Comparing Moving Service and Truck Rental

Are you faced with the dilemma of having to choose between hiring movers or renting a truck instead? This is a very common question faced by people every day.

Let’s consider a scenario where you’d have to move from your current home into a new state, like New Mexico for example. Take a look at the possible alternatives:

Case # 1 – Going with a Truck Rental

If you’re going to go for a rental truck, the truck along would cost about $1,000 just for the rental fee. Gasoline isn’t included here yet because you have to load it up yourself. Let’s pretend that a gallon of gas costs $5. With a truck that gets 10 miles per gallon, travelling 900 miles to New Mexico would incur a total gas cost of ($5 x 90) $450. But that is IF you will get a clear 10 miles per gallon, considering that you will have to go up mountains and rough terrain.

But that’s just the beginning of it because you need to rent dollies ($40 for two), and buy blankets and padding ($50), plus saran wrap (let’s say $30). Let’s not forget that you still need to hire professional movers at some point if you want to get your bulky furniture and appliances in and out of your new home. That’s a solid $60 per hour, per person.. Say, 3 hours for 3 guys.

It’s also important to consider that driving the truck yourself would mean that you would have to spend a night in a hotel or motel. That’s another $100, which still doesn’t include meals.

The approximate total now is at $2,210.

All of this is without the safety net of an insurance policy.

Case # 2 – Hiring a Moving Service

Now let’s look at a situation where you hire professional full-service movers.

For this scenario, all of the moving personnel are included in the package. So is the truck and all of the equipment needed (dollies, blankets, boxes, etc.). You’re also paid for the loading and unloading at both address. For this move, a sample rate would be $3,300 for a two-room apartment.

That’s about a thousand dollars more than the first scenario.

And let’s not forget that you also didn’t need to sweat much for this move. You let the movers do the dirty work and you just go at your own happy pace. You can drive or fly to your new home at your own pleasure and finish the move, all in one day.

Some will look at the difference as a deal maker or a deal breaker, it all depends on you really.

Now here is the kicker, do you think that the difference in terms of cost is enough for you to exert more time and effort? Which is more important to you, monetary savings or speed and comfort?