Working with an experienced moving company provides many advantages but you may choose to “Do It Yourself”. Choosing between these two options may be difficult.

 Pros and cons with hiring a moving company.

 Pros and cons with a “Do It Yourself” move.
- You are in complete control and can build your schedule to be flexible enough to suit your needs.
- You control all aspects of your move.
- You are the only one with access to your household goods.
- If your move is small, you’ll save money.
- The time off from work is greater.
- Damage to your goods becomes your responsibility.
- Without experience a first time long distance move can prove difficult.

 After considering the pros and cons ask yourself these questions…

 How many items do you wish to move?
If your move is small it may be cost-effective to do the move yourself. Be sure to include large appliances and heavy furniture in your calculations.

 Are you physically capable of performing the move yourself?
Consider not only the weight of items but also the hours of driving, the unloading and unpacking, and the time commitment required. Remember you cannot leave such a job incomplete so be sure before you commit to it.

 Do you have people to help with your move?
Remember lifting heavy furniture is difficult and may cause injury. Professional moving companies insure their employees but with a “Do It Yourself” move this would be too costly.

 Are you licensed to drive a big truck?
Driving a big truck is not like driving your car and may require a special permit.

 What special arrangements must you make for your family?
Consider the fact your truck may not have room to accommodate your entire family and pets. If your trip is cross-country you will have to consider expenses. 

 What is the value of your goods?
Since truck rental companies provide insurance which will not cover “load-shifting” or “driver-caused accidents”you may need to consider additional coverage to protect your household goods. Remember, with a “Do It Yourself” move you are responsible for any and all damage.

  Before you make your decision consider the following.

 Hiring Labor.
If your move requires the lifting of heavy items, such as large furniture and appliances you may need assistance from family, friends, or hired laborers. Consider hiring extra hands by contacting a local moving company, where you can hire the laborers by the hour. Professionals with experience can help you maximize space when loading your truck, and offer additional valuable insights as well. It’s easy to contact a local moving company at destination to have laborers ready to assist you once you arrive.

 Pick-up & Delivery Services (PUD)
Pick-up and Delivery services are offered by many moving companies and provide an alternative to the Do It Yourself move. The moving company drops off the appropriate size trailer at your home and you, according to your schedule load all your items. Once your trailer is loaded you schedule a pick up. A truck driver is assigned to drive your shipment to destination where you unload your goods.

This alternative eliminates the hassle of driving a big and unfamiliar truck. This is of special importance when your move involves long distance travel. Unlike truck rentals, associated transportation costs such as gas, toll fees, and mechanical breakdowns are the responsibility of the moving company.