Comments on: Calculating The Cost Of A Moving Service Versus The Cost Of Doing It Ourselves http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:08:33 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Pamela Munro http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-272970 Pamela Munro Fri, 09 May 2008 20:29:52 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-272970 I have done all my own moves - (ok, once my parents paid for it) - The last time my husband frankly did most of it over time. We ditched a lot of furniture and moved what we had in several truck/car loads. Unless the packers are really GOOD (& I would think expensive) you probably could do better yourself. Hire daylaborers for heavy lifting. Move the fragile/valuable items yourself in your own vehicle for security. Or rent a Uhaul truck or trailer....Having your friends help is really a bonding experience which goes beyond the $ value of the help - It's the way we knit community together, so don't rule out that participation entirely! I have done all my own moves – (ok, once my parents paid for it) – The last time my husband frankly did most of it over time. We ditched a lot of furniture and moved what we had in several truck/car loads. Unless the packers are really GOOD (& I would think expensive) you probably could do better yourself. Hire daylaborers for heavy lifting. Move the fragile/valuable items yourself in your own vehicle for security. Or rent a Uhaul truck or trailer….Having your friends help is really a bonding experience which goes beyond the $ value of the help – It’s the way we knit community together, so don’t rule out that participation entirely!

]]> By: Pete http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-45387 Pete Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:20:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-45387 What about renting the truck yourself and hiring people to help you pack it through a site such as craigslist.com or hireahelper.com. Its a whole lot cheaper than hiring a full service moving company and I would rather have someone with experience move my stuff then have my friends come in and start bumping furniture into walls and dropping boxes filled with dishes or whatever. What about renting the truck yourself and hiring people to help you pack it through a site such as craigslist.com or hireahelper.com. Its a whole lot cheaper than hiring a full service moving company and I would rather have someone with experience move my stuff then have my friends come in and start bumping furniture into walls and dropping boxes filled with dishes or whatever.

]]> By: Rob in Madrid http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-45297 Rob in Madrid Wed, 11 Jul 2007 09:50:50 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-45297 I've done lots of moves and surprisingly the one I liked least was the "full service move" where they came in and packed everything. I would much prefer to do the packing my self and let them do the loading. I know where everything is and can ensure it's well packed. We had a lot of stuff damaged. Things like loose table legs, kind of thing you can't put a claim in for. I’ve done lots of moves and surprisingly the one I liked least was the “full service move” where they came in and packed everything. I would much prefer to do the packing my self and let them do the loading. I know where everything is and can ensure it’s well packed. We had a lot of stuff damaged. Things like loose table legs, kind of thing you can’t put a claim in for.

]]> By: Wyntyr http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-45002 Wyntyr Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:23:48 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-45002 The faster you can get your belongings into the new house, the better. I remember what it was like being that pregnant and going through the nesting phase. Your wife will probably want to get everything settled well before the big day! Everything is going to have to be just right, really clean, and ready for the new baby. I think her piece of mind would be worth the money. :) The faster you can get your belongings into the new house, the better. I remember what it was like being that pregnant and going through the nesting phase. Your wife will probably want to get everything settled well before the big day! Everything is going to have to be just right, really clean, and ready for the new baby.

I think her piece of mind would be worth the money.
:)

]]> By: Kristi http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44791 Kristi Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:26:31 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44791 Call around and get more quotes. I hired movers for $200 to move 6 rooms worth of stuff. (They usually charge by the room). The people who advertise as movers always charge more. Call the guys in the newspaper that advertise themselves as handymen. They'll do moving and at a much cheaper price. Call around and get more quotes. I hired movers for $200 to move 6 rooms worth of stuff. (They usually charge by the room). The people who advertise as movers always charge more. Call the guys in the newspaper that advertise themselves as handymen. They’ll do moving and at a much cheaper price.

]]> By: Kevin http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44693 Kevin Mon, 09 Jul 2007 19:32:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44693 We have moved quite a few times, and there are two other considerations which have been important to us. 1) Breakage. If a mover breaks something, it's hard and unpleasant to collect. If a friend breaks it, it's even worse. SO, we move the stuff we really care about ourselves. 2) Accidents and Injuries. On one move I backed the moving truck into our car, immediately cancelling out all our savings. Admittedly accidents and injuries don't happen every move, but you feel silly trying to save a few bucks when they do. We have moved quite a few times, and there are two other considerations which have been important to us.
1) Breakage. If a mover breaks something, it’s hard and unpleasant to collect. If a friend breaks it, it’s even worse. SO, we move the stuff we really care about ourselves.
2) Accidents and Injuries. On one move I backed the moving truck into our car, immediately cancelling out all our savings. Admittedly accidents and injuries don’t happen every move, but you feel silly trying to save a few bucks when they do.

]]> By: Grayson De Ritis http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44639 Grayson De Ritis Mon, 09 Jul 2007 16:01:09 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44639 This is a common debate I have with myself with moving, Trent. I've yet to go with the option of having someone else do it, because I'm usually very gun-ho and love DIY methods. As I get older though, having someone else (like 2 Men&Truck) at least help would be beneficial. This is a common debate I have with myself with moving, Trent. I’ve yet to go with the option of having someone else do it, because I’m usually very gun-ho and love DIY methods. As I get older though, having someone else (like 2 Men&Truck) at least help would be beneficial.

]]> By: m360 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44638 m360 Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:58:23 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44638 I tend to agree with the little by little way. I like to let places overlap so that I can take a week/few days to move a few carloads at a time, at least the little things (like your storage items). Also as moneyning mentioned, it can cost a lot more to feed the friends, buy them a 6 pack, case, or what ever they're into. Also, if they help you move and it's understood that you owe them one, what are they going to spring on you in the future? I'm all for helping those who have helped me but sometimes the price isn't worth it (depending on the caliber of friends). I have had many disasters when friends help me move. They bite off more than they can chew, like when it took 3 hrs. to get my couch up the stairs and wanted to quit. The rest of the move became more exspensive than it would have been if I just hired someone in the first place. I have had to leave heavy things behind, had things stolen during the moving process, and the 'hired help' had to go home to the jealous girlfriend, etc. I am extremly frugal, and down right cheap but I have come to learn that being too cheap can backfire at times. The stress factor, pain tolerance of all involved, and other things that don't really cost anything should all be taken into consideration. I think you are wist to hire a moving company. I think I will too, the next time I move. I tend to agree with the little by little way. I like to let places overlap so that I can take a week/few days to move a few carloads at a time, at least the little things (like your storage items).

Also as moneyning mentioned, it can cost a lot more to feed the friends, buy them a 6 pack, case, or what ever they’re into. Also, if they help you move and it’s understood that you owe them one, what are they going to spring on you in the future?

I’m all for helping those who have helped me but sometimes the price isn’t worth it (depending on the caliber of friends). I have had many disasters when friends help me move. They bite off more than they can chew, like when it took 3 hrs. to get my couch up the stairs and wanted to quit. The rest of the move became more exspensive than it would have been if I just hired someone in the first place. I have had to leave heavy things behind, had things stolen during the moving process, and the ‘hired help’ had to go home to the jealous girlfriend, etc.

I am extremly frugal, and down right cheap but I have come to learn that being too cheap can backfire at times. The stress factor, pain tolerance of all involved, and other things that don’t really cost anything should all be taken into consideration. I think you are wist to hire a moving company. I think I will too, the next time I move.

]]> By: MB http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44603 MB Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:26:29 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44603 Trent -- Having moved ourselves once and used a mover once, I would never again do it ourselves. In fact, I'd gladly pay 4x that to have someone else do it. Just want to remind you though, that you need to tip the movers. Here in NJ (which admittedly has a much higher cost of living), our moving guys (4 of them) worked so hard that we tipped them $100 each ... and I bought them lunch. I don't begrudge them a cent ... Also, my other hint: if you own the new house before moving out of the apartment, you should take over a carload of stuff everyday or so. I brought over all our kitchen stuff and clothing that way. Took it out of the cabinets in the old house, packed it fairly casually in boxes, drove to the new house, and unpacked the stuff right into the new cabinets. Makes packing and unpacking easier and even cuts down on the moving costs because there's that much less for the movers to move. Trent –

Having moved ourselves once and used a mover once, I would never again do it ourselves. In fact, I’d gladly pay 4x that to have someone else do it.

Just want to remind you though, that you need to tip the movers. Here in NJ (which admittedly has a much higher cost of living), our moving guys (4 of them) worked so hard that we tipped them $100 each … and I bought them lunch. I don’t begrudge them a cent …

Also, my other hint: if you own the new house before moving out of the apartment, you should take over a carload of stuff everyday or so. I brought over all our kitchen stuff and clothing that way. Took it out of the cabinets in the old house, packed it fairly casually in boxes, drove to the new house, and unpacked the stuff right into the new cabinets. Makes packing and unpacking easier and even cuts down on the moving costs because there’s that much less for the movers to move.

]]> By: plonkee http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44586 plonkee Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:12:29 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44586 I've just been through a similar calculation myself with the same result. There's no pregnant wife and small child to contend with here, but I am a single girl and to move myself would require a rented van (£100), several helpers (2 friends possibly, 3 relatives driving from 100 miles away - easily £80 in food/drink + associated future favours) and so much effort on my weekend. I'm paying about £340 for the movers and taking some time off work - well worth it. I’ve just been through a similar calculation myself with the same result. There’s no pregnant wife and small child to contend with here, but I am a single girl and to move myself would require a rented van (£100), several helpers (2 friends possibly, 3 relatives driving from 100 miles away – easily £80 in food/drink + associated future favours) and so much effort on my weekend.

I’m paying about £340 for the movers and taking some time off work – well worth it.

]]> By: profplum27 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44487 profplum27 Mon, 09 Jul 2007 04:43:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44487 Movers are definitely the way to go. Just be careful with the mover you choose. Two Men and a Truck said it would take four hours to move our one-bedroom apartment to another less than two miles away, and it ended up taking eight. Movers are definitely the way to go. Just be careful with the mover you choose. Two Men and a Truck said it would take four hours to move our one-bedroom apartment to another less than two miles away, and it ended up taking eight.

]]> By: Dani @ Living Behind the Curve http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44479 Dani @ Living Behind the Curve Mon, 09 Jul 2007 04:16:22 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44479 When we bough our house last year, we used a <a href="http://www.ericsmovingandstorage.com/" rel="nofollow">local moving company</a> that was highly recommended by several of my co-workers. We were offered a substantial discount if we moved in the middle of the week, which worked well for us since I had already planned on taking time off for the move. The movers were wonderful, and not a single item was broken or damaged. (I moved our computers and guitars myself.) One of the hidden expenses that I dreaded with the move was the chance of spending a week or more eating take-out while we searched boxes for pots and pans. Having movers allowed me to relax during a very stressful time -- I actually sat on a camping chair in my empty living room -- and not only did I cook dinner that night, we were 100% unpacked by the time I returned to work a few days later. When we bough our house last year, we used a local moving company that was highly recommended by several of my co-workers. We were offered a substantial discount if we moved in the middle of the week, which worked well for us since I had already planned on taking time off for the move. The movers were wonderful, and not a single item was broken or damaged. (I moved our computers and guitars myself.)

One of the hidden expenses that I dreaded with the move was the chance of spending a week or more eating take-out while we searched boxes for pots and pans. Having movers allowed me to relax during a very stressful time — I actually sat on a camping chair in my empty living room — and not only did I cook dinner that night, we were 100% unpacked by the time I returned to work a few days later.

]]> By: MoneyNing http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44473 MoneyNing Mon, 09 Jul 2007 03:31:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44473 I found that everytime I asked my friends to move, I end up buying them a very nice meal which costs more than just hiring the moving company in the first place. Also, using moving companies essentially takes most of the heavy lifting out of the picture for you so there's more time to enjoy the move to the new place instead of the potential arguements since everyone is tired. I found that everytime I asked my friends to move, I end up buying them a very nice meal which costs more than just hiring the moving company in the first place.

Also, using moving companies essentially takes most of the heavy lifting out of the picture for you so there’s more time to enjoy the move to the new place instead of the potential arguements since everyone is tired.

]]> By: Livingalmostlarge http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44469 Livingalmostlarge Mon, 09 Jul 2007 03:12:49 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44469 Movers for sure. If I were pregnant I'd consider it $350 well spent. Her aching everywhere otherwise. You'd be in the dog house potentially. Movers for sure. If I were pregnant I’d consider it $350 well spent. Her aching everywhere otherwise. You’d be in the dog house potentially.

]]> By: Michele@Philoxenos http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44457 Michele@Philoxenos Mon, 09 Jul 2007 02:39:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44457 You totally made the right decision. We have moved 6 times in 7 years and only one time have we had movers. I hate moving. But moving with movers was amazing. I think the key is that you'll be moved in four hours. Particularly because you want to have your son's things moved over by the time he finishes daycare, it'll be so much easier to do when you're not stressing about it yourself. And I personally would also pay a cleaning service or a friend to clean your apartment. It might cost you $100 but that way you can focus on the new place. You totally made the right decision. We have moved 6 times in 7 years and only one time have we had movers. I hate moving. But moving with movers was amazing. I think the key is that you’ll be moved in four hours. Particularly because you want to have your son’s things moved over by the time he finishes daycare, it’ll be so much easier to do when you’re not stressing about it yourself. And I personally would also pay a cleaning service or a friend to clean your apartment. It might cost you $100 but that way you can focus on the new place.

]]> By: Helen http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44437 Helen Mon, 09 Jul 2007 01:18:15 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44437 Don't forget to tip the movers! Don’t forget to tip the movers!

]]> By: Jared http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44436 Jared Mon, 09 Jul 2007 01:13:25 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44436 When my wife and I moved out of our second-floor apartment last November, we paid movers to move the heavy items to the house. During our 3-year stay at the apartment, we had acquired heavy furniture (delivered for free by the company) including a sofa-bed. After watching the deliverers move the items into the apartment, I knew there was no way we were going to try and move them back down myself. It cost us about $150 to have them move the heavy furniture, and took about an hour (it was a short move). The rest we moved by car. As for your situation, your back and arms will appreciate the extra money spent on movers. You can always have a "moving in" party at your new house - rather than having your friends help move, have them help unpack and order pizza! You'd be unpacked in an amazingly short time. When my wife and I moved out of our second-floor apartment last November, we paid movers to move the heavy items to the house. During our 3-year stay at the apartment, we had acquired heavy furniture (delivered for free by the company) including a sofa-bed. After watching the deliverers move the items into the apartment, I knew there was no way we were going to try and move them back down myself. It cost us about $150 to have them move the heavy furniture, and took about an hour (it was a short move). The rest we moved by car.

As for your situation, your back and arms will appreciate the extra money spent on movers. You can always have a “moving in” party at your new house – rather than having your friends help move, have them help unpack and order pizza! You’d be unpacked in an amazingly short time.

]]> By: ammb http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44435 ammb Mon, 09 Jul 2007 01:05:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44435 wife pg + sm child? $350 from a checked out company sounds like a good way to save unnecessary wear n tear on the family. just make sure everything's inventoried & sign nothing until all's accounted for. we used moved to get up to our 3rd floor apt & we'll be using movers to get down to our house when we buy one. saves our backs & our time :) wife pg + sm child? $350 from a checked out company sounds like a good way to save unnecessary wear n tear on the family. just make sure everything’s inventoried & sign nothing until all’s accounted for.

we used moved to get up to our 3rd floor apt & we’ll be using movers to get down to our house when we buy one. saves our backs & our time :)

]]> By: Lynn http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44430 Lynn Mon, 09 Jul 2007 00:46:58 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44430 Make sure they are licensed and bonded. I used to work as a Senior Claims Specialist in household goods loss/damage and I can promise you, if its not covered by a policy or bond, you can write off. Remember to weigh the cost of replacing/repairing an item vs $$$ and time saved. I even had a business card that read "Make a claims adjuster happy, break something!" LOL nowadays if I move, I move myself. Make sure they are licensed and bonded. I used to work as a Senior Claims Specialist in household goods loss/damage and I can promise you, if its not covered by a policy or bond, you can write off. Remember to weigh the cost of replacing/repairing an item vs $$$ and time saved. I even had a business card that read “Make a claims adjuster happy, break something!” LOL nowadays if I move, I move myself.

]]> By: Karen http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/comment-page-1/#comment-44428 Karen Mon, 09 Jul 2007 00:33:02 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/07/08/calculating-the-cost-of-a-moving-service-versus-the-cost-of-doing-it-ourselves/#comment-44428 Like feonixrift, I'd be thinking about the possible injury to self! For me, the extra $220 would be insurance against pulling out my back. Since my work requires me to be on my feet (I teach) I'd end up taking time off. Just isn't worth it. Like feonixrift, I’d be thinking about the possible injury to self! For me, the extra $220 would be insurance against pulling out my back. Since my work requires me to be on my feet (I teach) I’d end up taking time off.

Just isn’t worth it.

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