Moving Quote Compare

Well… it’s that time again. Moving can be an exciting yet frustrating time. There are a million things to do and keep track of. Even if you consider yourself a simple person, you’ll find your hands will still be full. If you live a more complex lifestyle, with a family and numerous possessions, the task can seem insurmountable. The one place most people feel the impact is in their wallet. Even after you’ve put that down payment on the new house or paid the security deposit on your apartment, you know you’re not through spending. In fact, you’ve just started. When moving locally or even a long distance, one of the first things you’ll do when you start is to compare moving quotes.

Moving Quote Compare | Tips

So, what is the cheapest and most reliable way to get from your old home to your new home? Well, there are a number of options and things to consider when comparing quotes. Below are some tips that will help you determine what method will be best for you, your family and your pocketbook.

Moving service vs. truck rental vs. container. When it comes to deciding how you will get to your destination cost is the main factor. Moving services are typically going to be the most expensive but if you have a lot of belongings and fragile items, deferring to the professionals may be worth the expenditure. Conversely, if you have fewer possessions, renting a truck may be the less expensive way to go. When you rent a truck, however, you must incur the cost of gas and insurance. Additionally, you will directly have to deal with anything that may happen on the road. If the truck breaks down, YOU are the one stranded until a service rep can get to you. You are also responsible for the loading and unloading of your stuff. Now, if you’re a seasoned mover, this isn’t a huge issue but if you’ve never done it before you may be overwhelmed by the amount of work involved. Finally, there are moving containers, which are a relatively new option. If you’re downsizing, this is an attractive option, as most container providers will store your belongings for you for a reasonable fee. Additionally, you can do the packing of the containers at your own pace and then have it moved by the professionals at your convenience. For some this is a happy medium between renting a truck and hiring a moving outfit.

Is the cheapest always the best? Not always. When you are comparing quotes be sure to read all the fine print. Look for hidden costs. For instance, if your movers are paid by the hour, they may not be as speedy as workers that are paid per job. Conversely if they are paid by the job they may rush through the process and treat your possessions with less care than you would like. This is where spending the extra dollars for a reliable service will pay off.

Doing it yourself. If you’re moving in-town this is always an option. There won’t be a quote here in the traditional sense but you will have to use up a lot of favors with friends and family. Of course all this is depending on your access to tools and manpower. If you or one of your friends own a truck than this option may make sense for short moves. Typically, in a one or two bedroom apartment move there are only a handful of items that would need to be transported by truck. The rest of your belongings can be boxed up and transported via car over a few round trips. So, if you’re going to give yourself a do-it-yourself quote, be sure to include your fuel costs and perhaps the rental of an appliance dolly. AND, don’t forget to feed the help while their working for you!