Moving estimate template
A moving estimate should include the inventory or home size, crew size and truck, hourly rate or flat price, travel time, packing materials, stairs or long carry fees, valuation coverage, exclusions, the deposit and the date it expires.
What goes into a moving estimate
A moving estimate is only as good as the inventory behind it. A one-bedroom apartment with a piano and a third-floor walk-up is a different job than one with an elevator. Walk the home or do a video call, list the big items, and note stairs, elevators and how far the truck can park.
The example quotes a local move of a 2 bedroom apartment with three movers and one truck, packing materials and a stair fee. It asks a deposit to hold the date and is valid for 14 days, since moving dates book up fast. This template is for local moves; interstate moves have their own federal paperwork.
Not included in this estimate
- Hazardous items such as propane, paint and cleaning chemicals
- Plants, pets and valuables like jewelry, cash and documents
- Hoisting furniture through windows
- Disconnecting gas appliances or mounting TVs
Steady Hands Moving
book.steadyhands@example.com · (555) 010-4590
Estimate
EST-1024
Prepared for
Kevin Marsh
Valid until
November 3, 2026
Estimate total
$1,285.00
| Description | Qty | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 3 movers and 26 ft truck, per hour (estimated 5 hours) | 5 | $825.00 |
| Travel time to and from, flat | 1 | $120.00 |
| Packing materials: boxes, tape, wardrobe boxes | 1 | $145.00 |
| Mattress bags and furniture wrapping | 1 | $40.00 |
| Stair fee, third floor walk-up | 1 | $75.00 |
| Disassemble and reassemble bed frame | 2 | $80.00 |
- Total
- $1,285.00
- Deposit to start
- $150.00
Estimate valid for 14 days. Final price is based on actual hours, billed in 15 minute increments after a 3 hour minimum. The deposit holds your date and is applied to the bill.
Fill in this moving estimate online
The lines are already in. Change them to your own job, then download a free PDF. Nothing you type leaves this browser.
Your business
Estimate
EST-0001
Prepared for
Client name
Valid until
November 20, 2026
Estimate total
$1,285.00
| Description | Qty | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 3 movers and 26 ft truck, per hour (estimated 5 hours) | 5 | $825.00 |
| Travel time to and from, flat | 1 | $120.00 |
| Packing materials: boxes, tape, wardrobe boxes | 1 | $145.00 |
| Mattress bags and furniture wrapping | 1 | $40.00 |
| Stair fee, third floor walk-up | 1 | $75.00 |
| Disassemble and reassemble bed frame | 2 | $80.00 |
- Total
- $1,285.00
- Deposit to start
- $150.00
Estimate valid for 14 days. Final price is based on actual hours, billed in 15 minute increments after a 3 hour minimum. The deposit holds your date and is applied to the bill.
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How to fill in a moving estimate template
- 1
Open the template
Fill in the moving estimate template on this page, or download it for Word or PDF.
- 2
Add your business and client
Enter your business name, contact details and logo, then the client's name and address.
- 3
Set the number and how long it's valid
Give the estimate a number and the date the price is good until, often 14 days.
- 4
List the work
Add each line with quantity and rate, such as 3 movers and 26 ft truck, per hour (estimated 5 hours) and travel time to and from, flat. Add tax, a discount or a deposit if needed.
- 5
Send it for approval
Download the PDF, or send it from Invoicefy so the client can accept it online and you can turn it into an invoice.
How to price a job as a mover
Say whether it's hourly or flat
Hourly estimates should show crew size, the rate, the estimated hours and the minimum. Flat-rate quotes should list the inventory they are based on, so adding a storage unit's worth of boxes is clearly extra.
Price the building, not just the stuff
Stairs, long carries from the truck, elevators that must be reserved and tight parking all add time. Ask about both addresses and put any stair or long carry fee on the estimate.
Explain valuation coverage
Clients often assume movers fully insure their goods. Say in plain language what basic coverage you include and what extra coverage costs, if you offer it.
Hold the date with a deposit
Weekends and month-end dates fill first. A modest deposit on acceptance cuts down on no-shows. Say whether it is refundable if the client cancels with notice.
Settle up on moving day
Clients want the final bill the moment the truck is empty. Invoicefy turns the accepted estimate into an invoice in one click; adjust the hours to actual time, subtract the deposit and text the client the link from your phone.
Questions people ask
For local moves, it depends on what you write. A flat-rate quote is a fixed price for the listed inventory, while an hourly estimate is a best guess. Interstate moves have separate federal rules for estimates, so check them before you quote across state lines.
Base it on the inventory, the crew size, stairs or elevators at both ends and the drive time. Add a buffer for wrapping furniture, and state the hourly rate that applies if the move runs longer.
List packing as its own service and price materials separately. Some clients pack themselves and only want loading, so separate lines let them choose.
Many local movers ask a flat deposit to hold the date rather than a percentage. Keep it reasonable, state the cancellation terms and apply it to the final bill.
Keep going
Send the proposal, then bill it in one click.
Your client accepts the proposal online and you turn it into an invoice without retyping a thing. Free to start.