Most of us are not familiar with the moving process,
so when it is time to move there are a lot of uncertainties that can
lead to stress and confusion. It's been said that moving is perhaps
one of the most stressful endeavors you will deal with in your lifetime.
Planning and preparation will lead to a successful and less stressful
move, but first you need to decide how you are going to get to your
final destination. This article should clarify the pros and cons of
using a professional moving company, as compared to moving by yourself.
Hiring Professional Movers
Even if you hire a professional moving company, there is still a
lot to consider. The average moving rates are controlled by the
ICC (Interstate) or a state PUC (Intrastate), so it is wise to compare
the integrity of a company. Where do you start when hiring a professional
moving company? What qualities should you look for? The following
checklist can help:
The more
you plan for the move, the smoother it will go.
Planning
well in advance provides the opportunity to find a good company.
It will also give you time to obtain multiple estimates, which
will tell you how much the move will likely cost.
Ask friends
and family for recommendations. You should ask questions like:
Were the movers on time? Were they professional? Did they have
enough people and the right equipment for the job? Did they damage
anything? If you would like more in depth information, contact
your local Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce for
performance records on movers.
Take an objective
look at your household goods, and decide how much time and energy
you want to put towards your move. Knowing these important facts
will help you get a cost estimate and decide what company is best
for you.
Factors that influence the cost are:
Weight:
In long distance moves, the more weight, the more cost.
Distance:
The number of miles you're traveling between the origin and destination
address. Some carriers only serve certain states.
Time: One
factor is moving during peak times, such as the summer or holidays.
This means that you'll pay more for your move. Local moves, which
are within 100 miles of your destination, are charged by an hourly
rate. Household goods, planning, and efficiency of the moving
company will all factor into the final cost.
When hiring a professional moving company, the final cost factor
is deciding between a "self-service" and a "full-service"
move. In a self-service move, the moving company transports your
belongings from the old house to the new, but you have to pack and
unpack your boxes at both ends. In a full-service move, the moving
company will pack and unpack your boxes, as well as transport all
of your household goods. People who hire professional movers usually
choose full-service. While a self-service move will save you money,
long distance moves with lots of heavy, valuable items are best
left to the professionals.
It may not pay to move some things. Consider the value of a donation
to Goodwill or the Salvation Army against the cost of moving something
near the end of its life expectancy.
Pack, Load and Drive
You can do it all yourself, and if so here are some things you need
to consider:
Do you
have the physical strength?
Do you have
access to moving vehicles?
Will you
have friends and family assist you?
Are they
capable of moving your heavy or precious belongings?
Insurance
- What happens if someone or something gets hurt or damaged?
Are you prepared
to make the long drive to the destination?
Have you
calculated the cost of travel: gas, tolls, meals, lodging, possible
medical expenses, and uninsured damaged goods?
The most important thing you can do is factor in all your costs
(truck rental, insurance, gas, food, tolls, lodging) and then compare
that to estimates from professional moving companies so you can
make an educated decision.
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