There are many different options when it comes to moving. You can pack and move yourself, rent a truck and hire movers, or use the services of a professional company for all your relocation needs. Whatever way you prefer is best left up to personal preference- whichever option makes life easier on you should suffice.
I think we can all agree that moving can be a daunting process, especially when you do it for the first time. But there are many moving companies to help make this a more manageable task. If you’re considering between getting assistance or doing it yourself and want some tips or advice before making your decision, read on as we compare standard costs between hiring movers versus doing everything yourself.
How Much Does Moving by Yourself Really Cost?
The moving cost within the United States can range from $1,300 to up to $12,000, a difference that ranges by factors such as mileage location and family size, among others.
As you plan your move, be sure to consider all the costs of packing materials and transportation. It can take time out of work or family life to pack up everything before a big move. If you’re looking for stress relief during this process, hire professionals who know how to do it better than yourself. One way or the other, it costs a lot to move.
Why Hire a Mover vs. Why Do It Yourself
If you are thinking about hiring a moving company, consider the following factors:
The Kind of Move
The amount of money you spend on a move depends heavily on where you’re moving. Local moves and those within the same state are much cheaper than long-distance ones. Here’s an example breakdown:
Long-distance moves:
- A moving company usually charges approximately $5,630 for interstate moves.
- When moving independently, the average cost can vary between $4,000 to $7,000.
Local move:
- An average intrastate move costs approximately $1,170 with a moving company.
- When moving on your own, the average cost is up to $1,325.
If you’re considering moving independently, keep in mind that the cost of truck rentals and supplies such as gas may add up. You may also consider renting a hotel room or buying plane tickets to cover your travel costs for long-distance moves.
With a moving company, excluding the latter, all of your costs are included in the overall price. That means you don’t have to worry about additional costs such as tips added to what you’ve already paid for!
The moving process can be overwhelming. Not only do you have to carefully pack your most prized possessions and take on the task of organizing, but moving supplies will inevitably add up (especially if you are migrating from a one-bedroom accommodation), which affects your total cost. The average kit for an apartment is $80, whereas it’s more than double at $188 for two-bedroom and four-bedroom accommodations, respectively – so prepare yourself when putting together budgetary plans!
Unfortunately, other costs come with the expense and hassle of packing up your belongings for a move, but is it worth it to pay out-of-pocket for quilted pads ($60) or dolly rentals($8)? The good news: Moving companies include these things in their price.
Transporting Everything
Doing your packing and cleaning isn’t the only step you’ll encounter when moving. You also need to figure out how best to transport all of those furniture pieces, appliances, paintings -the list goes on- from one place to another without incurring any additional costs or undue stress. Doing so can be a hassle if nothing is planned ahead of time! Here is the usual breakdown:
Moving company:
- It costs $145 per hour and $55 for additional services in NYC after two movers and a truck.
Moving independently:
- For ten or eleven days, 14-foot trucks (1- or 2-bedroom apartments) cost $190 per day.
- Each day of ten or eleven days for an 18-foot truck (4-bedroom house) costs $240.
- The trailer hitch and rental truck cost $150 on average, and the truck itself may have to be leased with rental insurance cost of around $150.
When moving independently, you must consider how to transport your belongings adequately. That can be done with a truck or van, depending on the size of your family and possessions. The price will vary significantly based upon gas mileage, insurance coverage, number of days needed for travel, etc. Still, one thing is for sure: it’s always wise to do your research before deciding to opt for this method.
Moving can be a complicated and stressful process, so if you’re looking for help with packing up your truck or even driving it to your new place, there are some moving companies out there that offer this service. It’s also worth noting that the total cost will vary depending on what type of company is hired (plus gas costs), but by having movers drive the truck, not only do they save time, but money as well! That ensures everything gets where it needs to go faster- which we all want during such an eventful life change! Whichever option works best for you, be confident that whoever drives has insurance if anything were to ever happen along the way: nobody wants any accidents slowing down a big move.
Moving Time
Packing your life is no easy feat. Movers.com says that packing can take 4-8 hours for a 1,000 sq ft house and 2-7 days with breaks included for up to 2,000 sq ft houses! When you’re getting ready to move, make sure there’s enough time in the day or week allotted just for packing – it may seem like an afterthought but will be worth all of those last-minute trips back home if things are well organized when moving day arrives.
If you have a large house with many items, hire professional movers to pack and move your belongings. They will get the whole job done in less time than it would take for three ordinary people. That is especially true if you are packing fragile or valuable things that need special care during transport.
Do I Need a Moving Company to Do It?
As you can see, hiring movers is a worthwhile investment in the long run. Not only do they save you from being on your feet and lifting heavy items all day, but many people are unaware of how much cheaper it is to hire professional help for such an important task.
Hiring movers can be expensive, especially if you are moving out of state. However, it is not nearly as pricey when considering the total costs of doing a move yourself, plus all the time and stress that goes into making sure everything gets to its destination on your own.
If you are looking for a mover in NYC, 5 Star Movers can help make your move as stress-free and affordable as possible.
