How to Decide Whether to Hire Movers or Move Yourself

Truck rental companies estimate that you can save as much as 50 percent by renting and driving a truck yourself, rather than relying on a moving company. Is the extra hassle worth it to you? Here are some things to consider.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Phone Books
• Calculators
• Measuring Tapes
• Moving Companies
• Pens
• Spiral Notebooks

1. Establish how far you're moving.

2. Decide what you will move and what you will leave behind.

3. Make an inventory of the contents of your home, room by room.

4. Estimate the volume of your belongings (usually in cubic feet).

5. Consider your resources - your budget, your health, and what friends, family members and vehicles you have available.

6. Call to find out how much it will cost to rent a truck or van large enough to haul your belongings. Remember to factor in the cost of gas, especially if you're in for a long-distance move - it can really add up.

7. Call several recommended moving companies and ask for estimates.

8. Decide if you want to share the job with a moving company, have movers do it all or do it all yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Your current or new employer may cover or help with moving costs. It's worth asking.

• Keep a record of all costs, as moving expenses may be tax-deductible.

• If you pack everything yourself, you may save money with the movers.

• Think about hiring some part-time help if moving yourself.

• Be sure you have enough help on both ends of the move.

• If you use inferior materials or equipment in your move, broken objects may end up costing you more than the movers would have.

• Shop around carefully before choosing movers and equipment. Be wary of fly-by-night operations.