Self Service, Is it worthwhile?

Self service moving is an option that is often considered by people who are on a tight budget. In this process, instead of hiring a full-service moving company to do everything, the person opts to do the transport DIY-style. You pack your own things, pay for a rental truck and drive it yourself. It looks liberating and economical right? But before you start wrapping your television, let’s find out if self service moving is really a good option.

 You must consider the following factors:

•  Cost of the rental

Getting a rental truck costs money. Most people don’t calculate the daily cost of a truck rental. 

• Cost of toll, gas and mileage

If you’re getting a truck rental and driving it yourself, of course you have to consider toll fees, gas and mileage. The road trip will be especially expensive if you are going to drive a long distance. 

•  Driving of the truck

Getting a truck rental means that you or a friend of yours will have to drive the truck for you. Consider the time and effort that this will cost. Instead of spending your day doing productive and profitable work, you’ll spend it on the road, inside an uncomfortable truck. 

• Professional wrapping

Professional moving quotes will include the price for wrapping and packing services. There is a correct way to wrap furniture and appliances in order to prevent damages. If you don’t know how to do this, the long travel can ruin your things...and the fault is all on you. 

• Loading and unloading

Loading and unloading your things is a tedious job that takes time and effort. You need to lift things and carry them from your home to the truck and then repeat the process once you unload to the new location.  

• Moving supplies and paraphernalia

Do you have all of the paraphernalia needed to pack, load and transport your furniture? This requires dollies, crates, boxes, tapes, rope and many other things. If you don’t have these at home, say hello to additional cost. 

• Disassembling and reassembling back furniture

Modular furniture has to be disassembled before you pack them and then put back together, afterwards. This is not an easy task and if you make a mistake, your furniture will be ruined. 

• Insurance for your furniture and appliances

Full service companies offer moving quotes that include insurance for your furniture and appliances. This provides assurance should anything go wrong during transport. Self service moving puts all the pressure and responsibility on YOU. 

Now is the time to reassess your plan. While it is true that full service moving quotes will cost you money, self service moving can actually cost you more. Don’t be blinded by the idea of saving a few bucks and doing everything yourself. Considering everything, an amount of say, $3000 for comprehensive service is nothing when compared to the combined cost of truck rental toll gas packaging supplies possible furniture and appliance damage. 

And to top it all off, convenience and peace of mind are priceless.