Moving companies may be classified by the location and distance of their services. Local movers generally serve within 100 miles of their base, while long-distance movers serve moves that exceed 100 miles. You’ll need an international mover to cater to your needs.
Aside from location and distance, movers have these 6 general classifications according to the services they provide. Read on to learn more about which moving service you should get to make a seamless move.
1. Commercial Movers
Commercial movers are best to use when relocating your business to a new location because of the workforce required to move equipment, inventory, and machinery. Some businesses hire commercial movers, especially when dealing with high-value items like handling antique or fine arts articles.
2. Residential Movers
Residential movers are the most common moving companies. However, some companies include commercial movers in their fleet, usually handled by a different set of people than those handling residential moves.
Companies may also offer various services, depending on the extent of packing and moving services you need.
3. Full Moving Service
As the name implies, full-service movers take care of packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking their client’s articles. Depending on the contract, some full-service movers even install your fixtures and assemble your furniture so you can use them immediately without the hassle.
If you can’t find time to do these tasks, getting a full moving service is best. The downside of full moving service is the price. It is the most expensive moving service option, but it is also convenient.
4. Partial Moving Service
You may also hire partial moving services from residential movers. You may choose from packing, loading, unloading, pickup, delivery, or moving small loads.
If you have fragile items to move, it is best to hire a packing service to pack these items. Aside from guaranteeing the safety of your valuable items, you can also move them quickly to maximize your time. You may also add loading and unloading services for an added layer of protection and safety to your items.
You may hire a pickup and delivery service to load, deliver, and unload small loads less than 1000 pounds for you. The downside of this service is the long wait. Companies usually deliver in batches, so it may take as much as 3 months before your belongings arrive in your new home.
Another option is to hire a temporary storage service from your moving company while waiting to transport your belongings.
5. Self-Service Moving
Self-service moving is the most affordable service. However, it is up to you to pack, load, unload, move your belongings from your old home to your new home, and then unpack them later. You can hire a moving truck, then the company’s professional driver will drive the truck to your new home. However, you or a family member should be available on-site to unload your belongings upon delivery.
Another option is to hire a mobile storage container. The mobile storage container is convenient since the company will give you a few days to load and unload your belongings. The company will deliver and then fetch the container after the prescribed days, so you’ll only need to wait for your belongings.
You can also opt to hire a truck for DIY moving. Most of the job is on your shoulder, so on top of packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking, you’ll also have to contend with driving the truck to your new home too. The disadvantage of hiring a truck for DIY moving is that the bulk of the work falls on your shoulders. If you have time to spare or family and friends are willing to pitch in their time, you’ll save a considerable amount of money with this service.
6. Specialty Movers
Moving items like antiques, fine artwork, pool tables, and other similar valuable items need specialty movers. The specially-trained crew manages these moving services; each has extensive experience in moving specialized equipment and fragile items and furniture.
One thing to check before hiring a specialty mover is the availability of a climate-controlled warehouse for possible storage of your valuable collections before moving them. Conduct an inventory of your belongings and get insurance coverage for each item. Do not buy general insurance coverage as this won’t be enough to replace your items in case of theft or damage.
Final Steps
- Before deciding which service to hire for your relocation, make an inventory of the items that need professional packing.
- Get quotations for 2-3 moving companies to compare services and prices. Be sure to check if there are hidden charges.
- Don’t forget to get good insurance coverage, especially for the valuable items that you need to secure during loading, transit, and unloading.