Hiring movers can often be both a blessing and curse. You hardly have to lift a finger during your move, and the most strenuous part of it is telling the movers where to put your stuff. However, many choose not to pay for moving help. Expense, hassle and cost vs. benefit are some reasons why. So, how can you tell if you need to hire a moving company?
Hire movers if you:
- Have a lot and/or heavy items. That piano won’t lift itself.
- Are moving far away.
- Aren’t able to lift your own furniture/don’t have additional help.
- Aren’t confident in your ability to move all your items without breaking them.
- Want to have a fast and easy move.
DON’T hire movers if you:
- Have a lot of friends that can help/own trucks.
- Want to be budget-conscious.
- Don’t have a lot of items, i.e. moving into a dorm or apartment.
- Are moving a short distance, such as same city or down the block.
- Trust yourself not to break fragile/irreplaceable items.
Keeping this in mind, you should also think about the amount of work you want to put into the move, what kind of schedule you want to keep (much stricter when working with a moving company), and moving company scams.
Besides the cost of hiring movers, there are other expenses to keep in mind when you’re relocating. Here are some common ones:
- Moving materials. You may have to buy boxes, storage containers, packing tape, bubble wrap, and more.
- Move-in fees. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a security deposit or move-in fee, and if you have pets, you may have to pay a pet fee as well. Some landlords also charge application fees and administrative fees. When totaled, these can add up.
- Replacement costs. If there is any damage to your apartment that your security deposit doesn’t cover, you might have to shell out the money to get it fixed.
- Renters insurance. Many landlords are now adding mandatory renters insurance to the lease, and even if it is not required, it’s a wise idea. Here’s why.
Whether you hire movers or not, it’s important to have a strategy figured out before moving day. Where do you want to put all your furniture? Which room will each box go in? Will gas and electricity be turned on for your first night in your new place? Make sure these questions are answered before your move, and it will go more smoothly.
Once you’re settled in, the rent payments start. Ease your mind and make sure all your payments are received on time when you pay your rent online with WilliamPaid!
