Comparing 5 Moving Options: Which is Best for You
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It’s fair to say that even a well-planned move can still be a stressful experience. The secret to keeping your cool is taking the time to figure out all the variables — from timeframe to location to budget — and objectively determine the best way forward.
Whether or not your plans include United Van Lines, we want to help you make the choices that are right for you in terms of your budget, your preferences and how much you want to be involved in the overall experience. Let’s go through the various options.
Understanding Your Moving Needs
Your move will probably fall under one of three main categories, each with its own unique parameters and considerations.
Typically, local moves occur within the same city or within a 50-mile radius, the cost depending on the weight of your possessions, the location of your new home and any customized services (packing, storage, etc.) you want added on.
A long-distance move will factor in many of the same variables as a local move, the biggest difference being that the move will cross state lines. All interstate moves handled by a full-service moving company require specific authorization to perform any part of the relocation. United is fully licensed to handle such moves.
Based on where you’re headed and when you need to be there, international moves can range from relatively straightforward to highly complex. United offers moving services to and from more than 150 different countries.
The Moving Options Explained
Full-Service Movers
Long-distance movers like United offer a complete range of services — from packing and loading to unloading and unpacking — to make the entire relocation smooth and worry-free. When moving with United, you’ll also be assigned a move coordinator who’ll serve as a single point of contact throughout your journey.
United and similar full-service movers have special equipment and techniques for transporting electronic or computer equipment, artwork and antiques. They can take down and set up TV monitors, transport automobiles and even clear up packing debris at both ends of your move. They are also required by law to offer you at least two liability options before your move begins. (FYI, every first move quote from United automatically includes Full Value Protection.)
Costs will probably be higher for a full-service move compared to the other options below; however, it’s often a wise investment in the well-being of you and your loved ones. In short, if you have a lot of possessions, don’t want to be completely overwhelmed by a litany of move-related details and want to take a hands-off approach to the whole experience, we recommend using a full-service mover.
Check out Top Tips for Finding the Best Full-Service Moving Companies.
Renting a Truck
Unless you’re very organized and super-determined, there are few experiences as stressful as self-moving. The biggest upside is the possibility to save money, especially if you’re moving close by or have a tiny move budget. However, be aware that even a small-scale relocation will test both your physical and emotional stamina.
Renting a truck involves much more than backing it in and loading it up. You have a myriad of other things to take care of, such as pre-move downsizing and organizing, getting packing materials and boxes, lifting and loading things onto the truck, guilting friends and relatives into helping, and making sure you have proper insurance while enroute.
Once all that’s been taken care of, you get behind the wheel of a large, bulky vehicle you’ve never driven before (over roads you may have never taken before) to your new space. Then it’s time to unload, unpack and clear up all the debris.
Take a tip: This option only works well if there’s not much to deal with, family-, possession- and distance-wise. In general, the more stuff you have, the more help you’ll need.
Moving Container Services
They drop it off, you fill it up, they take it away. This option is easier than a self-move, mostly because it doesn’t involve you transporting your possessions. That said, you’ll still need to organize and pack things up, and deal with all the various unpacking chores on the other end. Container moves can also be a way to store things until your new space is move-in ready, saving wear and tear on your possessions and reducing labor costs.
Much like self-moving, container moves usually work best for people who don’t require a lot of hands-on help and want the flexibility to organize and pack/unpack at their own pace. One of the biggest downsides? In many cases, container moves aren’t practical for apartment and condo dwellers, or anyone who shares public spaces. Unless you have an off-street place for a container in a yard, garage or driveway, this type of move can be logistically tricky.
Move Brokers
Move brokers are basically “middlemen” who match you with their contact list of movers and packers based on your timeframe, the size and distance of your move, and the services you need. This often provides more scheduling flexibility and also saves you the time and effort of researching and contacting traditional movers individually.
While this can be a good option, keep in mind that unlike a full-service (or asset-based) moving company like United, brokers usually have limited involvement in — or accountability for — any mishaps that may happen during the move process. This adds a layer of coordination for you, and if issues arise, you can be caught between the broker and the mover with no way to resolve them. Also, to maximize their profit, some brokers may prioritize finding the cheapest option over quality service. If a quote is suspiciously low, beware.
Some tips:
- If it’s unclear whether you’re dealing with a broker or a moving company, ask. By law, brokers are required to tell you. Also, check the Better Business Bureau’s website and online customer reviews.
- Request a list of the movers the broker uses.
- Carefully review your quote and contract for hidden costs and potential additional charges.
- Make sure any deposit goes to the actual mover.
- Fully protect your possessions. Many broker quotes only include a minimum value liability option.
Moving Labor Help (Hire Movers for Loading/Unloading)
Think of this option as sort of a deluxe version of a self-move or a container move. With labor-only service, you hire helpers to load/unload the truck or container, which can save time, hassles and your back, especially if you have your own truck. Of course, getting to your new place is still up to you, but at least your possessions are already loaded up.
Getting moving labor help is a good solution if you need someone to handle the heavy lifting but still want a large measure of control over the rest of what happens. It’s important to do your research. Know who you’re hiring, if they’re properly insured and whether they know how to correctly pack, load and unpack. Keep in mind these workers are often paid by the hour, so beware of creeping costs. Our advice: Choose a company that specializes in this type of service and has positive online reviews.
Comparing the Five Moving Options
Full-Service Movers, Moving Truck Rentals, Moving Containers, Move Brokers and Moving Labor Help
| United® Van Lines Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Moving Truck Rentals | Brokers | Moving Labor Only | |
| Pricing | Transparent costs, no deposit required | No deposit is required | No deposit is required | Often requires a deposit when booking a move | Often an hourly rate |
| Full-Value Protection | Covers damage or loss during your move, compensating you for the value of your belongings | Customers must secure their own insurance, increasing responsibility and costs | Coverage is the customer’s responsibility | May arrange for valuation coverage through the moving companies they work with | May arrange for valuation coverage through the moving companies they work with |
| Customized Moving Plan | Tailors a unique moving plan to fit your needs and budget | Focuses on self-service without on-site assistance | Limited customization options and a DIY focus | Act as intermediaries between you and actual moving companies | No |
| Move Coordinator | Experienced point of contact manages every detail for a seamless, stress-free move | Leaves the planning and execution largely up to the customer | Self-planning is required, with no dedicated guide | May handle communication, scheduling and coordination with the actual moving company | No |
| Packing Services | Takes the hassle out of finding packing materials, boxes and packing so you can focus on other moving tasks | Requires customers to self-pack, increasing the risk of damage | Places the packing responsibility on you | May connect you with moving companies that offer packing services | Usually services are limited to loading and unloading versus boxing items |
| Unpacking Services | Unboxes and places belongings in your new home | Requires customers to unpack belongings, adding time and effort | Help with unpacking is not included | Likely doesn’t directly provide unpacking services, but may connect you with movers that do | Usually services are limited to loading and unloading versus unboxing items |
| Debris Removal | Helps you get rid of unwanted items efficiently | Doesn’t handle junk removal, adding another task to the moving process | Customer handles junk and debris removal | May partner with third-party providers | Possibly, for an additional cost |
| Storage Services | Provides convenient short- and long-term storage for your belongings during your move | Doesn’t arrange and handle storage, adding to complexity and cost | Storage needs must be arranged separately | May connect customers with storage facilities or moving companies offering services | No |
| Custom Crating | Protects your treasures with custom crating for mirrors, artwork, glass, antiques and more | Places the responsibility of fragile item crating on the customer | Customer must handle fragile item protection | Often partners with crating specialists but does not provide direct services | No |
| Auto Transport | Features the moving industry’s largest company-operated fleet of auto transporters | Must arrange vehicle transport separately, adding effort | Must arrange vehicle transport separately, adding effort Requires separate arrangements by the customer | May usually connect customers with third-party auto transport companies | No |
When planning a move, whether locally or interstate or internationally, it’s important to consider every aspect of what’s potentially involved in terms of budget, time and distance. So, whether you choose a full-service company, go the DIY route or select another option, you’ll fully understand what’s involved.
Choosing the Right Moving Option
Choose the Best Full-Service Moving Company — Choose United Van Lines