Just moving across town can be a chore, but it can turn into an elaborate circus with multiple problems when you’re moving out of state. You’re closing one house while trying to coordinate tasks and move into another – in a new community!
When it comes to relocating your life and everything you own, most consumers discover they have four options; DIY, van lines, moving and storage brokers, and a moving company. Below we break down the general or typical “pros” and “cons” related to each solution.
Hopefully, this information will help you decide which option is best for you!
Many people move on their own without any help from professionals. Friends and family members offer free or cheap labor. You save money by renting your truck and driving yourself to your new residence in your new community.
Van lines are available in most cities and are another popular solution for consumers moving out of Arizona. These providers offer various long-distance moving services to save customers money when they relocate from Arizona to another state.
We recommend van lines only to individuals with a lot of moving experience and the extra time it takes to set things up with van lines. Independent contractors and small moving companies often use Van lines, too.
Some van lines offer services that “seem” comparable to services provided by professional moving companies. In reality, the van line model is inefficient, and if things go bad, you could end up waiting for weeks to finish your move.
In short, van lines are a good option for experienced movers who have extra time, know what to expect, and can navigate moving obstacles.
A moving broker is an agent who connects movers with moving companies. The most significant advantage of using a broker is that they have many companies they work with, so you may find a better rate (or at least what looks like a better rate) and enjoy greater flexibility in choosing a moving day. Just like DIY interstate moves, hiring a relocation broker does have risks. The most significant downside for using a broker is the strict rules they must follow, which often harms their customer’s experience. Plus, a broker is not a moving company; they connect movers with moving companies and earn a commission. Good brokers work hard and can help you complete a successful relocation. Unfortunately, some bad brokers and moving companies intentionally create low estimates, then charge more for delivery, and refuse to deliver unless you pay them additional money. Plus, when using brokers to hire a moving company, communication and customer service are often non-existent because the broker and the moving company have different schedules and goals; they have other objectives. Do your research and make sure you’re working with a legitimate broker registered with the FMCSA. Know your rights and check out the moving company the broker is using.
Local companies that provide moving services can be a perfect balance between DIY, moving brokers, and United Van Lines. With a local company, you can tailor the services in your contract to make it more affordable. You’re dealing directly with the movers instead of a third party so you can get a better feel for their reputation and care. You may also find local references to give you peace of mind. Although professional movers are more expensive than a DIY move, there are many benefits to professionals:
We might be biased, but we think professional movers are the best option for interstate moves. The benefits outweigh the increased cost because you have less stress.
Get Your Move On, LLC is a top moving company in Arizona, and yes, we almost always recommend hiring a moving company. We do this because we believe that most of our customers’ best option is to hire a professional moving company. That said, if we think you’ll be best off utilizing another service, we will let you know and give a reliable recommendation! Give us a call for a complimentary consultation.
or call us at (480) 695-6621
© 2019 Get Your Move On LLC. 1430 East Hadley Street – Suite 110 Phoenix, Arizona 85034
Licensing information: US DOT # 1885055
All rights reserved.
PROUDLY SERVING THE GREAT STATE OF ARIZONA SINCE 2005
Type of Residence | Square Footage | Number of Movers | Sparsely number of hours | Averagely number of hours | Cluttered number of hours | Additional Stops | Elevator | Long Carry | Stairs | Drive Time 10-20 miles | Drive Time 20-60 miles |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Studio Apartment | 500 | 2 | 2* hour minimum | 2* -2.5 | 2* to 3 | 1/4 – 1/2 hr.stop | 1/2-1 hr.stop | 1/2 – 1 hr./stop | 1/2 hr./flight | 1/2 hour | 1 – 1.5 hours |
1 Bedroom Apartment | 800 | 2 | 2* to 2.5 | 2* – 2.5 | 3 to 4 | 1/4 – 1/2 hr./stop | 1/2-1hr./stop | 1/2 – 1hr./stop | 1/2 hr./flight | 1/2 hour | 1 – 1.5 hours |
2 Bedroom Apartment | 1000 | 2 | 2* to 2.5 | 2* to 3 | 3.5 to 6 | 1/4 – 1/2 hr./stop | 1/2-1hr./stop | 3/4hr./stop | 1/2 hr./flight | 1/2 hour | 1 – 1.5 hours |
3 Bedroom Apartment | 1200 | 2/3 | 2* to 4 | 3 to 5 | 4.5 to 7.5 | 1/4 – 1/2 hr./stop | 1/2-1hr./stop | 3/4hr./stop | 1/2 hr./flight | 1/2 hour | 1 – 1.5 hours |
2 Bedroom Home | 1200 | 2 | 2* to 4 | 3 to 5 | 4.5 to 7.5 | 1/4 – 1/2 hr./stop | 3/4hr./stop | 1/2 hr./flight | 1/2 hour | 1 – 1.5 hours | |
3 Bedroom Home | 1700 | 2 | 2.5 to 4.5 | 3.5 to 5.5 | 5 to 9 | 1/4 – 1/2 hr./stop | 1 hr./stop | 1/2 hr./flight | 1/2 hour | 1 – 1.5 hours | |
3 Bedroom Home | 2100 | 3 | 3 to 5 | 4 to 6 | 6 to 10 | 1/2 – 1 hr./stop | 1 hr./stop | 1/2 hr./flight | 1/2 hour | 1 – 1.5 hours | |
4 Bedroom Home | 2000 | 3 | 4 to 6 | 6 to 8 | 1/2 – 1 hr./stop | 1 hr./stop | 1/2 hr./flight | 1/2 hour | 1 – 1.5 hours | ||
4 Bedroom Home | 2000 | 4/2 | 6 to 8 | 1/2 – 1 hr./stop | 1 hr/stop | 1/2 hr./flight | 1/2 hour | 1 – 1.5 hours | |||
4 Bedroom Home | 2500 | 3 | 5 to 7 | 7 to 9 | 1/2 – 1 hr./stop | 1 hr./stop | 1/2 hr./flight | 1/2 hour | 1 – 1.5 hours | ||
4 Bedroom Home | 2500 | 4/2 | 10 to 12 | 1/2 – 1 hr./stop | 1 hr./stop | 1/2 hr./flight | 1/2 hour | 1 – 1.5 hours | |||
4 Bedroom Home | 2500 | 5/2 | 9 to 11 | 1/2 – 1 hr./stop | 1 hr./stop | 1/2 hr./flight | 1/2 hour | 1 – 1.5 hours | |||
4 Bedroom Home | 2500 | 6/2 | 8 to 10 | 1/2 – 1 hr./stop | 1 hr./stop | 1/2 hr./flight | 1/2 hour | 1 – 1.5 hours |