To book an in person moving estimate in Green Bay, call a licensed local moving company and request a free in-home walkthrough. A trained estimator will visit your home, assess your furniture and belongings, evaluate access points like stairs and doorways, and provide a written quote tailored to your specific move.
This face-to-face approach is the most accurate way to get a realistic moving price. According to a 2023 survey by the American Moving and Storage Association, 83% of customers who received an in-home estimate reported greater satisfaction with pricing accuracy, compared to just 42% of those who relied on online tools. If you are planning a move in Green Bay, De Pere, Allouez, Ashwaubenon, or Howard, here is everything you need to know about booking and preparing for an in-person moving estimate.
Key Takeaways
- An in-person moving estimate gives you the most accurate quote because a trained estimator evaluates your home, furniture, and access points firsthand
- Most in-home estimates take 30 to 60 minutes, are completely free, and should be scheduled at least four weeks before your move
- Preparing your home, asking the right questions, and comparing at least three written estimates helps you avoid surprise charges and choose the best local mover
What Is an In-Person Moving Estimate and Why Does It Matter?
How an In-Home Estimate Differs from Online or Phone Quotes
An in-person moving estimate is a scheduled visit where a professional estimator comes to your home, walks through every room, and creates a detailed inventory of what needs to be moved. Unlike phone or online quotes that rely on averages and self-reported information, an in-home estimate captures the full picture of your move, including specialty items, tight hallways, and heavy furniture that could affect the final price.
This matters because 78% of people who moved in 2024 experienced unexpected costs, and 38% said their total bill was higher than expected. Many of those surprises come from inaccurate estimates that failed to account for the real scope of a move. An in-person estimate reduces that risk by allowing the estimator to see everything firsthand, from your basement storage to your third-floor bedrooms.
Why Green Bay Movers Recommend Face-to-Face Estimates
Local Green Bay movers prefer in-person estimates because every home in the area presents unique challenges. A ranch-style home in De Pere has different logistics than a second-floor apartment in downtown Green Bay. When your estimator can physically see the layout, they can plan for things like narrow stairwells, long driveways, or parking restrictions that would never show up in an online form. Knowing when to call professional movers in Green Bay and requesting a face-to-face estimate is the best first step toward a stress-free move.
How Do You Book a Free Moving Estimate in Green Bay?
Step-by-Step Booking Process
Booking a free in-person moving estimate in Green Bay is straightforward. Start by researching local moving companies with strong reviews and valid licensing. Then reach out by phone or through the company’s website to request an in-home walkthrough. Most reputable movers will schedule an appointment at a time that works for you, including evenings and weekends.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires movers to provide written estimates based on a physical survey of your household goods. You can waive this requirement in writing, but doing so is not recommended. An in-person survey protects your rights as a consumer and ensures your estimate reflects reality, not guesswork.
When to Schedule Your Estimate
Timing matters. According to Updater’s moving guide, booking your in-home estimate at least four weeks before your planned moving date gives you the best selection of dates and movers. If you are moving during peak season (May through September), scheduling even earlier helps you lock in availability and potentially better rates. Plan to get estimates from at least three local companies so you can compare pricing, services, and professionalism.
How Should You Prepare Your Home Before the Estimator Arrives?
Declutter and Decide What You Are Moving
Before the estimator arrives, walk through your home and decide what stays and what goes. Label furniture or boxes you do not plan to move with colored sticky notes so the estimator knows to exclude them. If you are unsure about certain items, include them in the estimate. It is always better to overestimate than to add surprise items on moving day. Use your complete moving checklists to stay organized during this process.
Make Every Room Accessible
Open up closets, the garage, attic, basement, and any storage areas so the estimator can see everything. Clear walkways so they can easily move through your home. The more thorough and honest you are about what needs to be moved, the more accurate your quote will be. Point out any specialty items like pianos, gun safes, antiques, or large appliances. You might be surprised by the things you didn’t know movers can handle, so do not hesitate to ask.
What Do Movers Look for During an In-Home Estimate?
Furniture, Specialty Items, and Access Points
During a home moving estimate in Green Bay, the estimator will catalog every item being moved, including furniture, appliances, boxes, and fragile belongings. They will also assess logistics that affect pricing and planning, such as:
- The number of rooms and overall volume of household goods
- Stairways, narrow hallways, tight doorways, and elevator access
- Heavy or oversized items that may require special equipment
- Parking access for the moving truck at both pickup and delivery locations
- Distance from the front door to where the truck can park (known as a long carry)
These details allow the moving company to determine how many crew members are needed, what truck size is appropriate, and how long the move is likely to take.
How Long Does an In-Person Estimate Take?
A typical in-person moving estimate takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your home and how many belongings you have. A one-bedroom apartment may take closer to 20 minutes, while a four-bedroom house with a full basement and garage could take up to an hour. The estimator should answer your questions on the spot and either provide your written estimate immediately or email it within one to two business days.
What Questions Should You Ask During a Moving Estimate?
The estimate visit is your opportunity to interview the moving company as much as they are evaluating your home. Asking the right questions helps you avoid hidden fees and moving scams that the FMCSA warns about. Here are key questions to ask during your local moving estimate in Green Bay:
- Is this a binding or non-binding estimate? A binding estimate locks in your price. A non-binding estimate is an approximation, and the final cost could change based on actual weight and services.
- Are there additional fees for stairs, long carries, or heavy items? Extra charges for challenging access points should be disclosed upfront, not added on moving day.
- What insurance or valuation coverage is included? Basic coverage is often just $0.60 per pound per item, which may not cover the full value of your belongings.
- Are your movers employees or subcontractors? Employee movers are typically better trained and more accountable.
- What is your USDOT or state registration number? Legitimate movers will share their credentials without hesitation. You can verify them on the FMCSA website.
- Do you offer packing services, and what is included in the quote? Clarify what is covered so you can make an accurate comparison across companies.
How to Compare Moving Estimates the Right Way
Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates
When comparing moving estimates, understand the type of quote you are receiving. A binding estimate guarantees the total cost as long as the scope of the move does not change. A non-binding estimate is the mover’s best approximation, and the final bill may differ. According to the FMCSA’s regulations on estimating charges, a moving company cannot require you to pay more than 110% of a non-binding estimate at the time of delivery. A third option, the binding-not-to-exceed estimate, caps your charges at the quoted amount but allows you to pay less if the actual weight comes in lower, as explained by Angi’s comparison guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Mover
One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing a mover based solely on the lowest price. A suspiciously low estimate can be a sign of hidden fees or an inexperienced company that underestimates the job. According to Move.org’s research on red flags, warning signs include refusing to do an in-home estimate, requiring a large cash deposit, and providing vague or missing paperwork.
Other common mistakes include not getting estimates in writing, failing to compare at least three companies, and forgetting to ask about additional fees for stairs or specialty items. Take the time to review each estimate line by line. When you compare quotes on equal terms, you can make a confident decision and avoid unpleasant surprises on moving day. For more help getting organized, check out our moving day prep checklist.
Ready to Schedule Your Free In-Person Estimate?
Booking an in-person moving estimate in Green Bay is the smartest first step toward a smooth, stress-free move. A face-to-face walkthrough gives you an accurate price, helps you plan for every detail, and builds trust with the team that will be handling your belongings.
Whether you are moving across town in Ashwaubenon or relocating from De Pere to Howard, Green Bay Moving Co. is here to help. Our crew provides free, no-obligation in-home estimates so you can budget with confidence and move with peace of mind. Contact Green Bay Moving Co. for a free estimate today, or call us to schedule a time that works for you. Let’s make your next move a smooth one.
