By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman
All Moving Companies are The Same
The first mistake that many people planning a move can make is that all moving companies are interchangeable. One group of guys wielding boxes and transport dollies is the same as any other, right? In fact, moving companies vary wildly in price, services, and procedure. Each moving company you consider should be evaluated for the moving experience they can offer you and the value you're getting for that service. The right moving company may vary depending on how far you are moving, how much you need to move, how delicate your furniture is, and so on. Be sure to do your research before choosing.
You'll Have to Ride in the Truck
Anyone who thinks that movers expect you to ride in the truck has probably picked up this idea from television or movies. Riding with movers is a quirky interaction for characters moving in a plot, but professional movers actually expect you to have your own method of transportation to your new residence. Expect to take your own vehicle along with any items you want available immediately upon arrival like an overnight bag, food, and pets.
Your Possessions Will Be Damaged by the Movers
People who worry about their possessions are also likely to worry that their movers will cause damage. However, in most cases, this is the exact opposite of the truth. Professional movers are more experienced and more likely to show the appropriate care for your items than you are. They have packed and moved thousands of boxes and hundreds of pieces of furniture and know all the tricks to do it right. Sliders and padding prevent damage to your furniture while proper technique for stacking boxes in the truck ensure that your objects are more likely to get there safe than if you did the work yourself. And if you're really worried, make sure and talk with your movers regarding valuation and levels of coverages that can be provided.
Organization and Labels Don't Matter
No matter how you move, don't make the mistake of not labeling your boxes. Professional movers will always pack and label each box carefully by room, content, and purpose and you should do the same if you are packing yourself. This will ensure that boxes are loaded in a logical order into the truck and that you will be able to find everything you need upon arrival. There's nothing more frustrating than getting to a new location and having to open every single box to find the bedding or cookware you need on that first night.
It's Always Cheaper to Move Yourself
In our DIY culture, it can be very tempting to move yourself and the reason given is almost always the expense. It's true that truck rental is cheaper than a comprehensive moving service, but most people who do this calculation are not looking at the big picture. A moving company includes boxes and packing material, fuel for the truck, moving insurance, and an entire team of people to speed up the loading and unloading process. On your own, the boxes, fuel, and travel logistics are additional costs to the rental truck. Not to mention the pizzas and gifts for friends who help you pack or unpack. These expenses can stack up and should be considered together when compared to professional movers.
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