Still deciding how to move?
You can move via a full-service moving company, a you-pack company, or a truck rental. But which is best for you?
Each type of move has its positives and negatives. Which one is right for you will depend a lot on who you are and what you’re moving.
Here are the pros and cons for each type of move, and when each is best:
Full Service
Positives
- No effort – movers do everything for you
- Fast – moving companies are experts at moving. They’ll get your stuff packed up and into your new home faster than you.
- Relax – if you don’t have to move anything, it’s a lot easier to sit back, see the sights and enjoy your move.
Negatives
- Expensive – full-service moves are by far the priciest option, and cross-country trips can cost well over $10,000.
- No control – if you are worried about all of your stuff making it in one piece, such as that timeless family heirloom, get ready to fret because you won’t be handling the loading or driving.
- Negotiation – there’s a lot that goes into the price for a full service move; you’ll need to take it all into account when choosing to a moving service.
It’s best when: you have a lot of stuff, you can’t carry/load all of your stuff on your own, money isn’t a big issue.
You-Pack Service
Positives
- Cheaper than full service – because you are only hiring the company to drive your stuff, You-Pack services are far cheaper than full-service movers.
- More control – you control the packing and loading of your valuables
- No driving – you avoid driving a moving truck, which can be difficult and dangerous.
Negatives
- Still pricey – while far cheaper than full service, it’s still generally more expensive than renting a moving truck.
- No full control – you still leave the transporting up to a third party.
- Heavy lifting– you pack the moving pod yourself, so get ready to work.
It’s best when: you can pack and load all of your stuff, but you’re moving very far away.
Moving Truck Rental
Positives
- Cheapest – renting a truck doesn’t require any personal service, so it’s generally the cheapest option.
- Total control – you control everything from packing through unpacking.
Negatives
- Heavy lifting – you need to pack and load everything.
- Unfamiliar vehicle – not only do you need to load the truck, you need to drive it, which can be cumbersome and nerve-wracking.
- Cheapest, but not by much – when you taking gas into consideration, renting a truck might only be a little bit cheaper than a You-Pack service.
- Time – between packing, loading, driving and unloading, this is the most time-consuming option.
It’s best when: you can pack and load all of your stuff, and you have a tight budget or you’re moving close by.
If you’ve decided on a service, it’s time to answer the question that many people ask: “Really… how much does it cost to move?” Let us help you find the answer!