Pre-Move Planning

Who's going to move my stuff?
OK, you've thrown out what you could, given away what you didn't want, and have organized as much as you can. How are you going to move it to the new house? The two basic choices: move it yourself, or hire someone else. Pretty straightforward, yes? Both choices have pros and cons, and both have hidden pitfalls. Lets talk a little about both categories, and hopefully give you enough information to make another "informed" decision.
Moving yourself...an intimidating phrase to most, unless your lifestyle is nomadic, and you have only a sleeping bag and a cooler! I suggest moving yourself only if cost is THE driving parameter, or you are so close in location from the old home to the new that you can move in small increments. Moving yourself entails renting a truck, recruiting friends as temporary labor, and chewing up a goodly part of your free time (and your body). As a professional, I do not advocate moving yourself for many good reasons. There are many hidden costs. You rent the truck from one of the national players (see my suggested websites) by size, and by day and mile. If you care about the condition of your furniture, you must rent furniture pads (from the same company). If you have appliances (Fridge, washer, dryer, etc.) you need an appliance dolly to wheel them in and out; again a daily rental charge. You must return the rented truck with full fuel tanks - more cost. Even if you are depending on friends for labor, I assume you are at least going to feed them - more cost. (By the way, no beer until the move is complete, if ever. Alcohol, physical labor, and driving do not mix.) Add into this scenario the loss of your time, the called in favors from friends, the abuse to your body and chances are moving yourself is NOT going to be enjoyable. Usually the money saved is minimal, and the stress at the max.
Hire someone else.... Sounds a little intimidating also, yes? Strangers moving all your personal "stuff." How trustworthy are they? How skillful? How costly? Like any other service industry, moving companies offer a wide range of skill levels, costs, and customer service. Let's examine cost first. Most moving companies have two basic charge systems. The first is for the packing of your goods in their boxes, by their employees. You may or may not opt for this service. It is expensive, and I will address this in my next article. The second is for the actual movement of your goods, and this is split into two charge systems. If you are moving within the state, and the new house is less than 50 miles from the old, the movers will charge you an hourly rate (usually for three men and their truck). In most metropolitan areas the charge will be at least $100 per hour for all three, depending on your location. If your move is more than 50 miles or you are moving out of state, the movers will charge you by the weight of your goods. They will weigh the truck before and after loading and the net weight of your shipment, multiplied by their charge per hundredweight will determine your cost. Sound confusing? It's not. Basically, the heavier your stuff, and the farther you move, the higher your cost. How skillful and trustworthy are they? Do some homework. Call around to some local realtors, and get a consensus. Who seems to be the "name" locally? Call the Better Business Bureau and check for complaints. If there is a major corporation nearby call and ask for its relocation department. Ask who they use to move their employees. Read the ads; see who has longevity in the business. If they've been around a long time in this service industry, they must be doing something right. If you see a mover working nearby, stop and ask for a card. Look at the equipment. Is the truck clean? Would you want these people in your home? Call a few movers and ask them to come to your home and give you an estimate. Evaluate them while they are in your home. You may know nothing about the moving industry, but are you comfortable with them?
Like everything else, moving entails a myriad of choices. Whichever choice you make, be informed. Do your research. How much will your total cost be if you move yourself? Call the rental company and estimate the charges for the truck, equipment, and fuel. Is your stuff valuable enough to warrant using a professional mover, or do you just not want to do it yourself? Research various movers and their presentation and estimated costs. Sit down and weigh your options. Is the difference in cost between moving yourself and hiring someone that great? Use your time well. Prepare, research, and gather as much information as possible before your move. Don't procrastinate, do it early in the process!
(Next article - Choosing a Professional: Tips and Suggestions.)