Moving Company and Equipment Rental

Often, everything around moving to a new location is exciting and even fun, though the moving itself is rarely what you'd call a "good time". On top of the prospect of packing and unpacking your stuff (or hiring someone to do it for you), the cost of paying for a moving company and equipment isn't going to be cheap. If you're moving across the state or across the country with a full apartment or full house worth of stuff, you're going to need help far beyond your neighbor's truck.

Moving Companies v. DIY
The safest way to move is to do-it-yourself. The most dangerous time for your household items is when they are packed and unpacked. If you're willing and able to do this yourself, you're probably going to increase the chances of getting everything to your new place in one piece. On the other hand, finding a reputable moving company and signing a clearly stated contract will guarantee your stuff gets there or is replaced by the moving company.

Still, even people who are willing to pack their own things often find it nearly impossible to move on their own, especially if they're moving any considerable distance. You may be tempted to hold a yard sale (not a bad idea to get rid of some extraneous items you want to replace or no longer use), but hauling the majority of your major household items to your new place is still likely to be cheaper than furnishing a new home or apartment.

Actual Costs of Moving Equipment Rental
That said, the process of renting a moving truck is a lot more complicated than you might first think. Some companies rent by the size of the truck you need and offer unlimited mileage. Other companies may offer a free moving truck upgrade, but charge you per mile. Neither charging system guarantees the best price, but you'll need to carefully measure what the true cost of the rental is most likely to be.

To get a good price on your moving equipment rental, you should get quotes from multiple moving companies. Most people realize this, but what they often don't realize is that when you call and the time you're moving will probably play an even bigger role. If at all possible, try to move during the middle of the week, when demand is considerably lower for moving equipment. Plus, if you know you're moving, don't just call early, sign a contract well in advance to guarantee yourself that price.

Moving Company Equipment
Moving trucks are the most common and obvious piece of moving company equipment, but they're not the only one. Dollies and other lifting and moving equipment may also be rented (or may be included with the moving truck). A moving company may even provide you with boxes and packing tape for an additional fee. What is included and how much this other moving equipment rental will cost should be considered before contracting a moving company.

Other Helpful Hints Dealing with a Moving Company and Equipment Rental

• Get phone numbers or contact information for the three most recent clients. Or use our quality-controlled company ratings system.

• Create a written inventory for all your things. Check immediately after the move for each item and any damage. The sooner you file a complaint, the more likely you are to see compensation.

• Movers may not be qualified to disassemble or reassemble complex electrical equipment or appliances. Do this yourself or have it done separately if this happens.

• If you hire a moving company to pack your things, make sure they charge in weight not volume. Otherwise, they may deliberately under-pack boxes and charge you more.
  Marcus Pickett is a professional freelance writer for the home remodeling industry. He has published more than 600 articles on both regional and national topics within the home improvement industry.