For many people anticipating a move, the decision of whether to hire a mover or move themselves is an easy one. The cost could be out of the question for some and for others, a do-it-yourself move, let alone even doing their own packing, is simply out of the questions. But if you're at that point where you might consider hiring a mover, there are some important things to consider.

The cost of a move is based on distance, type of furniture, day of the week or month and access. If you are moving out of state, have lots of huge antiques, live on the fourth floor of a "walk-up" and can only move on Labor Day weekend, plan on paying top dollar and then some!

Get Moving Estimates

Call at least 3 moving companies to come to your home and provide you with moving estimates. The estimates are generally not binding, but some movers will give binding estimates guaranteed to be your final cost. The guaranteed estimate may actually be higher than a non-guaranteed estimate, but there won't be any surprises if your move ends up taking longer than anticipated.

Packing materials can add quite a bit to the cost of moving. Whether the movers are doing your packing or you are doing it yourself, try to get used boxes from the moving company -- they should cost you about half as much as new.

Hire Reputable Movers

In addition to the estimates, take into consideration the reputation of the mover. The lowest bid is not always the best choice. Wouldn't you rather pay more and hire a reputable company that will stand behind their service? Check with local consumer protection groups if you're making a short move. These agencies keep records of complaints that are filed against businesses. The Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) regulates moves from one state to another. The agency can provide a summary of the most recent performance reports of the largest moving companies.

When moving locally, some clients have given positive reports of using local off duty firemen. You may want to consider stopping by the new home area fire station and ask.

If you're moving to another state, the ICC requires the moving company to give you a document entitled "Summary of Information for Shippers of Household Goods." It details your rights and how to protect them. If you're moving within the state, check with the state attorney general for any regulations affecting the move.

Cutting Expenses

Even when you use a professional mover, there are ways to cut expenses. If possible, avoid the peak summer season. Minimize accessory charges -- hooking up appliances and moving heavy furniture up more than one flight of stairs. Also, do as much of the packing as you can (leave expensive and fragile items to the movers for insurance reasons) and don't take expendable items.

If you pack your possessions and move in a rented truck, your moving bill will be a fraction of the cost. You'll also increase the amount of work and worry for yourself, and there is a financial drawback.

Remember there is an expense to everything you move and it may cost you less to get rid of things and buy new when you need them versus the cost to pack and move junk. The second fridge in the garage falls into this category.

Recycled Boxes

Many communities have a local Used Moving Boxes shop. There is one in The Colony Texas on Main Street. Consider buying used and selling your boxes when you are done. This saves money and helps the environment.

Work with the Mark Hitz Realtor Team, Keller Williams Realty Northwest to Relocate, Buy or Sell a Far North Dallas Texas Suburbs Home

If you are thinking of moving, relocating, buying or selling a home, or just want to talk with an expert Real Estate Agent with detailed knowledge of the Current Far North Dallas Texas Suburbs Real Estate Market including The Colony TX, Little Elm TX, Frisco TX, homes for sale or any of the communities listed below, please feel free to contact us. Simply call us at 214-514-1800, or e-mail us. We'll be glad to talk with you about home relocation, moving and storage concerns, and help you in all of your Far North Dallas Texas Suburbs Real Estate needs.

About Our Moving and Storage Guides

Moving and storage commentary on this website is provided in a Keller Williams Realty Northwest advisory capacity for clients and customers. Our mention of specific movers, storage or related businesses is not rock solid endorsement by the Mark Hitz Realtor Team of their services nor should any moving or storage decisions be made soley based upon the information contained on this website. Links to any external movers, storage or related websites are provided as resources to assist relocating home buyers and sellers in their moving process. Our personal goal is to provide unique useful insight, opinion and information to potential relocating home buyers and home sellers interested in the Far North Dallas communities of Denton County and Collin County Texas. We encourage you to call Mark Hitz, Local Realtor® Keller Williams Realty Northwest at 214-514-1800 with any specific relocation, moving or storage questions you might have if you currently do not have a written agreement with another Texas real estate agent.

If You Already Have A Real Estate Agent

If you have already entered into a Written client | real estate sales agent Contractual Agreement with a Texas licensed real estate agent or Texas Realtor® this is not a solicitation for your business. It is unethical for us to work with clients of other Texas real estate agents and we adhere to this Realtor® code of ethics. We strongly encourage you to work with your current real estate agent, use their website guides, research and advisory abilities. Always contact them with any questions or "homes for sale" information you desire in your home buying or selling process instead of us, because using more than one Texas real estate agent will end up causing you unnecessary stress in one of the most important decisions you will make.