Types of Moving Service Provided by Moving Companies

The moving industry offers many options to choose from for you and your family, regardless of the size of your household. Some professional moving companies can take care of all your moving needs; you just need to provide them with the necessary instructions.

Other movers may provide only the more specific aspects of the move and you need to do other parts of the work yourself. Each type of service in the relocation industry has its own costs and benefits. To determine which type of movers to contact for moving assistance, you need to assess the level of help you will require.

Which Moving Service is Right For Your Move?

The first step in choosing the best moving company is to assess your circumstances. Determining the size of your move and the distance you'll be heading should be your first step. Local moves may only require a small truck and a few move helpers. However, if you're relocating across the country, you'll likely need a larger vehicle and a more experienced team to guide you through the entire process. Additionally, you should think about your budget, deadline, and any unique needs, such as the demand for storage facilities or professional packing and unpacking services.

With so many choices, it might be challenging to choose the one that best suits your requirements and price range. To ensure a smooth and trouble-free move, selecting the right moving company is crucial. We'll go over some important things to think about when choosing a moving service provider in this post, along with some advice to assist you in making a wise choice. Whether you're relocating locally or across the country, this guide will assist you in selecting the moving services that best suit your requirements.

How to Choose the Best Moving Option

To find the right moving service for your needs, ask yourself these questions:

1. Are you moving less than 50 miles?
You might want to hire a local moving company or handle the move yourself.

2. Do you want to avoid lifting heavy items or have limited time?
A full-service moving company or hiring moving labor can save you time and effort.

3. Is your budget limited, and can you do the packing and loading on your own?
Self-service movers or portable storage units can help you save money if you're able to do most of the work yourself.

4. Do you have fragile, oversized, or unusual items like pianos or artwork?
You may need movers who specialize in handling delicate or bulky items.

5. Are you moving for a job or family and going to a different state or country?
Look into long-distance or international moving services that handle bigger relocations.

Insurance Coverage Differs Widely Between Moving Types

If you’re handling a DIY or self-service move, you’ll usually need to buy third-party insurance. Full-service movers, by law, include basic valuation coverage at 60 cents per pound. Only full-service movers usually offer replacement value coverage. See if your renters or homeowners insurance covers your move. If not, you may need to buy insurance designed for moving.

Moving Insurance Costs by Service Type

Insurance costs vary based on the type of move and the coverage you choose. If you’re handling the move yourself, third-party insurance typically ranges from $100 to $500. The price depends on the value of your belongings and the coverage level.

Full-service movers usually offer full value protection. This option costs about 1% of the total estimated value of your items. For instance, if your belongings are valued at $60,000, the protection would cost around $600.

Self-service moves, where you pack and load while a company transports your things, often use third-party insurance. This coverage typically falls between $300 and $3,000, depending on the policy amount and deductible.

If you're using a portable storage container, monthly insurance costs can range from $35 to $470. The rate depends on how much your stored items are worth and the coverage you select.

For DIY truck rentals, you can usually add insurance for about $20 per day. This protects you against damage or liability while you’re driving the truck.

Delivery Windows Differ by Move Type

Many people don’t realize that delivery times can range from 1 to 21 days, depending on the type of move. Full-service movers usually provide guaranteed delivery windows for an extra cost. Self-service and container companies often give a 2 to 14 day range without a set delivery date. If you’re on a tight schedule, full-service or DIY moving tends to be more reliable. If your move depends on timing, like starting a new job or overlapping lease dates, make sure the company guarantees the delivery date before you book.

Full-Service Moves

Full-service movers: the name says it all. You choose the company based on price, customer service, reliability, professionalism, and reputation. Full-service professionals handle all the necessary supplies, packing, loading, transportation, and unloading of your items at your final destination. Full-service movers will provide you with a moving quote based on a list of items that you will provide. This is the most convenient relocation option on the market available to you, but not the cheapest one.

Full-service movers are fully licensed and insured professionals and they will also offer you different options to ensure your belongings are protected against damage during the move. These moving services are ideal for those people who have busy schedules and want to avoid all the hassles and problems associated with a move and spend more time with their families.

Self-service moving is a hybrid option where you handle all the packing, loading, and unloading, while a professional carrier handles the transportation. Unlike DIY moves, where you also drive the moving truck, self-service options let you avoid driving a large vehicle.

The company usually delivers a trailer or moving container, such as U-Pack or 1-800-PACK-RAT. You typically have 48 to 72 hours to load your belongings. Once packed, the carrier moves the container to your new destination.

This works well for long-distance moves when you want to save money and avoid the stress of driving far. Pricing depends on the distance and space used, which is often measured in linear feet or container size. Delivery typically takes between 2 and 14 days, depending on the route and the carrier's workload.

U-Pack, PODS, and 1-800-PACK-RAT all offer moving containers, but their internal dimensions and space vary a lot. For example, PODS’ 16-foot container holds around 857 cubic feet, while U-Pack’s ReloCube holds about 308. If you don’t measure how much space you need, you could end up paying too much or not getting enough room.

DIY moving means handling everything yourself. This includes packing, loading, driving, unloading, and unpacking. It’s often the most affordable option, especially for short-distance moves.

Common expenses include truck rental, which typically costs $20 to $40 per day for a small truck and over $100 for large ones. Other costs include mileage fees, which range from about $0.69 to $1.29 per mile, plus fuel, tolls, moving supplies like boxes, tape, and padding, and sometimes insurance. A typical DIY move may cost between $300 and $1,200, depending on the distance and size of the move.

Although it saves money, DIY moving requires a significant amount of effort and is not ideal for large homes or items of high value. To avoid injuries or damage, consider hiring hourly moving labor to assist with loading and unloading your belongings. We provide these services and can help you utilize the truck space efficiently, preventing wasted space and items from shifting during transit.

Local Moves

If you're moving within the same city or region, you'll likely use a local moving service. Local moves are generally easier than long-distance ones, but planning and preparation remain crucial to making the move successful. Local moving companies often charge by the hour and specialize in helping people relocate within a specific area.

Local moves usually cover distances within 50 miles and are charged by the hour. Rates average between $80 and $150 per hour for two movers and a truck. Prices vary based on location, season, and day of the week. Although local moves are generally simpler than cross-country ones, poor planning or bad timing can still lead to delays and increased costs.

Look for a local moving company that is reputable, dependable, and known for doing quality work. To protect yourself and your belongings during the move, choose companies that are licensed and insured. Reading reviews and asking friends or family for recommendations can help you find a reliable local mover.

Moving a long distance involves careful planning and preparation because it is a difficult process. It entails transporting your goods across state or international boundaries. By providing you a complete moving plan and guidance on how to get ready for the move, a reliable long-distance moving company can make the process easier and less stressful. The company will also address any concerns that may arise during the trip and ensure that your goods are transported to your new location safely.

One of the most important things to take into account before moving a long distance is the cost. Due to the distance and additional logistics needed, this type of move typically costs more than local moves. The cost of long-distance moving typically depends on the weight of your possessions, the distance traveled, and any additional services you request, such as packing and unpacking. Finding a reliable and reasonably priced moving service requires comparing estimates from several companies and checking customer reviews to make sure you get the best value for your money.

Moving across borders to another country is part of the complicated process of international moving. The numerous legal requirements and customs laws that need to be followed make this type of migration complex. You can get the help you need from an international moving company to ensure a simple and hassle-free move. Your belongings will reach at your new location without incident if you follow their advice about the paperwork, legal processes, and customs rules.

Packing and unpacking, transportation, customs clearance, and delivery to your new home are often included in international moving services. A preliminary consultation is held to determine your specific needs and requirements. The moving company will then provide you with a comprehensive moving plan that includes details on the timeframe, pricing, and services offered. They will also give you guidance on how to comply with any applicable laws and customs rules.

Residential moving services can be customized to fit your home type, whether you live in a high-rise apartment, suburban house, or senior community. Each type of home comes with specific challenges, like elevator access, parking rules, or help with downsizing. Some moving companies focus on helping seniors by handling tasks like estate cleanouts or working with assisted living facilities.

Some residential movers are certified by the American Moving & Storage Association’s ProMover program. This shows they follow higher safety and accountability standards. You might also find companies that offer eco-friendly moves, such as using reusable containers or trucks that run on biodiesel. These options are easy to overlook, but they can make a big difference depending on what matters most to you.

Eco-friendly moving services are becoming more popular, using reusable packing materials, biodiesel trucks, and carbon offset programs. They help people reduce their environmental impact during a move.

Commercial moving is an essential service for businesses that are relocating to a new location. Commercial moving services can help the process go more smoothly, whether you are expanding your office space, downsizing, or moving to a new city. Packing and transporting of furniture, equipment, and other items are included in this kind of moving service. Choosing an honest commercial moving company is essential, as they understand the unique challenges of relocating a business and possess expertise in managing moves of all sizes.

For regulated industries, inquire whether the mover offers insurance that meets HIPAA, FERPA, or other relevant regulatory requirements. You should also verify whether they offer asset tagging or inventory audits as part of their services.

When moving oversized or heavy items such as industrial equipment or large furniture, freight moving services supply the logistics and equipment needed to handle the job. These services work well for items that are too large or heavy for standard moving options.

Moving labor services help people and families who are relocating to a new area by helping with the loading and unloading of their belongings. If you prefer to pack and move your own items but need assistance with the heavy lifting, this type of service is ideal for you. To load and unload your possessions onto and off of the moving truck, a moving labor company will normally send a crew of experienced movers to help.

Anyone moving to or from a location with stairs will find loading and unloading assistance to be extremely beneficial. Professional movers possess the knowledge, tools, and expertise to load and unload your possessions safely, ensuring they are protected and the movers are not put at risk.

Specialty moving companies are special types of moving services that focus on moving rare, heavy, and large items. These businesses have the skills, tools, and knowledge necessary to move pianos, gun safes, hot tubs, grandfather clocks, artwork, and other specialty goods safely and effectively. Specialty movers, as opposed to regular movers, frequently base their prices on the size, weight, and distance of the item being transported.

Specialty moving companies often utilize specialized tools like forklifts, crates, and ramps that are made to transport large and bulky objects safely. Additionally, they possess knowledge of how to pack and secure these products to prevent damage during transportation.

White-glove moving services are the highest level of relocation support, designed for clients who need careful handling and luxury service. Unlike standard or full-service movers, white-glove teams specialize in moving high-value, delicate, or irreplaceable items like original art, antique furniture, rare instruments, and custom installations.

This service includes several key features:
• Climate-Controlled Transport: These vehicles utilize temperature and humidity controls to safeguard items that can be damaged by heat or moisture, such as oil paintings or vintage wines.

• Custom Crating and Packaging: Each item is packed in a custom crate made with high-quality materials that help prevent damage from vibration or moisture.

• On-Site Technical Support: These teams often include specialists, such as AV technicians or conservators, who manage the disassembly and reinstallation of home automation systems, sculptures, or art displays.

• White-glove moving isn’t just for luxury items. It’s often the best choice for complex moves involving custom AV systems, temperature-sensitive items, or multi-day setups, particularly for executive relocations.

Comparison Table: Pros and Cons of Each Moving Service

For people or families who are moving or need more storage space, portable moving and storage services are a cost-effective and flexible choice. This kind of service includes use of portable moving and storage containers that can be delivered to your place, filled with your possessions, and then transferred to your new location or kept in a safe area until you are ready to pick them up.

With the help of portable moving and storage services, you are able to pack and load your possessions at your own time without worrying about meeting a deadline. You can have the mobile storage units delivered to your home or place of business and keep them there as long as you need. The container can be picked up and delivered to your new site once packing and loading are complete, or it can be stored at a secure facility until you are ready to receive it.

Typical U.S. Cost Ranges:
• 8' to 16' containers: $200 to $800 per month for rental
• Delivery and pickup fees: $100 to $300 each way
• Long-distance transport: $1,000 to $4,000, depending on mileage

Renting a moving truck and doing your own packing, loading, and unloading is typically the least expensive moving option. This choice is also referred to as a self-service or do-it-yourself move.

In conclusion, selecting the best moving service requires a thorough analysis of your particular circumstances and thorough research to identify a trustworthy business that can match your expectations. You can narrow down your options and find a company that meets your needs at an affordable cost by considering factors such as the size and distance of your relocation, your budget, and any specific requirements.

You can make sure that you make an informed decision and steer clear of any unpleasant surprises during your move by taking the time to read reviews, check certifications, and get moving quotes from several companies. Not only that, but you can be confident that your possessions will be carried to your new house safely and effectively if you have the appropriate moving company on your side.

Cost Comparison Moving Services