Pros & Cons - from Quotes At Home

The most economical way to move is to do it yourself. Sounds simple- just rent a truck, load up your belongings and go. This can be a good option if you're not going far, don't have a lot of things to haul and are willing to do the labor yourself.

But think twice about a long distance do-it-yourself move. When you factor in all the costs, gasoline, hotels, meals, insurance, packing materials, truck and equipment rental, you may not save as much as you originally planned.

Consider a few questions before you decide to do the move yourself:

Do I have time to pack, load, unload and drive?
How many heavy items, like furniture and appliances, do I have to move?
Am I physically capable to do the work?
Do I have friends and family that can help me?
Can I handle a large truck over a long distance?

Rental companies like U-Haul, Ryder, and Penske make it easier with step-by-step moving and packing guidance. These companies will provide you with charts that help you calculate what's needed to haul your belongings. Be sure to shop around for truck rates, and don't rent more truck than you need.

An economical option, especially for long-distance moves, is to use a self-service moving company, otherwise known as U Load, They Drive. Again, there are many things to consider before contracting with a U Load, They Drive company. Here are some of the pros and cons of this service:

PROS:

Self-service moving gives you greater control of every aspect of your move. For example, you have more flexibility with the timing of your move.
Professional movers cost money. In addition to the extra expense for service, there may be many “hidden” charges. For example, moving supplies and boxes may cost you hundreds of dollars extra. Self-service moving may save you a great deal of money if the size of your move is manageable.

CONS:

Inexperience. If you have never done a self-move, you may risk damage to your belongings or to your new residence. Failure to pack belongings correctly can also result in broken items, which will cost you more money to replace in the long run.
Do you have a lot of large furniture? Are you prepared to move the large items, such as sofas, televisions, & appliances yourself? Personally handling these large items will make you more susceptible to injuries.
A long-distance move may be a lot to handle yourself, especially if you’re a beginner. Can you handle driving and parking a large moving truck?
Taking time off from work? Due to unexpected delays, you may miss more time than you anticipated.