How Far in Advance Should I Book Movers

Ever since the first moving companies hit the stage, the moving business has flourished.

This is because there’s no denying the many benefits of hiring professional movers. With the average American moving at least 11 times in their life, it’s no wonder they want a little help.

Before hiring professional movers, there are a few things you need to consider. First, there’s the time. It is important to contact your movers at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance so that they may fully prepare for your move.

Then, there’s the cost to hire movers. This number varies depending on the distance of the move and the amount of stuff you need to be moved.

If you’re interested in learning more about the ins and outs of hiring professional local movers, you’ve come to the right place.

Is it better to move or hire movers?

Every move is different, which means the question of how exactly you should move from one place to another is dependent upon you.

Certain factors that affect moving from one place to another are time, cost, and distance. Let’s get one thing clear: if you are absolutely unable to afford movers or on a strict budget, move.

That being said, while it is the assumption that moving yourself is cheaper, don’t forget to consider some of these hidden costs when moving on your own.

The rental truck

Moving on your own does not mean you are free of using professional services completely, you still need the truck. Rental truck advertisements often make it seem like you are saving a buck by renting the vehicle alone, but some of the things you will definitely have to pay for are filling up the gas tank, mileage, and insurance. Put all of that together and you might as well be close to the cost of professional movers anyway.

The time

Moving is a time-consuming event. You can’t do it in a day, sometimes you can’t even do it in a week, so consider this: how much time did you or will you have to take off work? Was this paid time? If not, the cost of you taking off work is still a monetary loss and you may want to consider if the DIY method is saving you anything at all.

The stress

Lastly, there’s stress. Practically the entire reason that rental companies and professional movers ever gained success was that they take the stress off you - the same stress that can affect your mind, your body, and every facet of your move. While there may not be a price tag on stress consider what you gain by letting the professionals do all the work. While it may be stressful for you to think of all the gas stations along the way that fit a 25-foot truck, the professionals will know exactly where to go. And that’s just one of the different types of stress that comes with moving by yourself.

When it comes down to the dollar, moving is cheaper, but for every other benefit including peace of mind, choose the professionals.

How much does it cost to have a company move to you?

While you’re counting pennies before your next move and trying to decide if you should hire professional movers, it helps to know how much they actually cost.

Of course, every company, for every move will be different. Here are a few averages, however:

Professional moving costs range anywhere from $500 to $1500.
The average rate for professional movers is $25 to $50 per hour.
For a 4-bedroom house, moving locally, with professionals, the expenses average $800 to $2000.
On average, when moving out of state, using professional movers will cost approximately $1000 per room in the home.

For a complete estimate, be sure to contact the local moving company first. In fact, always contact several companies before selecting one for the best rates. Fortunately, a quote is always free.

Do you tip movers on both ends?

Tips are an excellent way to say someone provided you with excellent service. However, even in the moving industry, they are not required.

That being said, some companies will include a tip already in their price, so make sure you read the fine print up front.

Different moving companies recommend different tip amounts ranging from $5 per hour per mover, up to $200 for a full day with a few movers.

You may also choose to tip movers ‘on both ends; this means the packing end and the unloading end. If you have two different crews doing each part of the move such as packing, driving, and unloading, this might be a courteous thing to do.

Be sure to ask up front if you do have different crews along the way. Otherwise, if it is the same people helping you move throughout the entire process, no, you don’t have to tip on both ends.

Other ways to tip include:

Tipping by percentage: This is not typically recommended, because especially for long-distance moves, this can be very costly.

Tipping with food: This is always a fan favorite. Whether you’re hiring professionals or just a few friends, there’s nothing better than free food and drinks along the way.

How soon before moving should I start packing?

If you’re asking yourself how early is too early to start packing before a move, the answer is: never.

As soon as you hear a final word that you are moving, it is best to get the process started, even if this is only so much as making a to-do list. By the time the 8-week mark has rolled around, but that to-do list into action.

There is a common timeline that most moving companies recommend.

6 - 8 weeks before

Declutter all the things. Before you move anything, decide what can be thrown away, donated, and saved. Begin to make piles and discard accordingly.

Contact moving companies. Begin comparing prices and receiving quotes. Also, look to see if there are specials and discounts for moving at different times of the year.

4 – 6 weeks before

Have a moving sale. This is an excellent way to get rid of that old junk and make a few extra dollars before the big move.

Choose a moving company. By making the decision at this time, you can truly begin planning the logistics of your move.

Order/ collect packing supplies. Be sure to look for free boxes and other supplies before purchasing any, which can be costly.

4 weeks before

Begin the actual packing process and make sure to create a labeling system first.

Pack unused and useless items first such as decorations, the stuff in the attic, and garage.

Contact charities for pickups and donations.

2 weeks before

Pack the things that aren’t crucial for daily use.

Organize bills, important documents, etc. and pack or keep with you if needed.

1 week before

Finish packing non-daily essentials.

Build a day-or box for all the things you need on the day of the move.

The big day

Clean EVERYTHING. Defrost the fridge, throw away old food, and leave any furniture you don’t want behind and labeled ‘free’.

How do I pack fast?

Even with all this planning in mind, sometimes you just don’t get lucky. Sometimes you find out you’re moving in 2 weeks and you feel like you barely have time for anything.

While it may be a little stressful, we can say that it has been done. Packing fast might be a challenge, but it’s far from impossible. You just need to be able to do these things:

Make a list- this is always important, but especially when you’re pressed for time. Make a list so you’re sure not to forget anything.

Ask for help- when there’s little time, the more hands to help, the merrier.

Pack the kitchen first- You’d be surprised how many useless and less useful items are in the kitchen. Pack this stuff first, then go room by room

Throw away too- packing isn’t the only thing we’re watching; throw away unused items as you go along, instead of saving it for the end.

Have supplies easily available- put the supplies somewhere you can always find them, again and again.

Keep clothes on hangers- this is a huge time and money-saving trick that every mover and move should know.

Fill suitcases and drawers- Save time by packing suitcases and drawers/ dressers.

Even if you’re not packing in a pinch, it is still helpful to try these tips and tricks. And whether or not you decided to move or get professional help, you’ll still want to do these things along the way.

Moving is often stressful, time-consuming, and filled with lots to do. One option for alleviating stress is by hiring professional movers.

For every other need in life; medical, dental, etc. you see a professional. Movers offer just another exceptional way to get a job done.

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How Far in Advance Should I Book Movers?