Author: Brandon Scivolette
Article Source: MiNeeds.com, where consumers get competitive bids from Movers. Read reviews, compare offers & save. Its free!
Article Link: http://www.mineeds.com/Gaithersburg/Elite-Moving-Labor/Articles/Cutting-Your-Move-Costs
Tags: movex , abf , pack rat , smart move , pods , mobile storage , shared freight , options , full service , moving labor , labor , household move , cheap , coupons , discounts
Despite popular belief, full service moving companies are not the only method of moving! In the past ten years the moving industry has been revolutionized and it has evolved far beyond the days of full service moving companies.
From mobile storage (e.g. PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, Smart Move, Door to Door) to shared freight (Movex, ABF, Upack) the industry has seen many new players in the past ten years. I'll tip my hat to PODS for kicking off the revolution as they were the first to really begin the transformation. Now, whether you choose to move down the street or across the country you have options, and options are key to bringing down costs.
Each method has it's benefits. For instance, full service moving companies provide peace of mind as they generally do everything without any assistance from you. There drawback of course is that they can be very expensive. Mobile storage, shared freight and other "self move" options allow you to move at your own pace and load, unload as well as store and move your items on your schedule. The drawback is that you must either move the items yourself or hire a moving labor company, like Elite Moving Labor, to load and unload your items. Further, if you live in a large city a parking permit may be required and sometimes they can be tough to get.
You can also choose the rental truck option. I emplore you to not refer to a rental truck as a "U-Haul". There are many options out there, most usually cheaper and better than Uhaul. Budget Truck, Penske Truck and Ryder are the largest. Personally, we recommend Penske as the best because their trucks are always new, as opposed to Uhaul which still has rental trucks from the 80's on the road. Shop around, search for coupons (the change of address mailer at the post office has coupons) and find out which option suites you best.
On a final note, if you choose to hire moving labor please search for licensed and insured movers. Although costs vary by region, moving labor should be between $65-$85/hr for a 2-Man Crew, the most popular choise among residential moves.
If you need assistance locating discounts for mobile storage, shared freight or supplies please feel free to contact us.
A final look at the Pro's and Con's of each method:
Full Service Moving
Pro's - Peace of mind, hands off
Con's - Very expensive!
Mobile Storage & Shared Freight
Pro's - Generally up to 30 days free storage, storage options like climate controlled or on site, can move locally or nationwide, move at your own pace
Con's - More hands on, required you to move or hire movers to get the items in the unit, may require parking permits or permission to park
Truck Rental
Pro's - Generally cheap option, local or nationwide, you have control, move at your pace
Con's - Very hands on, you must drive the truck, responsible for loading and unloading, liability of the truck, fuel costs can be substantial
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Cutting Your Move Costs
