The Moving Decision -- Self
Move or Professional Movers
A big decision about moving is how to get it done! Here are
cost factors to consider:
Self Move:
Professional Movers:
Costs of travel such as gas, tolls, meals, lodging,
etc.
The greater the combined weight of your belongings,
the greater your cost.
The expense of renting a truck large enough to handle
your belongings.
The distance you are moving in miles to your new home.
The cost and risk of insuring valuable possessions.
There is a $25,000 limit to cargo insurance for self-movers,
and only damage caused by such disasters as crashes or
fires are covered.
The time of year you decide to move. Peak times (summer
or holidays), usually mean more money.
The planning and reliability of getting extra help and
manpower on moving day at both locations.
Full or self-service? Full-service moves mean that the
movers not only transport everything, but also will pack
and unpack for you - which costs more money. With self-service,
you do the packing and unpacking.
The personal toll, stress and hassle.
Possible additional costs that may be added for things
such as disconnecting and re-connecting major appliances,
the number of staircases to climb and moving pianos.
If You Decide To Use a Professional Moving Company:
Ask your family and friends for recommendations.
If you are deciding between moving companies, you may
want to contact the Better Business Bureau and inquire about
their on-time record and other complaints.
Get a binding estimate from the moving company and make
sure it is written in the contract.
Be sure that all charges are listed on the contract, including
expected gratuities, and how many hours the job will take.
Document your own inventory of your belongings before
you pack.
Moving Tips & Tidbits:
Stock up on boxes, packing tape, newspaper, labels, bubble
wrap, marking pens, tape and scissors.
Tape screws to the objects from which they are removed.
Use strong boxes and avoid loading more than 50 pounds
in one box.
Save room by using towels or blankets to wrap fragile
items,
Label each box according to the room it goes into; indicate
if a box contains fragile contents, also if it should be
loaded last (so it will be unloaded first from the moving
truck).
Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving, and then
leave them in wrappings for the move.
If moving plants: prune them, place them in cardboard
containers holding them in place with damp newspapers and
wet paper towels on top of them to keep them moist. Label
the boxes "Do Not Load" so they aren't taken in
the moving van.
