Moving costs: what determines the price?

Volume, not number of rooms

The first factor is how much there is to move: it sets the truck size or number of trips, the crew size and the time. The number of rooms is only a rough guide — a bedroom with a bed and small wardrobe isn’t the same as one with a full set and a six-door wardrobe. Large majlis sets, heavy carpets, bookcases and gym equipment all add volume.

The more accurately you describe the furniture, the closer the offer will be to reality. Some companies ask for photos or a visit for large homes, which makes the offer more accurate.

Floor and lift at both homes

Carrying furniture up four flights of stairs needs more crew and more time than using a lift, and a lift too small for the sofa still means dismantling or the stairs. That applies to both homes, old and new — which is why the request asks for the floor and lift at both ends.

If the stairs are narrow or the furniture is large and can’t be dismantled, a crane may be needed. That’s an extra cost, but it sometimes saves time and protects the furniture.

Distance: within the city or between cities

Within a city, the distance between districts affects time, especially in large cities like Riyadh and Jeddah where the drive can be long in traffic. Between cities, distance is a major factor: fuel, driver time and days on the road. Read about moving between cities.

Between cities, the truck type changes the cost a lot: a truck dedicated to your move usually costs more than one shared with other moves, but it’s faster and its timing is clearer.

What’s included

An offer that only covers carrying is different from one that covers everything. The services that change the cost most:

• Dismantling and reassembly: bedrooms, wardrobes and desks.
• Packing: full or furniture and glass only, and who supplies boxes and materials.
• Kitchen and AC units: removal and installation, with any plumbing and refrigerant work.
• A crane, if the home needs one.
• Temporary storage, if there’s a gap between homes.
• Cleaning after moving out, if you ask for it.

Every service you choose to do yourself — packing small items, for example — lowers the cost.

Timing

Demand for movers isn’t constant through the year. Month ends when leases expire, the weeks before the school year, after Eid, and weekends are all busier. At those times fewer dates are free and offers may differ.

If your date is flexible, say so in the request — flexibility can get you a better offer or a better date. In summer work pauses at midday, so large homes may need two days instead of one. Read the guide to moving in summer.

Access to the home

Can the truck stop at the door, or a hundred metres away? Is the street too narrow for a large truck, so the company needs a smaller vehicle and extra trips? Is the building in a compound that needs a permit and set times? Each of these changes the time and effort, and so the cost. Mention them in the request or when the company contacts you.

Goods-in-transit cover

Some companies accept limited responsibility for damage within their offer; others offer extra goods-in-transit cover at an added cost, especially for intercity moves or valuable pieces. Ask each company what its offer includes here — two offers at the same price can differ a lot in what happens if something is damaged.

The type of move

Moving one room or a few pieces is completely different from moving a whole home. Small moves may need a small vehicle and two crew, and many companies have offers to suit them. Villas usually need more than one truck, a larger crew and a day or more, plus annexes, yards and majlis areas. Office moves have their own needs, such as weekend work and moving IT and files in order. That’s why the request starts by asking the type of move. Read the villa move preparation guide and the office moving guide.

How to lower the cost

• Clear out what you don’t need before the move — every piece less saves volume and time.
• Pack small items yourself and leave furniture and glass to the crew.
• Choose a date away from month end and the peak seasons if you can.
• Book lifts in advance and prepare access to the home so the crew’s time isn’t wasted.
• Gather boxes in one room near the door before the crew arrives.
• Describe the move accurately so there are no “surprises” on the day that add to the price.

How to compare offers fairly

Offers are only comparable if they’re based on the same description and clearly state what’s included. That’s why SaudiMoving sends every company the same information. When the offers arrive, put them side by side and compare what each includes: dismantling, packing, AC units, crane, crew size and cover. Then ask about any big difference before you decide. Read how to choose a moving company.

Remember that SaudiMoving isn’t a moving company and doesn’t set prices: the companies set prices in their offers, and the agreement is between you and the company you choose.