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Should You Hire Professionals for Your Next Move?

Provided by Vintage Moving

No matter what day of the year it is, moving always creates a large list of things to do that stress us out. With all the options you have to consider, such as rental trucks, moving containers or full-service moves, moving yourself may be a less expensive option, but is it the right one? How do you know if you can do it all yourself, or should you bring in the pros to help? Review the following questions and see.

Do you have time to do the job?

Packing can take several days or several weeks, depending on how fast you can pack. Loading, unloading and driving can also be very time-consuming.

How much do you need to move?

Are you relocating your whole family or just yourself? Large homes are more challenging to move than small apartments. There may be heavy furniture and appliances that need to be packed and loaded.

Are you physically capable of loading/unloading on both ends of the move?

Assess your situation. Never take on a role too big or over-exert yourself under any circumstances. Cross-country driving is a bigger job than it sounds and is very tedious.

Will you have family and friends who are willing to help?

Always have people help you through the relocation process. Remember that safety is the primary concern. Anyone handling heavy furniture is susceptible to injuries, even professional movers. However, moving companies have liability insurance for their employees in case of injury. Obtaining extra coverage for your self-move would be more costly.

Also keep in mind that the availability of your family and friends depends on the timing of your move. You may have to consider hiring labor on both ends of your move if no one is available.

How much is your shipment worth?

Extra coverage may be necessary for your items, because the coverage provided by the rental truck company will only protect your items if the damages are caused by vehicular malfunctions, not load shifting or driver-caused accidents. However, insurance companies charge a lot less when you use a professional moving company. Much more damage is expected to occur during a self-move. You're solely responsible for any damages to your items.

Can you drive a big truck?

Rental trucks handle differently than your average car. They are top-heavy, and the braking distances are longer. If you can’t drive a big truck or don’t feel comfortable doing so, it may be best to hire a professional moving company.

Will you be making arrangements for your spouse, children and pets?

If your move is long-distance, consider if there is enough space in the truck for your family and your pets. You'll have to make provisions for them to follow in a separate car or to reserve flight seats if you are making a long-distance move, factoring in the costs of food and lodging.

No matter what you chose as your moving solution, pack well, be realistic and plan meticulously. Understanding is half the battle!

Located in Northern Virginia, Vintage Moving & Storage has more than 30 years of moving experience. Whether you're looking to move across the country or across the street, you need a mover you can count on to transport your belongings safely and efficiently. Our experience in the moving industry has taught us that nothing is more important than customer satisfaction, and we'll work our hardest to ensure that you come away pleased. Our moving experts can help answer your moving questions. Contact us via email at info@vintagemoving. com or visit vintagemoving.com