Coordinating a home or office move can be a juggling act, with countless moving parts to keep in the air. One decision you face is whether to choose moving pods or professional movers. Professional movers provide expert packing and handling services, taking some of those juggling balls out of your hands. Moving containers offer flexibility and the chance to pack at your own pace.
This guide will help you weigh each choice, making your moving experience — and juggling act — a little easier.
The Differences Between Moving Containers vs. Professional Movers
The main difference between using moving containers and hiring professionals is responsibility. Full-service movers handle packing, loading, transit and unloading, so you hardly need to lift a finger.
Moving pods are rentable shipping containers delivered to your home or office. You pack your items and keep the container until the provider picks it up for transport or storage. You are responsible for the safety of the container and your belongings while it sits on your property.
1. Cost Considerations
One of the most significant pain points during a move is the cost. On the surface, renting a moving container might seem more affordable. However, hidden costs can add to the total. The initial cost of hiring professional movers is higher, but they save time, effort and potential damage, which could save you money in the long run.
Moving Containers
The cost of renting a moving pod depends on the following factors:
- Rental fee: You’ll pay a fee based on the container size, type and rental duration.
- Distance: The container’s travel distance impacts the total cost. Moving across town will be more affordable than moving across the country.
- Insurance: It’s wise to purchase insurance to protect your belongings while they’re in storage or transit.
- Loading and unloading: You are typically responsible for loading and unloading the container. Carrying heavy or fragile items can be tricky, but hiring outside help can add to the overall cost of the move.
- Storage: Moving container companies may offer storage solutions for an extra fee.
- Packing materials: You must pack and load the pod, including purchasing packing materials. So, you’ll have to budget for boxes, Bubble Wrap, tape and markers.
Professional Movers
Moving companies offer included and additional services. The services you choose and factors like distance covered or the size of your home or building can influence the cost:
- Distance: Moving companies typically charge based on the weight or volume of your items for long-distance moves. A local move costs less, and movers typically charge by the hour.
- Labor expense: Professional movers charge hourly rates based on the number of movers and trucks. Any extra hours will incur a charge.
- Packing services: Some people prefer packing their valuables themselves. Moving companies offer packing as an additional service and may provide the packing materials.
- Storage: Some companies offer short-term, long-term or storage in transit options.
- Valuation: Movers often include basic liability coverage for your belongings. You may need to pay extra for high-value items or more comprehensive coverage.
For local or small moves, containers may be more affordable if you load and unload them yourself. A full-service moving company is more beneficial for long-distance or complex moves. The value of equipment, labor and coverage can outweigh the savings of using a moving pod.
2. Time, Effort and Convenience
Relocating takes time and physical effort. Before move-in day, there is research to do, planning to take care of, scheduling to complete, decluttering to get done and packing to finish. Here’s how moving containers stack up against professionals for time and convenience.
Moving Containers
Renting moving pods lets you move at your own pace, but it comes at a personal cost of time, effort and convenience. Consider the following:
- Loading and unloading: You control the loading and unloading process. Loading heavy or awkward items is physically demanding and can increase the risk of injury.
- Rental period: Hiring a container for a week or month gives you some breathing room. However, beware of procrastination, which can extend your move time.
- Transport time: Waiting for your container to be delivered can extend your timeline.
- Flexibility: When you hire a pod, you can load and unload it at your own pace.
- Self-packing: Packing your items gives you more control but takes significant physical effort. Self-packing also takes more time.
- Limited help: Loading your container can be time-consuming without support from friends, family or hired workers.
Professional Movers
A moving company saves time and increases convenience. Here’s why:
- Efficiency: Professional movers pack, load and unload at lightning-quick speeds.
- Scheduling: Setting dates for packing, loading and unloading can streamline the moving process.
- Shorter duration: With their skill and workforce, movers can complete a move in a day or weekend.
- Full-service: Comprehensive moving services can ease the physical and mental toll of moving.
- Handling expertise: Movers pack and handle even fragile items with ease. You can focus on other areas of the move, knowing your belongings are safe.
- Lifting pros: Professionals move heavy items, preventing you from sustaining injuries and the costs of medical expenses.
Renting moving containers offers scheduling flexibility. However, self-packing and loading take longer and require more physical effort. Professional movers offer a quicker, hassle-free process.
3. Safety and Liability
Whether moving family heirlooms or valuable business equipment, you want to ensure the safety of your possessions. Renting moving pods and hiring professional movers provide different safety and liability options.
Moving Containers
Moving pods offer a lesser degree of safety because of their self-service nature:
- Self-loading: Handling fragile or bulky items can increase damage and injury risk.
- Storage safety: Keeping the container on the street exposes it to the elements, theft and vandalism. Secure storage under cover can help protect your belongings.
- Insurance: Container providers offer different levels of insurance. The coverage varies, so be sure to read the fine print. Basic liability coverage may only cover the items declared on your inventory list.
- Self-responsibility: You are responsible for the security and safety of your belongings while the container is in your care.
Professional Movers
Moving companies have the expertise to safeguard items throughout the relocation process.
- Safety protocols: Professionals understand proper lifting techniques and how to handle heavy or fragile items. Their expertise reduces injury and damage risks.
- Equipment: Moving companies use equipment like straps and padding to protect your belongings.
- Valuation coverage: Reputable movers carry comprehensive liability coverage for damage or loss. This coverage adds an extra layer of security compared to moving containers.
- Claims assistance: Many companies have a dedicated department for handling claims and compensation.
Professional movers offer peace of mind for those prioritizing safety, speed and time savings. Choose a reliable moving company with a strong track record and valuation coverage.
Should You Use Moving Containers or Hire a Professional Moving Company?
Whether you use moving pods or hire a moving company depends on your budget, needs and priorities. For smaller home moves, DIY enthusiasts may enjoy the responsibility of packing, loading and unloading a container. Complex home or business relocations may benefit from the efficiency and experience of professional movers.
Trust Corrigan Moving Systems for a Stress-Free Move
At Corrigan Moving Systems, we can hardly “contain” our passion for creating seamless moving experiences. We infuse every move with personalized service and unmatched customer care. You can expect the same level of care whether you move across town or across the globe.
We offer a full suite of residential and business relocation services. Trust our qualified team to deliver your belongings with speed, efficiency and care.
Let us handle your move so that you can focus on what’s important. Call us or contact us online today to request a quote!
