Whether you’re planning to move across the street or across the country, the journey is a balancing act between your finances, time, and effort. There’s no right or wrong way to move, but there is a way that will best fit your unique situation.
There are three ways to move: with a professional moving company, with a container moving company, or all on your own. Let’s find out which method is best for you.
Professional Moving Companies
Professional movers are the most expensive, but least labor-intensive, moving option.
Professional moving companies handle every part of your move. A professional moving company will load your belongings onto a company truck, haul everything to your new destination, and unload your items into your new home.
Many professional movers provide additional services, such as long-distance automobile moving, item storage, junk removal, and relocation services for enormous objects (e.g. pianos) or fragile items (e.g. artwork).
Pros
Convenience: Professional movers can make your move completely hands-free. With no packing, no hauling, and no unpacking, hiring a professional mover is the best method for saving yourself the time and physical effort it takes to complete a move.
Expertise: When you hire a team of professional movers, you’re not just paying for labor but for years of experience. Professional movers have the know-how necessary to carefully pack delicate items, drive safely, and unpack without making a mess of your new home. Also, the professionals know how to handle tricky situations, such as inclement weather, heavy furniture, or fragile artwork.
Cons
Cost: Professional moving fees can be high. Local moves cost an average of $7,500 and long-distance moves cost an average of $9,000.
Commitment: Although there are certain exceptions (such as for inclement weather), most professional moving companies need you to commit to your selected moving date.
Who It’s Best for
People looking for a stress-free move: Moving to a new place is hard enough as it is. A professional moving team could help take some of the extra weight off your shoulders.
People who are short on time: Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent, or a person with other responsibilities, you might not have the time to plan and operate a move. A professional mover can handle most of the work for you, freeing up your schedule for your typical schedule.
Doing it Yourself
The DIY method is the cheapest option but it also takes the most effort. DIY movers do everything on their own: packing, hauling, and unpacking.
That said, while DIY moves are cheap, they’re not free. DIYers save money by not paying for labor, but most will still have to rent a moving van, pay for gas, rent a dolly, and purchase moving accessories (such as cardboard boxes, plastic wrap, wrapping twine, tv coverings, and cushioning foam).
Pros
Cost: DIY moves are the cheapest moving option. When compared to a full-service move, a DIY move of the same distance can be a fraction of the price.
Flexibility: DIY is also the most flexible way to move. If you own all of your own equipment, you can move anytime that suits you.
Cons
Effort and Time: DIY moves are physically demanding and time intensive. You need to pack your belongings, load all of your items onto a rental truck, drive the rental truck to your new destination, unload your items into your new space, and unpack your boxes in your home.
Hazards: For inexperienced DIYers, moving can be dangerous. Some rental companies allow you to rent trucks with 20-foot beds. If you haven’t been professionally trained to drive that large of a vehicle, highway, and city driving can be dangerous in even the best of weather. Additionally, the lifting required to pack and unpack your things can be dangerous. If you slip, drop, or lift incorrectly, you can seriously hurt yourself or someone else.
Who It’s Best for
People on a Budget: For some, saving money is the most important thing. DIY moving is far and away the cheapest way to move.
Container Moving
Container movers require you to pack your belongings, but you don’t have to transport them; this makes a container move a good “middle of the road” option for both price and effort.
Pros
Flexibility: Container moving companies let you take your time during your move; you can tell your company how much time you need to load and unload it.
Balance: Container moving companies represent a comfortable balance between price and effort.
Cons
Labor requirements: Although you get to skip hauling your cargo container, you still have to load and unload it.
Space limitations: Moving containers are often smaller than the moving trucks used by professional movers. Once your container fills up, you’ll need to move anything left over.
Who It’s Best for
Long-distance movers: If you’re moving across the country, the drive from your old house to your new home may take lots more time than packing. To save yourself from a long, potentially hazardous haul, skip it entirely with a container move.
Find Your Perfect Move
Your moving needs are special to you. Whether you prioritize saving your time, effort, or finances, there’s a moving solution out there that will protect what matters the most to you.
If your right-fit solution requires a professional moving company, let us save you the research. At GetMovers.com, we’ve found the best short- and long-distance moving professionals in the country to help you get where you’re going safely. Check out our list of professional movers, below:
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