If you’re moving to a new home, you’ll want professional help. A full-service move means that the movers will pack for you, transport your belongings, and unpack them at your new home. But what does that really entail? And how much does it cost?
Most of us have some kind of moving horror story. Maybe some friends heaved a couch over a staircase, crashed through a window, or knocked out a light fixture. But the reality is that a residential move is more complicated than most people think, and the best way to get it done right is to hire a reputable moving company.
There are a lot of different services offered by residential movers, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into before hiring one. Many companies offer a full-service option, and others will just transport your belongings and leave you with the burden of packing, unpacking, and hauling away the debris. Here’s a look at what you can expect from each type of mover:
A full-service move includes everything that you need to get your stuff moved, from packing to unpacking to disposing of the wrapping and boxes. The movers will also handle the heavy lifting by loading and unloading your items into and out of the truck. This can be particularly helpful if you have a large number of boxes or very heavy furniture to move.
The movers will also use padding, dollies and carpet protectors to keep your possessions safe during transportation. They’ll use them to protect your furniture from scratches, and they’ll also wrap and secure fragile items like mirrors and paintings. Then, at the end of your move, they’ll haul away all the empty boxes and wrapping materials from the truck.
For certain specialty moves, like pianos or antiques, some movers may also disassemble furniture pieces for easier transport and reassemble them at your new home. This is an especially useful service if your old and new homes have very different floor plans, or if you’re planning to purchase a new piece of furniture that needs to be assembled.
Some movers may also offer additional options like cleaning, storage and pet transport. This can be helpful if you have a busy schedule, or if your home isn’t quite ready for the move-in date yet. Some companies even offer a “pickup and delivery” service where they’ll pick up your items from your house or apartment, then deliver them to the new address for you.
Finally, if you’re moving to a new state, some movers will transport your car or motorcycle for you. This can be an especially helpful service if you’re moving from a very rural or remote area to a more urban center, where parking can be limited and expensive. This is also a good option if you’re leaving a big-ticket item behind like a boat or classic car and need it delivered to your new home. Check with your local movers for details.