items. If you want extensive additional services, such as a packing service, storage or kitchen fitting, a wider choice also helps.
If you still cannot make a clear decision after three quotes, you do not automatically have to send further requests. Ask targeted questions instead. Ask for an explanation of an unclear item or clarify whether a particular service is included in the price. Transparent answers often say more than a fourth price.
Typical mistakes when getting quotes
The most common mistake is to look only at the total price. Another risk arises when important details are only mentioned on moving day. A missing lift, a long way to the van or an extra piece of furniture can change the planning.
Some people also wait too long. At popular moving times - especially at the end of the month, in the summer months or around public holidays - suitable dates are taken more quickly. Get quotes as early as possible, ideally as soon as your moving date is in sight. That way you have more choice and can compare without rushing.
Three moving quotes usually give you exactly what you need for a good decision: a realistic price range, a view of different services and the good feeling of having chosen deliberately. Take the time for a clear comparison - then a stress-free move begins long before the first box.