If you're on your own and moving a small truckload across town, it might be and easy decision to grab a couple of friends, find and truck, and move yourself.  Or maybe you're a five-person household in a four-bedroom home.  If your company is transferring you to another city and paying for the move, its probably just as easy a decision to let the professionals handle it.  But what if your move falls somewhere in between?  How do you decide whether you should hire a professional moving company or do it yourself? 

Advantages of doing it yourself

• You spend less money if you pack and load yourself.
• You spend less by borrowing or renting a truck that you drive yourself.
• Packing and moving yourself gives you more control.  Because you're responsible, you always know whats happening at every stage of the move.
• Self-storage can be more affordable and flexible.  Plus, you can access your belongings anytime.

Advantages of hiring a professional

• It might be worth the money to hire professionals who do this for a living.  You'll spare yourself anxiety, not to mention your back!
• Moving companies have fleets of well-maintained trucks designed for moving, with suspension systems that are easier on your fragile belongings.  And the drivers are pros.
• You can spare your family (and friends) many of the stresses of moving.  The pros do this all day, every day.  They know how to pack, lift, move, stack, and store.
• Professional storage facilities are typically much more secure and temperature-controlled.

Doing it yourself - what to consider

• Check the amounts and costs of packing supplies you'll need.
• Look at what you'll need to move, especially large, awkward, and heavy items such as refrigerators, furniture, and pianos.  Determine whether you and your moving crew (family and friends) are willing and able to move them.
• Start looking around.  Do you have volunteers with the brawn, reliability, know-how, and will to help you move?
• Figure the costs of the truck and the other moving equipment that you will need.
• Check with your insurance agent about coverage options for a move.  Your homeowners insurance doesn't cover belongings while in transit.  But you might be able to buy a rider that provides such coverage.
• Check your auto insurance for coverage if the truck you will be renting or borrowing.  While your insurance might cover the rented passenger vehicles, it probably wont cover rented commercial trucks.
• Decide whether you feel comfortable driving a rental truck or towing a trailer or car.  Can you back up without jack-knifing?  If you lack confidence find a friend who can help.
• If you're considering self-storage, visit various facilities.  Check into sizes, prices, availability, security, and temperature control.

Hiring a mover - what to consider

• If you have a huge amount of belongings, a large family, valuable antiques or multiples vehicles, you might really require the expertise.
• If your time is at a higher premium than money then hire the job out.  Packing and moving yourself can be significantly time-consuming.
• If you have back problems, consider whether you want to do a great amount of heavy lifting and moving.  Even if you don't have back problems, one careless lift could cost you in medical and physical therapy bills.
• Obtain several estimates.  Examine them closely to learn of any extra charges, such as for supplies, labor, overtime, pianos, vehicles, mileage or storage.
• Learn the cost and coverage of the different levels of insurance provided by the moving company.
• If you'll need storage, visit the company's storage facilities and get cost estimates.  Be aware that because your belongings are stacked in containers, you won't be able to access your belongings.

Whether you choose to move yourself, hire professionals or combine the two, the more planning and research you do ahead of time, the smoother and more cost-effective your move will be.

The Moore Team

480-545-1043

www.tonymoore.com