FINANCIAL SIDE OF MOVING
-> How to save on a moveJul 06, 21:04
Question by sadamson30 (susie)
Mobile storage vs. Full service movers with storage
I have another broader question with which you could perhaps help me. As i mentioned, we are moving from greensboro, NC to NJ but don't know where we'll be living immediately after we move. we have a $5000 moving allowance from my husband's new employer and i'm trying to figure out the best use of that money. Here are the options that I've considered so far:
1. PODS or a similar storage unit/move
pros: don't have to move our stuff twice, will allow us to store our containers, etc. also seems like a good economical option
cons: we'd have to buy all of the moving equipment like blankets for the furniture, etc. we have boxes and such, so that's not an issue. we are also moving a fridge and W/D so i?m a bit wary of that.
2. hire a moving company, rent a storage unit in NJ, and move again once we have a house
pros: professionals to load and unload our stuff
cons: more expensive, uncertainty of quality of movers (we've had a couple of bad move experiences in our family), will have to load and unload twice
any thoughts? other suggestions?
thanks,
susie
Jul 06, 21:48
Answer by alexzehn (Alex Z.)
Your analysis of the situation is very good. Let me try to help you by showing how you can work on the cons of the first option since it is often much better to move yourself if you can.
Blankets for the furniture: you are right about the fact that moving blankets are expensive (about $15 a piece, and you don't need them in the end), but I would actually siggest you to use paper pads (you can buy them in our moving supplies store), you get 12 of those for just $25 or so, which is a deal compared to the other option.
Professional loading of the items into the container: first of all you can never be sure that the movers you will hire will in fact be as professional as you hope them to be - that is a sad fact. Still, movers are movers and they certainly have more experience with moving than you do.
For that reason we always recommend our readers to get a copy of a training DVD
Heavy lifting: finally, if you really feel that you would need some helpl with moving the stuff into the container (and probably later on to unload it) you could actually hire a labor help. Basically you will get helpers to help you do the loading for as many hours as you need them.
You could check with Moving Labor Services (they have a network of moving labor providers all over the nation) and see how much they charge for the kind of service you need (you can also call them 866-874-8059, ext 705 or 706).
I would not recommend the second option for one of the reasons you mentioned - your items will have to be moved twice, so you should expect extra damages to your items. By educating yourself you could avoid those damages if you only load and unload the items once and if you learn yourself how to do it right.
Good luck with your move,
Alex Z. @ MovingAnswers.org
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