If you need to relocate, which is the better option – rent a truck from say U-Haul or Penske and do it yourself, or you hire a full-service professional mover like Two Men And A Truck? The answer depends on several factors, one of which is your available budget.
Generally, the cost of renting a moving cargo trailer or truck is cheaper than the cost of hiring a professional moving company. However, to the quoted fixed vehicle rental price, you will also have to later add certain variable expenses like fuel costs, toll fees, special insurance, possible fines and penalties, plus the packing materials you’ll have to buy on your own. In contrast, the quote you’ll be given by a professional mover will typically cover everything from start to finish of your relocation.
Distance too is an important factor. If you’re moving to just another part of your city or town, you’re probably better off with renting a moving vehicle. However, if you’re relocation would involve crossing over state lines, you might find yourself willing to pay the higher rates than personally having to drive that far. For that matter, do you even have the expertise, or for that matter the familiarity with the route, for driving a large truck on your inter-state journey?
Another important factor is the belongings you will be bringing with you in your move. Do you have a lot of heavy, bulky stuff? Do you own a lot of fragile, breakable, delicate expensive things? Professional movers are trained on how to properly pack, load and move all kinds of cargo. They also come properly equipped. They have ramps, jacks, lifts, dollies, hand-trucks and other special moving tools. Additionally, they will insure your property against damage. If they break anything, they’ll pay for it. On the other hand, if you do your relocation DIY, you take full responsibility for all your stuff. If you break anything, that’s your loss.
Where you’re moving to is also a factor you may want to consider. If it’s to an apartment unit at the top floor of a building or it’s to a house that’s several yards away from the street where you’ll be parking the vehicle, can you tow your stuff on foot? If you’re not in tiptop physical condition, you may be better off if you hire a professional for the job. Surely, you don’t want to put your health at risk just because you want to save a few bucks.
