Moving can be a formidable task. This does not matter if you are moving across town or across the country. While there are many things that you need to remember to do prior to moving, there are a few things that you want to remember to not do. Not only will this help your move go smoother, but it may also save you money in the long run.

Not Hiring a Moving Company

Many people think that the best and cheapest way to execute a move is to simply rent a truck, invite a few friends over and get the job done. While this may work for some, it is often far more expensive and time consuming than you estimated, and it will usually alienate some of your family and friends.

When you move yourself, you are responsible for all of the materials and equipment that you will need to execute your move. This includes:

• The moving truck
• Truck insurance
• Gas 
• Boxes
• Packing tape
• Packing paper
• Moving dollies
• Quilts and blankets to protect your furniture and more

All of this can quickly add up, not to mention the risk of breakage, as well as well as injuries when you attempt to undertake your move on your own.

When you hire a moving company, they come with all of the supplies they will need to successfully move you. The cost of the company will depend on several things. These include:

• Services you want from the mover,
• The location you are moving from and to
• How much stuff you are moving
• How many movers it will take
• Whether there are stairs involved and more

The average cost of a local move is approximately $25 per hour per mover, but this can vary based on your location. You will often find that once you really factor in the cost of you doing it yourself, this is really not expensive, and the moving company may be the cheaper option. 

Not Knowing What You Want From Your Movers

Movers offer a wide range of services, and not knowing what you want prior to hiring a moving company can lead to frustration on your part, as well as extra expenses.

Companies offer:

• Complete Packing - With complete packing your movers will come in and pack up your entire home. This will usually involve them supplying all of the boxes, tape, and other materials they will need. The only thing you will have to do is offer them a little direction.
• Moving Pre-packed boxes - You can save a few dollars by packing your belongings yourself and just having the movers come in and move you.
• Moving large or specialized equipment - If you are only moving across town, or a short distance away, you may find that you are able to handle the small stuff, but you need the movers to handle the large furniture or appliances.
• Full Moves - This is what many people are the most familiar with. Your movers will pick up your belongings in one location, transport them to the next location, and even place them in the designated rooms if they your boxes are properly labeled.
• Door To Door Moves - With door to door, your belongings are usually placed in moving pods or other types of storage units. The company will then relocate the unit from your old address to the new, but you will be responsible for unpacking the unit and carrying your belongings into your home.

These are just a few terms you may need to know. Here is more of the lingo, that will help you know exactly what you want to order off of the companies moving menu prior to placing your order. 

Not Getting More Than One Moving Estimate

Not every mover that ranks high on your Google search is the best mover to do your job. Some movers specialize in short moves, while other specialize in longer moves. Hiring the right company will ensure that they have the necessary equipment and expertise to get your move done, as well as provide you with the best moving experience.

It is important that you collect estimates from several different companies prior to making your decision about the company to use. Some companies will provide you with a non-binding estimate over the phone. If this is the case, know that these prices are subject to change. These changes are often based on the weight of your items and actual services that are provided.

Other companies will provide a binding estimate or one that is guaranteed or less likely to change. These can only be done once a mover has come out to your home and visually inspected everything you are attempting to move. Getting more than one estimate will allow you to compare services, pricing, and time estimates that your move may take. 

Moving is never easy, no matter where you move to. There are a variety of checklists online that will help you organize your move, as well as provide you with tips and timelines on when you should get things accomplished. Do not fail to plan your move, planning will make it less stressful for everyone involved.

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