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A Moving Performance: Hiring Movers vs. Renting a Truck [Infographic]

GuestBlogger | March 4, 2015 @ 11:04 AM

Relocating is a gentle balance of cost, comfort, and efficiency. One of the hardest choices is figuring out whether to hire professional movers or rent a truck and do it yourself.

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Costs with Movers

Moving companies operate in crews of 3 or 4, charging $25 to $35 per hour per crewmember. Local Moves (less than 2 hours of driving time)
  • Studio or one-bedroom home - $200 to $300
  • Two- to three-bedroom home - $300 to $400
  • Four- to six-bedroom home - $400 to $600
Long Distance Moves (coast to coast)
  • Studio or one-bedroom - $2,700 to $3,500
  • Two- to three-bedroom home - $3,500 to $5,500
  • Three- to four-bedroom home - $5,500 to $8,000
    • Minimums, which usually total two hours’ work
    • Taxes and insurance fees
    • Additional charges for specialists (disassembly of items, disconnecting gas/water mains, etc.)
    • Charges for heavier items (pianos, lawnmowers, etc.)
    • You have more time to focus on other aspects of your move.
    • You don’t have to worry about carrying heavy objects, preventing potential injury to yourself and damage to your goods.
    • Movers are experienced. They know how to: <ul
    • Wrap furniture for optimal protection
    • Efficiently position your belongings in the truck to maximize space and prevent damage
    • Protect floors and walls from damage during the move
    • Safely operate and maneuver a large moving truck
  • Note that these costs don’t reflect: ---

    Why Hire Movers?

---

Cost to DIY

Renting your own truck can save up to half of the cost, but remember you would have to:
  • Load and unload the truck yourself
  • Potentially deal with heavy appliances
  • Factor in the cost of:
    • Gas
    • Additional insurance (if your policy doesn’t provide coverage)
    • Food and lodging (for longer trips)
    • Packing supplies
Moving yourself saves money, but you’re still spending time.

Why DIY?

  • You pay less.
  • You have more flexibility in your schedule.
    • You don’t have to worry about the moving company’s flexibility.
    • If your plans go awry, you don’t have to worry about rescheduling or paying cancellation fees.
  • You have greater control over:
    • How your possessions are handled
    • How your belongings are packed
    • When the move takes place
    ---

    The Middle Ground: Self-Service Moves

    With self-service moves (also known as “you pack, we drive”), you are responsible for loading your belongings into a truck, trailer, or pod. The moving company then transports your possessions to your destination. This costs more than a complete DIY, but comes with the service and expertise of a professional moving company. --- An Example: From Atlanta, Georgia, to Modesto, California For a 3-bedroom home:
    • Full-service move = $3,600 to $4,400
    • Self-service move = $670 to $818
    • DIY = $36 to $44 per day + fuel
    --- Resources: • http://www.costowl.com/home-improvement/other-moving-services-cost.html • http://www.moving.com/articles/hidden-moving-costs.asp • http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/learn-how-to-estimate-moving-costs/ • http://www.movers.com/moving-guides/diy-move-vs-professional-movers.html • http://blog.upack.com/posts/how-long-does-it-take-to-pack • http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/how-to-determine-the-time-your-move-will-take/ • https://www.mint.com/blog/housing/10-ways-to-lower-the-cost-of-moving-1013/ --- Brought to you by Storage Front| storagefront.com
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