What Affects the Cost of a Cape Cod Move

The four things that set the bill

The state's guide Moving Within Massachusetts covers moves that start and end in the state. On cost it is direct: whatever estimate you were given, the final amount is determined by the hourly rate, the amount of packing completed and any other additional services the mover performed. The same guide says hourly moves are assessed a travel-time charge in addition to the time the move itself takes.

That gives you four lines to ask about on every quote: the hourly rate, packing, additional services and travel time. A mover that answers all four clearly is easier to compare than one that gives you a single number.

What to tell every mover so quotes match

A mover can only price what it knows about. Two quotes built from different information will differ for reasons that have nothing to do with the mover. Give each one the same details.

• Which rooms are moving, and what is in the attic, garage, basement and any storage unit.
• Stairs, elevators and how far the truck must park from each door. Ask whether stairs and long carries are charged separately.
• Large or fragile items such as a piano, a safe or antiques. Our guide to moving antiques and heirlooms covers the extra care they need.
• Whether you want packing, and who supplies the boxes and materials.
• Your dates, and how flexible they are.

Why travel time matters on the Cape

Because travel time is billed on hourly moves, ask how each mover counts it: from its yard to your door, between your two addresses, or both. On the Cape, summer traffic at the bridges can change how long a trip takes, so ask how a delay is handled. We cover that in planning a summer move around the Cape Cod bridges.

A federal checklist worth borrowing

Federal rules for interstate household goods moves are not the rules for a move inside Massachusetts, but one of them is a useful habit. Under 49 CFR 375.403, a binding estimate applies only to the services specifically identified in it, and the mover must tell you what any additional services are before performing them. For any move, ask that additional services be described to you before they are done, and get the answer in writing.

What to ask before you accept a quote

1. How do you charge: by the hour, or another way? Put the answer in writing.
2. How is travel time counted, and is it included in a minimum?
3. Is packing charged at the same rate as moving, and are materials extra?
4. What counts as an additional service, such as stairs, a long carry or a shuttle?
5. Will you tell me before you start any additional service?
6. Is this estimate binding or non-binding? Our guide to how moving estimates work in Massachusetts explains the difference.

One Google reviewer, Maureen Gardner (July 18, 2019), wrote of her Harwich to Mashpee move: "fair pricing & great service!"

Getting a quote

See how local moves on Cape Cod work, or read the overview on our moving page. To ask about a move, request a quote or call (508) 400-5788 any time, 24 hours a day.

Common questions