In brief
You’ll have a written estimate you can plan around, with the truck size, expected time on site, and the access and parking plan spelled out so the price doesn’t jump when the truck arrives.
I’ll do an in-home move walkthrough so stairs, tight turns, doorways, and street parking are priced in up front. You’ll get a written estimate that matches the access and the load on move day. If you want to go ahead, the next step is picking a walkthrough time.
I price moves by looking at the same bottlenecks that create “extra hour” surprises: carry distance, stairs and landings, doorway widths, elevator rules, and where the truck can legally stop. During the walkthrough I count what’s moving, measure the tight spots, and write down every assumption the estimate depends on.
What happens on the day
I walk the route your things will take, then I price the job from the physical constraints, not guesses.
1. Walkthrough and count Day 1 Walk through each room and note every large item and the packed box count you expect. Flag anything that won’t break down, anything that needs two-person handling, and anything you’re unsure about keeping. 2. Access measurements Day 1 Measure stair width, landing depth, tight turns, and key doorways. Check building entry points, intercom access, and elevator size and booking rules where an elevator is in play. 3. Truck and time plan Within 2 days Calculate load volume for truck size, then estimate time on site based on floors, stairs, carry distance, and the number of trips. Write down the assumptions that affect time, like packed boxes ready at pickup. 4. Parking and loading plan Within 2 days Map where the truck can stop, where loading happens, and what needs to be reserved. List what I need from you for move day access, like elevator bookings, move-in windows, or building move rules. 5. Written estimate Within 2 days Send a written estimate that states the pricing structure, what’s included, and what would change the price. Call out any special-item handling and any constraints that may add time if they change before move day.
In-home move walkthrough visit
One on-site walkthrough for a 1 to 3 bedroom home, covering the move-out path, the move-in path if available, and the building access points I’ll use on move day.
ITEM INVENTORY AND VOLUME TOTAL
A written item list and volume calculation used to select truck size. Large furniture, appliances, and a box count assumption are stated in the estimate so changes are easy to track.
STAIRS, DOORS, AND LANDINGS NOTES
Measurements and constraints for stairwells, iron stairs, tight turns, and key doorways. Any item that may require different handling due to clearance gets called out by name.
Truck size recommendation
A specific truck size recommendation based on the volume calculation and access limits. If access or parking restricts truck length, that limit is noted in the written estimate.
PARKING AND LOADING PLAN
A written plan for where the truck stops, where loading happens, and what needs reserving or booking. Notes include elevator booking requirements and any move windows the building enforces.
WRITTEN ESTIMATE WITH ASSUMPTIONS
A written estimate stating how pricing is calculated, what’s included, and the assumptions it depends on, such as boxes packed and ready, appliance disconnects, and access being kept clear.
Pricing
This price covers the full in-home move walkthrough and the written estimate I send within 2 days of the visit.
Priced items
Optional extras
If you want more certainty around one tricky item, add this to the visit.
Priced items
Get started
If you want this priced with the stairs and parking accounted for, sign below and I’ll book your in-home move walkthrough.
1. Sign and send this proposal to confirm the booking. 2. Pay the 25% booking deposit so I can lock in the walkthrough time. 3. Share your address details and any building move rules so I arrive prepared.
Signature
Fee summary
Booking and payment
To book the in-home move walkthrough, 25% is due when you sign. The remaining 75% is due when the job is finished. Invoices are payable within 14 days of their date.
What counts as finished. The job is finished when I have completed the in-home visit and sent your written estimate with assumptions within 2 days of the visit.
What I need from you. Before the visit, send the move addresses, preferred dates, and any building rules you already have. If there’s an elevator, confirm booking steps and time windows.
Access on the day. Please make sure I can see every room, storage area, and large item you want priced. If a room, locker, or basement isn’t accessible, I’ll exclude it from the estimate assumptions.
Hourly vs flat rate
The estimate I provide will state whether the move is priced hourly or as a flat rate, and it will list what’s included. I won’t leave that decision for move day.
Changes after the estimate. If you add or remove furniture after the estimate, I’ll update the inventory and adjust truck size and time-on-site. I’ll confirm the price change in writing before you book the move.
Parking and permits. I’ll write a parking and loading plan based on the street and building access we discuss. You handle permit applications and fees unless we agree in writing that I’m filing them for you.
Rescheduling. If you need to move the walkthrough time, tell me as soon as you can so I can offer the slot to someone else. If I can’t fit a new time, I’ll refund any amount paid minus any work already completed.
