When it comes to selecting a moving company, one size does not necessarily fit all. Some types of movers can attend to all your needs, while others provide specific services.
Choosing the right type of movers is crucial for a smooth and trouble-free move. Read on to explore options like full-service movers, self move, and specialty movers, ensuring you choose the right fit for your specific relocation requirements. Whether you're moving locally, across the country, or internationally, this article will help you find the type of mover that suits you best.
Are you moving across the road or to the other end of the country? Are you willing to take some of the work upon yourself, or do you prefer to have everything done for you? Are you relocating your household or your business? Do you have valuable, large, or heavy objects among your possessions?
To choose the right type of movers for your next move, answer those questions and establish your unique requirements. Then shop around for the best possible mover within those frameworks, keeping in mind your budget.
Movers can be classified in two ways: according to the distance they operate within and to the types of services they offer.
Distance-wise types of movers are local, long-distance, and international moving companies. Some types of movers can handle both relocations a block away and relocations across state or international borders, but many specialize in specific distances they are willing to travel.
As for the services, these types of movers offer diverse packages ranging from self-move to full-service relocation, with many in-between.
If you are moving up to 100 miles within the same state, that is considered a local or intrastate move. Local movers are familiar with the local terrain and regulations, which can be helpful when navigating through traffic and city-specific challenges. Local moving companies are an excellent choice for smaller moves.
You need to hire long-distance movers if your old and new homes are in different states or far from each other (usually more than 100 miles). Long-distance moving companies can handle specific challenges like distinct state regulations and lengthy travel times.
International moving companies can deal with the complexities of moving from one country to another. They handle all the logistics of sea shipments and air freight and manage the paperwork associated with legal requirements and customs laws.
When you need to move your business, look for commercial movers. They specialize in business relocations, from small offices to large warehouses.
Commercial movers understand the challenges of moving valuable office equipment, sensitive documents, and technology. Whether you are upgrading to a larger office space or downsizing, these professionals can minimize downtime and ensure your business operations remain uninterrupted.
Residential movers organize the relocation of households, regardless of whether this involves moving across the country or inside the same city. These movers are well-equipped to handle furniture, appliances, and personal items.
When moving business and home, hire a company that handles commercial and residential moves.
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When you opt for a self-service moving company, the packing, loading, and unloading fall on your shoulders. Typically, the company delivers a moving truck or a mobile storage container to your house.
You need to load the waiting truck as quickly as you can. With the container, you have the luxury of loading your possessions at your own pace within the previously agreed time.
In either case, a moving company’s driver will transport your belongings to your new home. If you opt for a moving truck, you’ll have to be on the spot before it arrives so you can unload your items. With a moving container, you will have several days for unloading.
Do you have a generous moving budget and no wish to strain your muscles? Hire a full-service moving company! These professionals will handle all the work while you sit back and relax.
What exactly full-service movers will do depends on your requirements. They can provide packing materials and supplies, such as boxes, tape, and padding, leaving the packing to you. They can pack all your belongings and even disassemble and reassemble your furniture. You can even opt for a mix. Pack clothing and bedding yourself and leave large and fragile objects to the professionals. That way, you’ll save some money without tiring yourself. Remember, the more moving services your mover provides, the more they will charge.
Full-service movers will load your possessions onto the truck, transport them, and unload them at your new home. As for you, you just need to be there within the delivery window to accept the shipment.
The full-service moving story does not end there. If you want, your movers will also unpack your belongings, assemble the furniture, and connect the appliances. When all is done and dusted, they will dispose of the packing materials.
Is your house filled with precious antiques and artworks? Do you have expensive wines in your cellar? Do you want the moving company to transport your piano, hot tub, gym equipment, billiard table, boat, or car?
In all these scenarios, consider hiring specialty movers. They can manage even the items that can’t fit onto a truck. A specialty mover will provide crates, pallets, wraps, and tie-downs, safely transporting even the most fragile or cumbersome objects.
When you establish what type of movers you need, research the companies that meet your requirements to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Consult the friends who moved recently, read online reviews, and ask for references to identify a trustworthy business that can match your expectations. Then obtain free relocation quotes from at least three movers to compare prices and make an informed decision.
It’s important to tell your potential movers what you plan to relocate and what services you need because not all will be able to meet your requirements. Remember that no moving company can transport hazardous materials such as gasoline, lamp oil, or nail polish. Take such articles with you or safely dispose of them. Always ask for a list of non-transportable items.
Make sure that the companies you short-listed have the proper licenses. For example, interstate moving companies need a USDOT number to operate legally.
When you choose an appropriate moving company, you can be confident that your possessions will arrive at your new house safely.
The cost of hiring movers depends on the size of your shipment, the distance of your relocation, and the level of service you require.
If you opt for a rental truck, you’ll pay between $20 and $100 daily. Gas, insurance, and dollies for heavy items can increase costs, so budget for those expenses.
Local movers generally charge by the hour. Your moving costs depend on the number of work hours it takes the workers to get your belongings from your old property to the new one. The average cost is between $25 and $125 per person per hour. You will probably need at least two movers to get the job done.
The cost of long-distance moves depends on your shipment’s total weight, the distance between locations, and any specialty services you ask for, such as packing and unpacking. The more assistance you need, the more you’re going to pay.
You can spend between $1,000 and $10,000 (or more) for a long-distance move. International moves are typically more expensive.
Specialty moving services vary greatly depending on the item. Moving gym equipment, piano, boat, hot tub, or motorcycle could cost from $200 to $2,000. Expect to pay between $700 and $1,600 for shipping a car long-distance.
The cost of transporting an animal depends on the size of your pet, the transportation method, and the distance. You can expect to pay anywhere from about $100 to several thousand dollars.
The relocation costs also depend on the time of the year, month, and even week. It is typically cheaper to move in the winter, in the middle of the month, and mid-week. Any accessibility problems your movers encounter, such as a non-working elevator or lack of a parking space, can lead to extra fees.
Whichever type of mover you choose, budget for moving insurance. The average cost of moving insurance is between 1% to 5% of your property’s value. That is not a high price for getting adequate compensation if your belongings get damaged or lost.
Remember to budget for additional expenses. For example, you may need a storage unit, which can cost between $60 and $300 a month. And it’s customary to tip your movers between 10% and 20% of the moving service cost.
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Regardless of the type of move you're planning, professional movers can simplify the process, providing peace of mind and ensuring your belongings arrive at their destination safely. That is why you should head to AARP® Moving Services powered by Shyft, the program created to help people over 50 with moving houses.
Rely on Shyft to connect you with the right type of mover and organize your relocation seamlessly. You can relax and keep track of the process with the help of Shyft’s handy moving checklist.
No need to search for the right mover, and no need to invite moving company agents to your current home to take stock of your inventory. Shyft will do all that with the least possible inconvenience for you. Shyft will also be available round the clock to answer all your questions during the whole process.
On top of providing exemplary customer service by making every relocation a safe and secure experience, Shyft offers AARP members an exclusive discount of up to $250. That’s up to $250 off your next move, no matter where or how many times you move with Shyft.
Start your stress-free moving experience by downloading the Shyft Next app for iPhone or Android devices. Then schedule a video call with a Shyft representative online or by calling Shyft at 1-888-501-3181.
The Shyft representative, your dedicated Move Coach, will video-call you at the appointed time. During the 30-minute video call, point the camera on your device at the items you want to move. The Move Coach will take your inventory. They will also inform you about your options and answer your questions. Shyft understands that each move is unique and will help you make informed decisions.
It will take your Move Coach only 30 minutes more to create your inventory list. The list is typically 95% accurate. Review it carefully and add or remove items. You can also add or remove accessorial services such as packing or furniture disassembly.
The Move Coach will send the inventory list you approved, along with your moving details, to Shyft’s secure bidding platform. Verified moving companies will then bid for your relocation project. This process ensures that you get the best possible pricing.
You will receive up to three top quotes. Every quote will be from a different moving company. As soon as you accept a quote, the price is locked, which means you will know how much the move will cost. There are no hidden fees when Shyft organizes your relocation.
Whichever company handles your move, Shyft ensures the same high-quality standards apply to all.
Let Shyft take care of your move so you can start living your new life with as little stress as possible. Book your move now and claim your AARP member discount of up to $250.