Because moving is both expensive and time-consuming, you want it to go as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible. One of the first decisions you have to make is whether to hire professional movers or rent a truck so you can do it yourself. Here are some strategies on how to choose one over the other.
Cost
At first comparison, hiring a truck and doing it yourself can save you plenty of money. But be sure you factor in all the money involved because you’re going to have to spend for more than the truck. Don’t forget to add the cost of fuel, food, and lodging if you’re driving the truck a great distance, and tolls. There’s also added stress and fatigue as you load or unload the truck yourself as well as deal with maneuvering a large vehicle through heavy traffic. Finally, you may, unfortunately, discover that your entire household will not fit in just one truckload, requiring you to transport several loads, which may increase your rental time and cost.
Time
When you hire professional movers, you can’t just expect them to show up the next day at the time you want to get things done. Because they’re assisting several customers, they’ll have to place your move into a free time slot. This may be difficult to do during busy summer months, which may require you scheduling them several weeks in advance. With a rental truck, you can start the move as soon as you drive the rental to your home.
Another factor is the time it will take to load and unload the truck and to transport your goods. Pros have this process down to a science and can get everything done as efficiently as possible with no mistakes. On the other hand, you will take extra time because you may have never done this before.
Safety
Have you ever driven a large vehicle before? Do you know how to negotiate narrow residential streets filled with cars parked on both sides and fit a tall truck into a carport with a low overhang? Do you know how to apply the brakes when the road is slick with rain or ice? Safety becomes a big concern when you don’t have the experience or the confidence to deal with a rental truck. If you want to keep yourself and your possessions from harm, professional movers will have the experience and expertise that you don’t.
Convenience
You can make a party out of moving with a rental truck by inviting your friends to help you and plying them with pizza and beverages. But in the end, the process will be tiring and take most of your day. Hiring professional movers lets you sit back and relax as they take care of all the work from the initial packing to setting up your rooms at the final destination.
If you want more moving information or want to hire a professional moving company, please contact us at True Friends Moving. We can help with all your moving needs!