e-Mudanzas.net :: Home Page

Moving Companies Introduction

The alternative to hiring a professional moving is handling the move on your own. Although working with an experienced moving company may help ease the burdens of relocation, perhaps you don't want to deal with the contracts and schedules, the game of phone-tag, or the costs.

Depending on how many items you need to pack and move, it may be more cost-effective to do the move yourself.

A small move consisting of 12 boxes and no large furniture may require only a mini-van or a small rental truck and can be accomplished in a matter of hours with a few people. In these cases, it would be needless to hire a moving company and pay the workers by the hour.

The most successful moves are the ones that are manageable within your time schedule and your manpower, in terms of the distance you'll need to drive and the items you'll need to move.

If the move is considerably larger and the process takes longer to complete than anticipated, especially in long-distance moves, consider the trade-off of missing work and a sizable portion of your paycheck. Add to this the extra expenses of a self-move, such as fuel, food, lodging, and tolls. How much money will you really be saving?

Factors to Consider

In theory, a self-move may be easier and more economical, however, in practice, this is not always the case. Before deciding whether to handle your own move, here are some factors to consider:

Do you have time to do the entire job?
Packing, loading/unloading, & driving can be very time-consuming. Relocation is a process that cannot be left incomplete with hope of finishing at a later time.

How many items do you need to move?
Larger residential self-moves are more difficult. There may be heavy furniture and appliances that need to be packed and loaded.

Are you physically capable of loading/unloading on both ends of the move?
Assess your situation. Never take on a role too big or over-exert yourself under any circumstances. Cross-country driving is very tedious.

Will you have family & friends whom are willing to help?
Always have people help you through the relocation process. Remember that safety is the primary concern. Anyone handling heavy furniture is susceptible to injuries, even professional movers. However, moving companies have liability insurance for their employees in case of injury. Obtaining extra insurance for your self-move would be more costly.
Keep in mind that the availability of your family & friends depend on the timing of your move. You may have to consider hiring labor on both ends of your move.

How much is your shipment worth?
Extra coverage may be necessary for your items because the coverage provided by the rental truck company will only protect your items if the damages are caused by vehicular malfunctions, not load shifting or driver-caused accidents. However, insurance companies charge a lot less when you use a professional moving company. Much more damage is expected to occur during a self-move. You're solely responsible for any damages to your items.

Are you licensed to drive a big truck?
You may need a special permit to drive one. Rental trucks handle differently from your average car. They are top-heavy and the braking distances are longer.

Will you be making arrangements for your spouse, children, and pets?

There may not be enough space in the truck for your family and your pets. You'll have to make provisions for them to follow in a separate car or to reserve flight seats. If you are making a long-distance move, factor in the costs of food and lodging.

Pros & Cons

Should you move yourself or hire a professional moving company?

Perhaps the biggest decision that you have to make during your relocation process is whether you'll hire a moving company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a professional moving company

PROS:

Hiring a moving company can be time-saving for you. You may not have the time to load/unload your shipment and drive the distance.

You avoid over-exerting yourself. The movers will complete the loading/unloading of your heavy boxes and furniture. It is also much more convenient to have a licensed truck driver cover the long distances.

Your chances for a damage-free move are much greater when professional movers do the packing. They're experienced in handling your furniture and fragile items and they use only the best boxes and packing supplies. In the event of damages to your items, the movers will be liable.

CONS:

You may not feel comfortable placing your items in the hands of strangers.

You have to devote some time to research prospective moving companies.

You have to manage schedules and keep in close contact with your movers.

Moving yourself

PROS:

You have greater control of every aspect of your move.

You have more flexibility with the timing of your move.

You may save money if the size of your move is manageable.

CONS:

Inexperience. If you have never done a self-move, it will be difficult to conduct a long-distance move your first time out. In addition, you may not be familiar with driving a large rental truck.

You are solely responsible for any damages to your items. Injuries and damages become more susceptible when you and your helpers personally handle your heavy boxes and furniture.

You may miss more time off work than you anticipated.

Options to consider

In theory, a self-move may be easier and more economical, however, in practice, this is not always the case. Before deciding whether to handle your own move, here are some factors to consider:

Pickup & Delivery Services (PUD)

An alternative to a self-move is a pickup & delivery service. Moving companies that offer this service drop off an adequate-sized trailer at your home. You will have at least two days to load all of your items at your convenience. You will still need the help of several family members and friends or hired labor for your large furniture and boxes. You should have everything packed before the trailer is dropped off. You can control the cost of your move because you only pay for the space in the trailer that you use.

Once you've finished loading, you call the office to schedule the pickup. The trailer is transported by a professional driver to your destination.

You still maintain the majority of responsibilities as you would in a self-move, however this service saves you the troubles of driving an unfamiliar vehicle as well as the difficulties of the tedious long distance drives.

Unlike a rental truck, expenses such as toll fees, gas, flat tires, and engine blowouts are covered by the moving company.

Hiring labor

If you have large furniture and appliances that need to be loaded and you cannot secure the services of enough friends or family members, you should consider contacting a local moving company and hire workers by the hour. They will save you from having to lift heavy items. A big advantage is because they are professional movers they will know how to maximize the space in the trailer. You can save money because you only pay for the space in the trailer that you use.

If you require additional help at your new home, contact a local moving company in that area and reserve workers to be present when your shipment is delivered.