Answered by Staff Writer
April 17, 2013It does not look that heavy, but it is.
That is the case with most household items that have to be moved, making the cost of relocation a bit pricey if you are using a professional mover.
Shipment Weight
Anything under 2,000 lbs. is considered a small move. An average one-bedroom apartment containing a bed, dresser, sofa, coffee table, entertainment center, television, dining set, desk and computer weighs approximately 2,110 lbs. To tally the weight of a larger more furnished household, simply add anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 lbs. for each room included in the shipment. For instance, a five-bedroom home could easily weigh up to 15,000 lbs. or more with everything in the shipment, including boxes and miscellaneous materials.
Weighing Shipment
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Household Goods Program, movers must weigh your household items on a certified scale. Before arriving at your residence, the company weighs the truck they will use, calling the heaviness a tare weight.
Once the truck is loaded with all of your household items, the driver will record the gross weight of the vehicle. Finally, the net weight is calculated by subtracting the tare from the gross. You have a right to be present at the weighing of your shipment and should make sure you are there when the driver does so.
Calculating Cost
A weight cost calculator will help you average an approximate cost of your shipment, giving you an idea of how much money it will cost you to move your entire household. If the cost is too steep after adding up the approximate weight of your household, consider downsizing to lessen your load and cut the costs.
To hire a moving company to weigh, load, transport and unpack your household items, visit Movers.com for free convenient quotes. After you are settled in your new space, please take a moment to fill out a moving review so others can learn from your experience, even hiring the same company upon your suggestion.