The task of researching moving services can feel overwhelming to the first-time mover. The great news is we’ve already done the research for you. Throughout this article you’ll find the basic information you need to know about moving companies, packing services, and (LINK) self-storage options. We’ll also cover the differences between American moving services and international moving services. Once you make your choices, you’ll be able to relax and look forward to settling into your new home!
The first decision you need to face is whether you’re (LINK) packing up and moving everything, or if you will have a need to put some belongings in self storage. There are times when people take work assignments that require relocating, but that aren’t going to be forever. If the goal is to eventually return to your current living situation, and you won’t need everything while you’re away, leaving some things in storage can be an economical decision. Some of the options for storage include: self-storage units that rent on a month-to-month basis, portable storage units, and the (LINK) moving company itself. In the case of the moving company, they will load up your furniture and then store them at their company facility you are ready for them to be delivered again.
Where you are moving to affects the decision of who you will call to help with your moving services. If it is a local move (typically defined as in-state moves of 100 miles or less), you will want to consider doing the move yourself, with or without friends and family helping. It’s a good idea to add up the expected costs associated with self-moving: gas, cost of a (LINK) rental truck if needed, and keeping any volunteers happy with food and beverages. If the stresses of moving yourself are too much, it’s fine to still hire professional movers. If your move is long-distance (out of state, or more than 100 miles in-state) you should definitely consider professional local moving services. Choosing professional moving services can save you time, headaches, and days off from work. For a bit extra, the professionals can also take care of some or all of your packing. Especially when it is your first time moving, it can be great to have the expertise of movers so your belongings don’t end up broken, torn, or otherwise damaged.
If your move is to another country, there are other choices to consider for your move. For starters, it is a great idea to try to communicate with other people who have moved to that country—they may have really invaluable tips about the process that will save a lot of time and hassle. This is another good time to consider storage or even thinning your belongings through a garage sale or donation, so there’s less to pack, ship, and move. Depending on how far away the country is (are you able to drive over a border to get there or is it overseas?), you may need a moving truck, shipping services, airline and/or ship freight. You will also need to investigate any restrictions and limits on imports that the new country has. A good tip is to get in contact with your embassy in the new country, as they may have all of that information readily available. When investigating professional international moving services, you need to find out if the company is registered or certified to do international moves and what kind of actual experience they’ve had with these moves. This is another time when personal recommendations come in handy!
The more time you leave to plan the move, the better. With the luxury of time, you can compare and research different moving companies, storage choices, and the policies and regulations of where you’re moving to (if it’s (LINK) international). You have time to make an inventory of your belongings, decide whether or not you need insurance, and really compare the differences in prices between handling the move yourself, or trusting it to professional moving services. Perhaps the best piece of advice is to expect the unexpected and expect that not everything will go perfectly. Moving is an inexact science that is best handled with a generous mix of knowledge, patience, and humor.
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