Moving Yourself vs. Using a Professional Moving Company in Gainesville
The decision to hire a moving company often comes down to cost for most families, and with good reason. Movers in Gainesville, Florida that are good and reputable charge a premium for their services, and this is because of the immense cost that it takes to operate a fully licensed and insured moving company in Florida. Doing the move yourself can usually save you money if it’s a short local move in town, but rarely will it save you hassle, frustration or headaches. When moving out of Gainesville over long distances, the gap in price from doing it yourself and hiring a moving company is often much closer. Knowing the difference between self relocation and having a moving company relocate you to your new home can help you make an informed decision.
When trying to figure out if you should hire a moving company, it is a good idea to figure out what the cost would be if you did it yourself. This will give you an idea of the differences in cost, liability and time to complete the relocation. Below you will find a few things to consider, and the pros and cons of each.
- How large is your move going to be?
Smaller moves can often be cost effective as a do it yourself solution, but there are a couple things to ask yourself. If you feel that you will not need much in the way of specialty packing supplies for very fragile items, or extra help for really large items, this may be a good idea for a self relocation. The issue here is time vs. money. For most small moves, a seasoned group of movers can pack, load and transport your items in a couple hours. Most people who are not moving professionals could never pull off this feat, as it is no small one.
- Is your move going to be local or Long Distance?
Doing small local moves, can usually be accomplished with the help of some friends, and a small pickup truck. This method will help you with cost and friends are sometimes willing to work for pizza and a beer. Just don’t expect to have it done in a timely manner if the 12 pack gets started on early. For long distance moves you will have to contact a Gainesville truck rental company and see what the prices are for a rental truck. The rental companies are very good at helping you determine the size truck you want. You always want the one that will get the job done with the least amount of extra space. This helps when packing the truck safely and on gas in the long run. A moving company in Gainesville will come and give you a proper estimate, which is advised to be obtained from three different movers. You will probably be surprised that hiring a professional relocation company will not be a lot more than doing the move yourself after you factor in time, gas, and supplies.
- What time of the year will you be moving?
Moving during the summer months is going to increase the cost of your move no matter what. Truck rental places such as Uhaul, Penske, and Budget raise their rates accordingly during the peak moving season as do the moving companies in Gainesville. This is normal and to be expected from May-September.
- Will you be able to count on your help showing up?
Unfortunately we have heard all to often that someone had friends that were supposed to help, but they ended up bailing on moving day. Always remember that this is your move, and if you ask someone to help they had better be reliable. There is nothing more frustrating than realizing you’re going to be doing your move all by yourself, or that you have to contact a moving company the last day of your move.
Our list above are only some of the things you should consider when deciding whether to move yourself or hire a professional. In the end you will have to weigh your budget against the individual needs your move may have. Even if you are dead set on moving yourself it’s a good idea to get some free online moving estimates in the process.
