Are you looking to move?
There are many reasons that you might want to move, from a better job to finding a more suitable place to live that fits your goals and needs. But, one of the biggest considerations when moving is the cost.
While you may get excited about starting a new chapter in your life in your new home, you don’t want the costs to eat away at your savings. Is it that expensive to move distances that are not considered long-distance? The answer may surprise you.
Keep reading below for information about moving cost and how you can minimize it.
Self-Service or Full-Service?
Often when people think about moving, they think of a stressful, disorganized process. Moving can be one of the biggest life transitions, and many times people don’t have the resources or energy to do it on their own. Should they take on the task themselves with self-service moving or seek out help with full-service moving?
The dilemma of self-service vs full service moving is a common one in today’s world, but which is the right choice?
Self-Service Moving
One of the main advantages is the amount of money saved by not having to pay for a moving company or team of specialized movers. You have absolute control over your move and get to decide when and how it all happens. You will also have the freedom to choose which items you want to take and which items you want to leave behind.
The flexibility offered by self-service moving is another perk. This is because you get to consider the best routes and schedules to ensure a smooth and timely move.
Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about breaking your items in transit. Since you will be the one responsible for the handling and packing.
Full-Service Moving
Full-service moving is much more convenient. You don’t have to worry about doing the work yourself; a professional company will do it all.
They will provide packing services and supplies that you may not have access to. This ensures that all your items will be safely and securely moved and stored.
Also, using a full-service moving company guarantees that all your items are insured. These companies usually offer discounts and promotions when you use their services, which can save you some money. All these factors make full-service moving an ideal option when it comes to moving and storage services.
Travel Distance Fee
The more you are planning to travel, the more it will cost. The further you move, the costlier the move will become due to added time, shipping, and other fees.
For instance, a move across town may cost less than a move to a state on the other side of the country. There are extra transportation expenses to consider. From the type of transport to the expenses involved in moving further.
Factor the Size of Your Household
The bigger the home, the more items that must be transported which can increase the cost of moving. Moving companies identify the volume of your belongings, either by the size of the truck or the number of hours of service needed.
For those with large homes or extensive collections of items, this can mean an expensive move. Movers recommend sorting and removing items that are not needed at the new home to reduce the number of items, as it can save moving costs. Additionally, decluttering before a move can make for a more affordable move if done on time.
Factor the Services You Requested
If you are going to request extra services such as packing and unpacking your items, the price of the move will increase. This is because it takes more physical work and effort to transport the items that need to be packed carefully to minimize breakage and damage. It also takes more time and resources to unpack the items upon arrival at the new location.
Factor the Type of Move
A specialty move, such as a piano, is more expensive than an average move. This is due to the added labor involved with such a move. As a piano is a large, bulky, and awkward item, special equipment and expertise are needed for a successful move.
Additionally, extra making supplies and materials may be necessary to ensure the piano remains secure and is not damaged during the transport process. All in all, the result of a specialty move is an increased cost.
The Additional Costs
Additional costs can be a major factor in determining the moving cost. Some of these additional costs can include packing materials, storage fees, and insurance.
Packing materials could include boxes, tape, bubble wrap, labels, and more. Storage fees may be necessary, depending on the timeline of the move.
Insurance may be optional and provides extra protection for the items being moved. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between 1.5% and 5% of the total value of the items being transported for insurance coverage. Insurance can cover loss or damage due to accidental breaks and spills.
All these extra costs can add up and must be taken into consideration when calculating the moving cost. It is important to consider the necessity of these additional costs when planning a move to stay within a budget.
Breaking Down the Average Moving Cost
To sum it up, the moving cost varies greatly depending on many factors. Always do your research and get multiple estimates to ensure that your move is cost-effective. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price and get the best deal.
Reach out to local moving companies today! Start your move and save money.
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