How to Choose the Move That Works for You

You’re moving! Congratulations! This is such an exciting time. A new home comes chock-full of new possibilities. You’re likely already dreaming of all the exciting new memories you’ll make in your new home. Until, record scratch, you remember that you have to actually move your stuff into your new home. 

Where do you begin? Are you going to hire someone to handle everything? Are you going to DIY it and pay friends with beer and pizza? This guide will explain each type of move and who it’s best suited for. Take a look to find the style of move that works for you! 

Note: Our team is ready to help with recommendations for each type of company or professional you may need to hire. Please ask us for recommendations, we have a list of trusted professionals we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend! 

The DIY Move

This is the move that involves a good bit of elbow grease, grit, and time spent loading boxes and furniture. It employs friends, family, and your own time and energy. You’ll pack each box and load them into your moving vehicle.

Truck Options: borrow a truck, rent a truck, or use a portable storage container. You’ll drive a rented truck but a portable container will be picked up by the storage company and stored or delivered to your new home. 

Your Cost: This is the lowest cost option. It will cost you money to potentially rent a truck or storage container. You’ll also need to pay for the packing supplies. If you ask friends for help, it’s a great idea to provide water, snacks, and maybe a meal for the crew. 

Don’t Choose This Type of Move: If you have medical conditions that would be aggravated by heavy lifting. 

The Moving Day Move 

This is the next step up from the DIY Move. You’ll pack all your belongings but on moving day, the movers of your choice will come to load the truck then unload it at your destination. This is a great option for those who don’t want to ask for help from friends like in the DIY Move, but will cost considerably less than other options. 

Truck Options: The movers you hire will coordinate and arrive with their own truck. Then they will drive it to the next destination. 

Your Cost: This is a relatively common type of move. You will pay for the movers to load, transport, and unload. The work beyond moving day is done by you, and will only cost for supplies. 

Don’t Choose This Type of Move: If you find yourself overwhelmed by the packing process and cannot stay on task. Since many movers charge by the hour (be sure to speak with your particular company) a disorganized packing job could cost precious hours. 

The Hands Off Move

This move is perfect for those who don’t want to deal with the stress of packing. Movers will come into your home and systematically pack the belongings in boxes, load the trucks, and deliver everything. If you are overwhelmed by the thought of sorting through closets and drawers, this is a great option for you. 

Truck Options: The movers you hire will coordinate and arrive with their own truck. Then they will drive it to the next destination.

Your Cost: This is a much more expensive move than the other options. While it may seem like a good deal more money, it will also save you several hours and lots of headache! 

Don’t Choose This Move: If you want to be in control of the way things are packed. While the professionals will do a good job, they can never understand the personal value of certain items like you will. 

The Concierge Move

This type of move goes beyond being hands-off and is full-service. Hiring a professional organizer or decluttering company is a great way to minimize wasted space on moving day. You will not only clear things to be packed, but help you to make the tough decisions that can become tedious before a move. Professionals will then pack your belongings, load the truck, and deliver them to your destination. You may even be able to pass off the duties and spend packing and moving day elsewhere with this style move. 

Truck Options: : The movers you hire will coordinate and arrive with their own truck. Then they will drive it to the next destination.

Your Cost: This is the priciest move, but is sometimes covered by your employer if you’re relocating. Tape, boxes, labels, padding, etc. are all covered by the moving company. If you are extremely busy, this may be the smartest option for you! 

Don’t Choose This Move: If you want to be in control of the packing and organizing. Or if you’re not willing to spend extra money on something that could feel frivolous.

Moving is incredibly overwhelming business, but there are options! It’s simply a matter of choosing what you’re willing to do and what you are willing to pay. We hope this guide gives helps you to make the best choice for your lifestyle. 

Photo by Mike via Pexels.com.