There are a lot of things to consider when preparing to move, including how to pay for it. The expenses can add up fast, but planning ahead can help you be prepared every step of the way. These tips can help you make an effective moving budget that won’t break the bank.
MOVING COMPANY
The team will arrive on moving day, load all of your belongings, transport them to your new home and unload it all right where you need it—and you won’t have to lift a finger.
PROS:
EVERYTHING IS HANDLED FOR YOU.
The moving company is there to do just that— help you move! So when you invest in this option, you save yourself the stress and effort of getting everything from point A to point B. That leaves you more available to focus on other moving tasks like cleaning. (However, some moving services offer cleaning as an add-on service!)
IT CAN BE MORE EFFICIENT ON MOVING DAY.
ave the process down to a science, since they’re more experienced in lifting heavy items, fitting large items through narrow spaces and stairs, and loading all the various odds and ends in the truck. For those who aren’t as experienced in these tasks, hiring movers can be a real time-saver.
THE MOVING COMPANY OFFERS INSURANCE.
Moving companies offer various levels of insurance that provide repair/replacement coverage if anything is lost or damaged. Before you hire a moving company, ask them what insurance they provide and ask questions to be sure you understand the terms.
CONS:
IT CAN BE EXPENSIVE.
While helpful and efficient, hiring a moving company can significantly increase the total cost of moving. Each moving company is different, but most quote based on volume/weight of your belongings, the distance traveled between destinations, how long the move takes, how many movers are needed, as well as factors like stairs, specialty items and more.
If you need a way to help manage your moving expenses, the Synchrony HOME™ Credit Card can help with a credit limit dedicated to home-related expenses.* Make your home-related purchases with one card, when you need them, and pay them off over time with convenient monthly payments.*
YOU HAVE LESS CONTROL.
If you prefer to handle and load/unload your own items, on your own schedule, using a moving company may not be for you. They determine the time they arrive and how everything is arranged in the moving truck to make as few trips as possible.
IT REQUIRES PLANNING AND PREPARATION.
Using a moving company requires you to have everything organized and ready to go prior to moving day. It can be helpful for movers to see boxes labeled “upstairs bedroom” or “kitchen,” or to have you guide where large furniture should be placed, but it’s more work on your part to have everything planned ahead of time.
MOVING TRUCK
Renting a moving truck helps you get more belongings where they need to go, while still offering the flexibility and control of moving everything yourself.
PROS:
IT OFFERS MORE SPACE FOR TRANSPORTATION.
Cars can only accommodate so many items, and even large trucks, SUVs and vans have their limitations. Renting a large moving truck can offer additional space for you to load more items and make fewer trips.
YOU CAN CHOOSE THE RENTAL PERIOD TO FIT YOUR SCHEDULE.
Many companies will let you rent a truck for a few hours to several days, with the option to return early or extend your rental as needed. This offers much more flexibility compared to hiring a moving company that is on a stricter schedule. You can take the time you need, while keeping the expense in mind.
CONS:
MOVING TRUCKS CAN BE DIFFICULT TO DRIVE.
For those who don’t have experience or aren’t comfortable driving a large vehicle, renting a moving truck may not be the best option. They can be tricky on narrow roads, around sharp turns and over long distances.
YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY A RENTAL FEE, PLUS GAS.
Rental companies charge based on the rental period and/or mileage, while you would likely be responsible for putting gas in it. While it will cost considerably less than hiring a moving company, it will still increase the budget—especially if you’re doing a long-distance move and will require more time, mileage and fill ups.
DIY MOVE
Moving yourself can be a lot of work, but also offers flexibility in how things get done. Asking friends and family for help can make a big difference, and even add a little fun to the process!
PROS:
IT’S LESS OF AN EXPENSE.
While you may have to pay for packing supplies like boxes, packing tape, blankets and dollies, it will still cost much less than if you hired a moving company or even rented a moving truck. If you don’t mind the work, it can keep more of the budget available for potential upgrades or purchases for your new home!
YOU HAVE MORE CONTROL.
From the timeline to the organization, moving yourself allows you to do it your way. You can choose how things are loaded in your vehicle, which can reduce the risk of losses and damages. You can move everything at once or a little at a time. Determine the plan that’s right for you!
CONS:
IT REQUIRES MORE TIME AND EFFORT.
Not only do you have to sort, pack, organize, unpack… moving yourself adds more items to your to-do list. Depending on how many people are available, and how much vehicle space you have, it could be a multi-day event. Not to mention, it can be exhausting.
YOU MAY NOT HAVE THE PROPER SKILLS OR EQUIPMENT.
Moving yourself means it’s up to you to figure out how to get a large sectional through a narrow doorway or an extremely heavy piano up a flight of stairs. Movers are trained for these types of scenarios, and can use certain tools or equipment to get the job done, but it can prove especially challenging for the rest of us if not prepared.