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At Moving APT, we’ve been helping customers move for over 20 years. It’s been a lot of communication and coordination, and it’s been a lot of learning and note-taking, too. We’ve picked up plenty of tips and tricks, and we’re ready to share what we know.
You may be using Moving APT to book the best movers on the market, but you can always take some steps to make moving day easier on your end. Read on to see how you can save time, save money, and save yourself a major headache.
DIY Moving vs. Professional Movers
There’s more than one way to move. For most folks, the choice boils down to A: doing it solo; or B: booking pros to take care of everything. We can help you manage your move no matter your choice, but we still want you to be informed before you book anything.
1. DIY Moving
Pros
- Pretty streamlined and easy to plan
- Can move at your own pace
- Cost effective (if you do it right)
- More hands-on approach means you’re more in-control
- You get a tiny road trip out of it
Cons
- Expensive if you do it wrong
- You’ll still need help with heavy items
- Road trips are horrible and traffic is awful
1. Professional Moving Companies
Wouldn’t it be nice if you just… didn’t have to deal with any of the moving BS? You’re in luck: Professional movers will take care of all the hard stuff so you don’t have to. Packing, loading, transportation – heck, even unpacking and arranging your furniture. Sure it costs more, but the convenience is priceless.
Pros
- Completely hands-off on your end
- Some movers let you pick and choose exact services
- No need to worry about packing
- Specialists can securely transport high-value items
- Your home can be fully unpacked before you arrive
Cons
- Pricier - but you can find good deals
- Requires a team you can trust
How Much Do Professional Movers Cost?
Professional moving companies aren’t that expensive: You can book a good team of long distance movers for as low as $400, and even less if you’re keeping your move local.
Local moving companies charge per hour, per mover. Expect to pay anywhere between $40 and $80 an hour for these guys. It takes about two movers per bedroom, so if you’ve got a big house, you may be on the hook for more money. Same goes for extra time stuck in traffic, so try to schedule smart. Fortunately, local movers are great at finding shortcuts and side streets.
Long distance moving companies charge per mile and per pound. There are a few long distance movers that charge per cubic foot, but at the end of the day, the method is the same: You’re getting billed for the amount of stuff you own, and the amount of miles you’re traveling. Long distance movers can cost between $400 to $12,000 – but that $12,000 figure is for 5-bedroom homes and coast to coast moving.
How to Move Like the Pros: Moving Tips from Moving APT
Whether you’re doing it yourself or working with professional movers, these pointers will still help you out. Here are some insider tips to make moving easier:
1. If you’re DIYing it, start early. We say this with zero exaggeration: Start two, even three months in advance if possible. That’s eight to 12 weekends. When was the last time you had eight weekends in a row without something coming up?
2. If you’re hiring the pros, start early, too. It’s better to start early if you’re hiring pro movers, too. If you book early enough, you’ll get a much better price. Plus, you’ll be able to pick from all the in-demand time slots.
3. Spreadsheets are your friends. Organize as much as you can. This means writing stuff down, and using a spreadsheet to track what you still have to do. Not a fan of Excel? We’ve made a printable moving checklist for this exact purpose.
4. Downsize as much as possible. It’s important to do this before you get quotes from moving companies. The more stuff you have, the more you’ll have to pay. Take some time to clean house. Sell, donate, or just… throw away all the stuff you don’t need.
5. Don’t book the first movers you find. It’s tempting to book the first moving company that pops up on Google. But just because they’ve got a big name doesn’t mean they’ll be the right fit for your needs. Try to get at least three quotes from three separate movers.
6. Be realistic about your services. The best movers let you pick and choose your moving services, so you’re not on the hook for a bunch of expensive add-ons you never needed. But you’ll only save money if you’re realistic about your must-have options.
7. Be flexible on delivery dates. You can save even more money by providing a moving window instead of an exact moving date. This allows your movers a bit of flexibility for pickup and delivery, and they’ll often show their appreciation with a discount.
8. Don’t skimp on insurance. Movers are required to provide basic insurance, but it’s only good for $0.60 per pound of damaged goods. Your PS5 is worth more than $10, so shell out the extra couple hundred bucks for full value insurance coverage.
How to Pack Like the Pros, Too
Packing is tough, but if you do it right, it can be… well it’s not enjoyable, but it’s certainly more doable.
1. Get the right boxes for the job. Sure, you’ve probably got a few Amazon boxes lying around, but they aren’t gonna cut it. We made a whole guide on the different types of moving boxes, so give it a read and make sure you’re buying the right type.
2. Make sure you’ve got the other supplies, too. An old Iron Maiden t-shirt is only going to do so much for protecting your fragile items. If you want to get serious about packing, buy the good stuff (bubble wrap, air pillows, and more).
3. Label everything. And not just “FRAGILE” in big letters. WHAT’S fragile inside the box? And where is the box supposed to go? Bedroom? Living room? Kitchen? Sharpies are your friends. Use them to minimize the confusion and chaos.
4. Start with your least-used items. Seasonal decor and all the art on your walls, that’s the stuff that you wanna pack first. If you’ve been following our instructions, you’ll have plenty of extra time to pack your way up to your most-used items.
5. Set up a staging area. Don’t just leave your boxes lying around all over the place. When they’re taped up, they should go in a dedicated staging area, whether it’s a bedroom or just a corner. This’ll make it way easier to load up the moving truck, too.
6. Stack like with like. You’ll probably have a bunch of different types of boxes. Don’t stack them all together. A big box on top of a small box is just asking for trouble. So’s a heavy medium box on top of a large box full of pillows.
7. Put together an essentials bag. Grab a suitcase or backpack, and pack it like you’re going on a business trip or mini-vacation (depending on how much work you actually want to do when you’re unpacking). Keep all your daily essentials in there, too..
Need Some Help? Check Out These Moving Services
At Moving APT, we help our customers get the exact services they need for the big day. A tailored move is way better (and cheaper) than a one-size-fits-all moving plan. Check out some of these options and add-ons:
1. Storage
Storage gives you extra square feet, but it also gives you extra time to unpack on your own time. There are plenty of different storage providers, and billing per month is the industry standard. You may have extra time to unpack, but you’ll have to make sure you clear out your storage unit in good time – otherwise, you’ll pay out the nose.
Don’t want to rent a truck every time you visit your storage unit? Check and see if your movers offer full service storage. This means they’ll keep your belongings in a secure, on-site warehouse, and they’ll deliver them straight to your door when you need them!
2. Auto Transport
A DIY move can be a fun road trip, but are you really going to do the same road trip over and over again for every car you own? If you’re driving a moving truck, someone’s gotta get your car (or cars) to point B. Enter auto transport.
Auto transport comes in several shapes and sizes. Open trailers are pretty affordable, but your car will be exposed to the elements. On the other hand, closed trailers are more expensive, but they offer a real VIP experience for your cars by keeping them totally sealed up. Either way, you won’t have to make several trips.
3. Specialty Item Handling
Some items are fine to just toss in a box. But others need a little more finesse. After all, you wouldn’t throw a Picasso in with your dirty socks. Or maybe you would, you dirty dadaist.
Specialty item handling is a must-have if you’ve got extra-heavy, extra-awkward, or extra-expensive items. People need to move artwork, pianos, pool tables, and more. When you book a specialty mover, they’ll come equipped with all the tools (and experience) needed to disassemble, pack, and even build custom crates around all that precious cargo.
4. Moving Labor
Moving labor is pretty much what it sounds like. Not a lot of people know this, but if you’re trying to DIY your move, you can still call in the pros to help you with the hardest items. They’ll show up with furniture dollies, hand trucks, all that good stuff. Then, they’ll help you load up your heaviest pieces, and get out of your hair.
Moving labor is a great choice if you’re trying to save money with a DIY job. It’s not super expensive (usually like $40 to $80 an hour), and it’s a lot more reliable than trying to bribe your friends with pizza and beer.
Book Your Move with Moving APT
Ready to move? Ready to find movers to do it for you? Moving APT is here to help. Use our moving cost calculator to find the best movers in the business, and we’ll manage the rest.
Moving and Packing FAQs
How far in advance should I start planning my move?
We always recommend planning your move two to three months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to clean house, book movers, and procrastinate on all the rest. Or, know, you could do all of your packing and paperwork in a timely fashion.
Where can I find cheap boxes?
The right box is always a good investment. Moving companies can sell packing supplies at a good price, and you’ll get stuff that the pros use. You can also buy boxes at places like Home Depot or Lowe’s, but it can be hit-or-miss when you’re looking for a specific size.
If you want to be really cheap about it, you can ask bookstores, liquor stores, or your local business park for some boxes. They usually have some sturdy ones lying around. Just make sure they aren’t dented, damp, or otherwise damaged.
Why does moving take so long?
Professional movers take between one and 21 days to complete a move, but local moves are typically much faster. When it comes to interstate moving, there are rules laid out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that control the amount of hours a driver can work per shift, so some delays are unavoidable.
Movers also practice bundling. If your move doesn’t fill up an entire trailer, they’ll bundle multiple moves back there to cut down on dead space and empty square footage. They’ll use dividers to keep everything separated, but they’ll also have to delay delivery for some pickups and dropoffs along the way.
How can I avoid common moving scams?
If you’re reviewing a mover’s website, check for an FMCSA MC number, and a Department of Transportation (DOT) number, too. Aside from certifications, try to get multiple quotes from multiple moving companies.
If a price looks too good to be true, odds are it’s a scam – or it’s got some serious strings attached. Oh, and never pay full price before moving day.
Is DIY moving worth it?
Yes, but only if you do it right. You’ve gotta stay super disciplined with your expenses (truck rental, gas, food, lodging, etc.) if you want to come out on top. Otherwise, it’s death by a thousand cuts, with the extra headache from doing all the packing and hauling by yourself. Do the math ahead of time. It may be almost as expensive as just hiring the pros.
