If you’re moving, you probably want someone else to do the heavy lifting. You can either do-it-yourself with a rental truck or use a full-service mover. Full-service movers load and unload your belongings, provide packing materials, and transport them from your old home to your new one. Add-on services like specialty packing and vehicle relocation are also available. Choosing the right company for your move depends on your needs and budget.
Local and long distance movers must follow state regulations for licenses and insurance coverage. Many are regulated by the state’s Department of Transportation or are members of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). Check the company’s U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and motor carrier operating authority (MC) numbers to ensure compliance.
You can find local and long-distance movers through online directories or referral programs. They can help you determine the best type of vehicle for your move, and they offer a wide range of packages to suit your budget and time frame. Some even include labor and packing materials for an all-inclusive price.
Moving is a great opportunity to start fresh and reinvent yourself. Whether it’s a new job in a different city or simply meeting people with similar interests, stepping outside of your comfort zone can be very beneficial. You might even discover some aspects of yourself that you didn’t know existed.
Depending on the size of your home and the number of items, moving can be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, it might be cheaper to hire movers only for the heavy lifting. For the rest of the work, you can do it yourself with a rental truck or with a container service like PODS.
Keep in mind that movers charge more for extra work, such as navigating stairs or an elevator. They may also have additional charges for disassembly and reassembly of furniture. They can also charge for specialized items, such as art and antiques, that require special care. In addition, movers are generally not responsible for transporting heirlooms and other personal items, so you may need to make separate arrangements for these. This is a good time to ask your friends and family for recommendations if you don’t have a specific mover in mind.