Anyone who quotes a household move without asking questions is quoting a different move than yours. Cost is built from a specific set of variables, and understanding them lets you compare quotations properly instead of comparing headline numbers. We do not publish fixed prices for that reason — your quotation is prepared after your move details are reviewed.
Volume of goods
The single biggest factor. Volume decides vehicle size, crew size, packing material and how long loading takes. A one-bedroom household and a four-bedroom household are different jobs, not the same job scaled slightly.
Distance and route
Local and intercity moves are priced differently because long-distance transport involves more travel time, heavier packing and a different scheduling structure.
How much packing you want done
Full packing by the crew, partial packing where you handle personal items, or loading only for goods you have packed yourself — each is a different scope of work and a different cost.
Access at both addresses
Access is the factor customers most often forget to mention, and the one most likely to change a quotation.
- Floor level and whether a service lift is available
- Staircase width and the number of flights to carry
- Distance from the parking point to the entrance
- Building restrictions on moving hours
Special handling requirements
Pianos, large glass units, heavy safes, oversized furniture that must be dismantled, and appliances requiring specific preparation all add work and therefore cost.
How to compare quotations honestly
Put the quotations side by side and compare scope first: packing material, loading, unloading, dismantling, reassembly and unpacking. Only once the scope matches does the price comparison mean anything. A quotation that is lower because something was excluded is not actually lower.
Frequently asked questions
A realistic quotation needs the volume of goods, both addresses, access details and the packing scope. Once those are shared, a quotation is prepared for your specific move.
Planning this move yourself?
Star Packers & Movers handles packing, loading, transportation and placement end to end. Quotations are free.
Written by Star Packers & Movers · Last updated 23 March 2026 · Back to blog
