You have a quote, the moving date is set – and suddenly the moving company wants more money. The question of whether a moving company may change its prices understandably causes uncertainty. What matters is not only the final amount quoted, but above all what exactly was agreed and why the costs are supposed to rise.
There is no blanket answer: some additional costs can be justified, for example for services that were not mentioned beforehand. A price that has already been agreed, however, does not simply have to be accepted when it is raised without a comprehensible reason. If you know the differences between a fixed price, a cost estimate and a non-binding estimate, you can react more calmly and avoid unnecessary arguments.
May a moving company change its prices?
In principle: a price agreed as binding cannot be changed by one side alone. If you have accepted a quote that names a clear fixed price for a specifically described move, the moving company is bound by it. This only applies, however, to the scope of services that was actually agreed.
It is different if the circumstances change substantially compared with what you said. If, for example, a cellar room with heavy furniture was not mentioned, the flat is considerably larger than stated or the promised no-parking zone is missing on moving day, extra work can arise. The company can then ask for additional payment for that extra service. What matters is that the connection is comprehensible.
The wording of the contract counts too. Some quotes contain a fixed price, others speak of an expected price, a price indication or a cost estimate. These terms sound similar but have different consequences.
Fixed price: the strongest basis for planning
A fixed price means that the agreed service is provided for that amount. The quote should therefore state as precisely as possible: the start and destination addresses, the size of the flats, floors, lift, carrying distances, furniture assembly, packing materials, the number of movers and the agreed date.
The more precise the description, the less room there is for later misunderstandings. A fixed price does not, however, protect you from costs for services that are added afterwards. If, for example, you would like a kitchen dismantled shortly before the move, that is a new service and can cost extra.
Cost estimate and rough estimate: deviations are possible
A cost estimate is often an expert assessment of the expected costs. It can be exceeded if the work turns out differently than expected. If it is exceeded considerably, however, the company should inform you in good time so that you can decide whether and how the job continues.
A non-binding estimate offers even less price certainty. It can make sense when a lot of information is missing in advance, for example for a very large house move. For private moves it is usually better to get a detailed written quote before booking and have open points clarified.
When additional moving costs can be justified
Not every bill that turns out higher than expected is automatically inadmissible. Additional costs can be justified if they are based on additional or different circumstances that the moving company could not know when it calculated the price.
Typical cases are extra pieces of furniture, cubic metres stated wrongly or too low, particularly long carrying distances, lifts that cannot be used or unexpected waiting times. A lack of parking can also cause extra work if movers have to carry furniture considerably further. For long-distance moves, extra kilometres or a changed route can also matter if the original details were not correct.
The individual case is what counts. A narrow entrance or a missing lift is not a convincing reason for a surcharge if these circumstances were known from the start or could have been seen at a viewing. That is why it pays not to keep difficult conditions quiet and, where possible, to document them with photos.
What you should do if the price goes up
If you are told about higher costs before the move, do not agree too quickly. First ask for a written explanation. The company should say clearly which item is changing, what extra work has arisen and how the new amount is calculated.
Then check your quote, your request and the correspondence so far. Did you really not mention the service in question? Was a fixed price agreed? Were you told about the extra charge in good time? These documents are your basis for a factual conversation.
If the demand is comprehensible, you can agree to an addition in writing. If it is not, tell the company calmly that you are holding on to the agreed price. Avoid purely verbal arrangements. Misunderstandings arise quickly under time pressure, especially shortly before a move.
If the price is only raised on moving day, particular caution makes sense. You are then often under pressure because the flat has to be cleared. Do not simply pay an unclear extra amount in cash. Have the demand broken down in writing. If no agreement is reached or the situation seems dubious, a consumer advice centre or a lawyer's assessment can help.
How to avoid disputes about the moving price
The best solution is a request that leaves no important details open. Give not only the number of rooms, but also floors, lifts, walking distances, cellar, attic, heavy single items and the extra services you want. A piano, a large side-by-side fridge or a wardrobe that needs assembling affect the calculation much more than a few extra moving boxes.
Photos or a viewing can be very helpful for larger households. They give the moving company a more realistic picture and make a suitable quote easier. If you prefer to plan online, fill in the details in the form carefully and completely, rather than understating them for fear of a higher price. Incomplete details often only lead to additional costs later.
Before booking, pay particular attention to these four points:
- Does it say clearly whether it is a fixed price, a cost estimate or a non-binding estimate?
- Are all services listed, such as dismantling and assembly, packing, boxes, no-parking zone and disposal?
- Are there rules on surcharges for waiting time, long carrying distances, weekends or extra furniture?
- Do you have the quote in writing, and have all changes also been confirmed in writing?
Comparing quotes: look beyond the final price
The cheapest quote is not always the best value. A low price can make sense if the scope of services is identical. If important items are missing, however, a seemingly cheap quote can later turn into an expensive move.
So compare services and conditions side by side: how many movers are coming? How long is the job planned to take? Are furniture assembly and insurance already included? What assumptions apply to floors and walking distances? A transparent quote answers these questions before the move, not only when you pay.
With Umzigo, a single free and non-binding request lets you receive several individual quotes from moving companies in your area. That saves separate requests and makes differences in price and scope of services visible straight away. The booking is then made directly between you and the company you choose.
Frequently asked questions about changed moving prices
Do I have to pay a higher bill after the move?
That depends on what was agreed and what caused the increase. With a fixed price for the scope actually agreed, surcharges added afterwards without an extra service or a comprehensible reason are not automatically owed. Check the bill carefully and ask for a breakdown if anything is unclear.
Can a moving company raise the price because its costs have gone up?
Generally higher operating, staff or fuel costs do not automatically entitle a company to raise the price afterwards on a contract that has already been concluded. It can be different if an effective price adjustment clause was agreed or the contract has not yet become binding.
What if I gave wrong details myself?
Then additional costs can be justified, insofar as the deviation actually causes extra work. Honesty is therefore the cheapest strategy: mention inconvenient details such as narrow staircases, heavy furniture or missing lifts straight away. That way you receive quotes that fit your move – and start moving day with a much better feeling.