There is plenty of information out there about moving across the country. The problem is that some of it is misinformation. Plus, a lot of the resources out there for long distance moves are geared directly at hiring a moving company. What if you choose a DIY move, though? You can still benefit from the resources available to find moving trucks, boxes, and helpful tips for the big day.
To start with, we’re going to discuss some of the biggest myths of self-moving and explain what you really need to know.
The correct statement here is: All moving companies and rental services SHOULD be insured. That doesn’t guarantee that they are. Many fly-by-night companies and mom-and-pop rental places might forego insurance or simply try to get by with minimum coverage.
When you compare moving quotes online, make sure that you check out the insurance offered by the company you are considering doing business with.
Some people consider a self-move when they find out that professional moving companies won’t provide certain services or insure certain items during the move. However, a self-move isn’t going to eliminate those problems. In fact, they will probably still exist if you have to employ any professional services in your DIY move.
You cannot pack and move gasoline-powered items until the gas is emptied and the item has been rendered powerless and safe for transport. You also can’t move hazardous materials, such as chemicals, even if you rent a truck or storage pod and do the loading yourself. It isn’t just about loading these items– flammable items on a cross country move are just asking for trouble.
Put safety first when it comes to packing and moving. Sometimes, even if you have to replace items after you move, it’s worth your safety not to move them in the first place. Check with truck or container rental companies that you are considering to get a full list of what can and can’t be moved across the country.
For many people, the choice between self-moving and hiring movers is whether they can afford to pay someone else to do the work, or whether they’re willing to get their hands dirty to save some money. Others, however, are misinformed that self-moving is just as expensive as hiring movers, or at least not as cheap as they thought.
The reality? Moving on your own can be affordable. Renting a container, truck, or trailer for one-way service is probably at least 30 percent cheaper than paying for a full-service move. Rates vary based on what you’re renting and how far across Canada you are moving, but it is still going to save a significant amount of money.
Furthermore, you might not even need to rent a truck or container for your move. When faced with the daunting task of moving across the country, some people find it easier to purge as much as possible and buy new once they’re settled. If you need a cheap solution now but will be in a better position later, this might be the way to go. If you aren’t sure, compare moving costs to replacement costs. Remember to factor in the hassles involved and benefits of each choice to come to the best decision for your move.
Even when you are considering a self-move, there is a chance you’ll still employ at least one moving or storage service, such as renting a moving truck. In this regard, you might be tempted to think that all of the providers are basically the same and that what you need to look at is who has the best prices.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Every single company that offers moving and storage solutions is going to be different than the next. You should utilize self-moving resources like third-party portals where you can find and compare all of the services that you need in one place. That will allow you to choose the best tools and resources for your move, every time.
In fact, there are a number of different types of moving companies and service providers out there that specialize in only local OR long distance moves. There are some companies equipped to handle both, but that is not always the case. Again, this is where you can take a few minutes to research your options and make sure that you find the right services for your next big move.
If you’re renting a moving truck to move yourself, choose a company that offers one-way long distance services. For example, you wouldn’t call a local mom-and-pop Toronto moving company if you’re moving all the way to Victoria. If they even provide that service, they’re going to charge you a small fortune to return the truck after your move. This is where chains and multinational companies can be helpful. They often have locations throughout Canada, making it easy for you to rent a truck for a one-way move and drop it off in your new hometown once you’re done.
When people think of preparing for a move, they think of obtaining boxes, packing, hiring moving services, and other tasks that need done in the process. What is often overlooked is the preparation of being informed. Knowledge is power, as they say, and when you understand exactly what you are getting into with a self-move, the process will be a lot less stressful.
Keep the information here in mind when you’re planning your next move. Remember to fact-check everything and rely on reputable resources to help you along the way. If you spend just a couple hours online doing your homework, you could save yourself a lot of hassle and money when you’re moving across the country.
