Is U-Haul a Nationwide Service Worth Using?

U-Haul is often one of the first things that people mention whenever nationwide moving and relocations are discussed. But the question is, is it really worth using? Is it better than hiring full service movers?

But before anything else, let’s define it first.

What is U-Haul?

U-Haul is a moving equipment and storage rental company that’s based in Phoenix, Arizona. The company started operations in 1945 as a trailer rental system, serving do-it-yourself movers and their households.

Today, U-Haul offers rental trucks, trailers and towing services, U-Box pods (pods), storage services, as well as boxes and packing supplies.

So basically, the target customers of U-Haul are people who prefer doing relocations by themselves. Those who don’t want to hire professional movers who will do the work for them.

The Claim

U-Haul claims that on average, a do-it-yourself move can be accomplished for less than ½ the cost of a van-line (or full service) move.

A lot of people with tight budgets turn to U-Haul in the hopes of getting significant savings for their relocation. They often argue that they’re willing to exert a bit of extra effort if the effect is saving money and doing their relocation at a cheaper cost.

Our goal today is to find out if this claim is true.

Price Comparison: U-Haul VS Full Service Movers

Let’s say that you want to move the contents of your 2-bedroom apartment from Chicago, Illinois to Baltimore, Maryland. That’s about 782 miles apart.

Upon initial inquiry, the original price you’ll see in U-Haul’s website is $805. This looks really cheap right? Very enticing indeed.

But in reality, it doesn’t end there. This price covers only the cost of getting the truck. You will also be charged based on the mileage which is about 0.79-0.99 cents depending on the day you rent the truck. Oh, there’s also the $15 insurance cost, plus costs for dollies, moving pads, packing supplies, tolls, gas and so on.

Once you add all that up, you’ll get a total of about $1,600-1,700 or so. Take note that we didn’t even include here the price for your meals and stopovers.

And let’s not forget the fact that the stress and fatigue you’ll get which of course cannot be computed in terms of monetary amounts.

Now on the other hand, let’s look at the price of doing the same relocation should you hire a full service moving company.At an estimate, the price of the total package should cost you about $1800-2,000 depending on what company you hire. This involves the usual services of loading, transport, unloading, transport, etc. Some companies even include free packing supplies and assistance as part of their package.

So really, if you think about it, there’s little to almost no difference when it comes to the cost of getting U-Haul rentals versus hiring the services of a professional, full service moving company.

Is it Worth It?

All things considered, the answer here is NO. Shaving off a few dollars from your moving budget is not worth all the pain and stress that you’ll undergo with a self-move (DIY move). Just think about all the time that you would be wasting. That’s time that you could have used instead on your business, and other more profitable activities.

Other Reasons to Hire Full Service Movers

If the cost argument still isn’t enough for you, let’s look at the other benefits of hiring full service movers:

• Manpower

  Unless you’re living with an athletic, all-male ensemble, all the lifting, pushing and pulling, will take its toll on your body. Full service moving companies will send you people whose job is to do everything for you. You don’t have to break a sweat.

• Expertise

  When you’re doing a DIY move, there’s nobody there to ask if you have any pressing questions. Hiring professional movers means leaving your precious things in the hands of experts. People who move things everyday for a living.

• Time

  Again, let’s stress all of the time you’ll be saving by letting professional movers do the work for you. That can go anywhere from a couple of hours to about a day or two. For sure, you probably have other more pressing matters to attend to. When you’re doing a relocation, every second counts so make the most of it.

So in conclusion, while U-Haul does offer a cheaper alternative to some degree, after weighing in all the pros and cons, our recommendation is that you’ll be better off hiring full-service moversinstead.

To easily compare your moving options just fill out our short form and get high-quality quotes from the most respected full-service movers in the country today. The more options you have, the better!

All About U-Pack

If you’re planning a relocation in the near future, you have two major options as to how you can go about it. The first is to hire national movers who will do all of the work for you. The second one is a more do-it-yourself approach where you will have to pitch in on the dirty work.

And for people who are fond of doing self-moves, one of the most popular services that you can get is called U-Pack.

U-Pack was first established in October of 1997. It’s basically a nationwide moving service with a slightly different methodology compared to full service movers. Although they both cater to households and residential relocations, U-Pack’s appeal is more inclined to DIY movers. These are the people who want to cut their moving costs by doing some of the physical work themselves.

So How Does it Work?

The basic principle behind U-Pack is this:

1. U-Pack sends an empty trailer or moving container to your home
2. You then pack your own belongings and load them inside
3. Once you’re ready, U-Pack arranges the delivery of the truck or container to the new location
4. Upon arrival at the new location, YOU unload your belongings

So you see, compared to full service movers, there’s a lot more customer participation with U-Pack.

How Do They Charge?

Full service moving companies charge people in a variety of ways. Some charge by the hour, while others compute the total charge based on the weight of the shipment.

U-Pack works differently by using the volume or space that your load occupies. In other words, they measure how much space your stuff occupies inside the container or truck. There are no additional charges for fuel, tax, highway tolls, or standard liability coverage.

The unit of measurement they use is called a Linear Foot.

A linear foot is used to measure your loading space in the trailer – simply a foot (12 inches) in length. For each foot in length, you have the full width (8 feet) and height (9 feet) of trailer space for loading. In summary, a linear foot is 1′ x 8′ x 9′.

What are the Advantages of U-Pack?

Let’s take a look at the other positive aspects to using U-Pack:

• Instead of confusing estimates, U-Pack computes for the total cost based on the actual measurement of the shipment. The price is determined in front of you on the day of the move itself.
• Just like most moving companies, they offer a tracking system that helps you monitor the status of your shipment.
• In terms of cost, U-Pack’s services are significantly cheaper than traditional movers.

Are there any Disadvantages to Using U-Pack?

Now it’s time to analyze the possible disadvantages of doing a self-move with U-Pack:

• Additional cost

  Some of the additional costs incurred in a self-move include the cost for packing materials (boxes, tape, wrappers, fillers) and equipment (dollies, trays, etc.)

• Space

  If you’re living in a condo or high-rise apartment in the city then getting U-Pack may not be the best option for you because space is very limited in your area. U-Pack’s setup is better suited for suburban or countryside dwellers that have sufficient space in their front or back yard.

• Loading

  Loading your belongings inside a truck or container can be a real challenge especially if you don’t have people to help you out. You could end up damaging your goods or worse, risk injury to yourself and others. If you’re living with children then this danger is significantly greater.

• Packing

  With U-Pack, the name says it all. You have to do the packing process yourself. And while putting clothes inside a paper box may not seem like a challenge, don’t forget that you also have furniture, appliances and other breakable items that need to be packed properly.

• Time

  One of the best advantages of hiring full service professional movers is that they save you time by doing ALL of the work for you. In the case of U-Pack, you’ll have to devote countless hours in packing, loading and neatly arranging your belongings. This is time that you could have used instead on other more productive tasks that need your attention.

Items that You Cannot Transport with U-Pack

Just like traditional moving companies, there are also several items that are prohibited from being shipped in commercial movers like U-Pack.

Your shipment should not include anything that is flammable, poisonous, corrosive or perishable. These items include, but are not limited to, the following:

The Verdict?

If you’re willing to do a lot of extra (physical) work for the sake of cutting costs then you should probably include U-Pack in your options. However, if what you’re after is a fast, efficient and painless move that limits the risk of damage to you and your belongings, then you’d be better off getting the services of all-around professional movers.

To find the best full-service moving companies in your area, just fill out one of our short forms and get your cost-efficient quotations right away.

In an attempt to capture a wider demographic of customers, particularly those who are interested in do-it-yourself moves, United Van Lines has teamed up with Mayflower to add a new portable moving and storage containers service to their roster of offerings. They are officially calling this partnership: moving and storage containers by United Mayflower.

The Market Niche

This new addition to their long established national moving services was brought about by the clamour of their customers for options that would suit their changing needs. The market needed a more flexible option for those who are willing to put in a bit of extra effort with the goal of making their relocations more affordable.

What they’re Offering

They’re offering two basic services: 1) Do-It-Yourself and 2) Do-It-Yourself-Plus.

Both work in the same principle as moving pods where the company will deliver the container to your home so you can prepare, pack and load your things at your own pace.

DIY Plus just adds a more premium service for those who need help with packing and loading by sending people to assist the client. This is of course at an additional charge. The basic cost will depend on the distance of the delivery and total space that your belongings will occupy inside the container.

United Mayflower Moving Containers

All of their moving containers are approximately 16’long, 8’wide and 8’high. This container is estimated to hold the contents of a typical 1,500-square foot home.

You don’t have to worry about driving the truck or pulling it trailer-style. United Van Lines will arrange for the storage container to be moved across town or across the country according to your specifications.

The specifications of their containers are as follows:

• Each container has smooth walls in the interior to help items from getting nicks and scratches.
• Each container has flush-mounted tie-down rings that are strategically located throughout the container to help secure your items.
• The top of each container is made of a translucent material which will allow sufficient light in. This will make it easier for the user to pack and arrange their belongings inside the container.
• The containers feature a roll-up, double lock door.
• All of their containers are made with galvanized steel framing and waterproof materials that will protect your items from the elements.

Where to Place the Container

Ideally, you can have them place the container in your driveway for easy access. If this isn’t possible, you can also have it placed on your street but be mindful that you yourself have to obtain the necessary permits for this arrangement.

This also places a huge challenge for people residing in highly urban areas where space is limited (condo and apartment-dwellers).

Moving forward, once the container has been put in place, you will not be able to move it because the crew will lock it into place as a safety measure. If you want to have it moved, you’ll need to call United Mayflower and ask them to move it. This will incur you an additional cost. To avoid this extra charge, make sure that you’re decided on the final location before the crew leaves and locks the containers base inplace.

To make it easier for their clients United Mayflower will place the container on level ground. This eliminates the need for dangerous ramps which also make the loading process very challenging.

Conclusion

Moving pods have slowly become a popular option among people who want to cut costs, and it sure does give you the freedom to pack and load at your own pace.

However, this may not be the best option for people with limited time and space.

If you’re on a tight schedule and need to relocate right away, getting the assistance of professional movers who will assist you in packing and loading can save you a lot of valuable time.

Also, if you’re living in an urban area or a city apartment where space is limited, this may not be a practical option.

Get Quotes Today

To view more of your moving options, and to get quotes from other companies like United Van Lines and Mayflower, just fill out one of our forms and we’ll send these companies straight to you.

For more information about moving and relocations, feel free to browse around www.9kilo.com.

Learning the Basics:uShip 101

uShip is one of the biggest and most reliable transportation marketplaces for freight, household goods and vehicle shipping markets. It’s basically a melting pot where both consumers and businesses can compare upfront quotes, name their own price or receive bids (like an auction) from a pool of over 300,000 service providers in the transportation and moving industry. uShip is open to everyone- from independent owner-operators to large, freight carriers and brokers as well.

For example, when small-time carriers (truck ownersand operators) want to fill out the space in their trucks, they can contact uShip and find clients to fill it up. They can contact uShip directly, or use their mobile app. This service of course won’t be free for the trucker and will cost him a certain charge.

According to uShip.com, their operations have amounted to:

• 432,862 registered transporters on uShip
• 1.85 million registered customers
• 2.5 million total listings that have been posted on their site
• 12.1 million bods by transporters
• $365,000,000 total business transactions all in all

So How Does it Work for Customers?

To make it easier to understand, we’re going to break down the process for customers who just need to avail of services from uShip. For example, let’s say that you have a beautiful dresser that you want to be delivered to your parents’ home in Texas. Let’s pretend that you’re too busy at work and don’t have enough time to do the delivery yourself.

1. Go to uShip.com and post the job. Mention what you need to be delivered or shipped and indicate when you want the delivery to be made. Putting up listings is totally free of charge.
2. Service providers can then give you a quote based on the information that you provided. They can range anywhere from independent truckers to national movers and freight carriers. These companies will then try to offer you the best price because they can see each other’s bids. Think of it like an auction where everyone’s trying to win. This process will save you a lot of money because the companies will try to outbid each other. This is also a much faster way as opposed to getting quotations manually via phone calls. With uShip, everything can happen in just minutes.
3. You can then go over the bids for the project and make your decision based on the company’s bid price, delivery date and feedback score.
4. After making your decision, you will then be connected with the trucker of your choice to complete the actual shipment.
5. Once the shipment is completed, both the customer and the service provider can provide feedback for one another. This ensures a good check and balance system which will be very helpful for future shipments with other people.

In a nutshell, if you need something delivered, uShip can help you find the people to do it.

Advantages to using uShip

uShip’s bidding process can save you up to 50% in costs because the truckers are competing with one another the competitive process will play to your advantage here. This is because the truckers may just be filling out empty spaces in their truck. That’s why they’re willing to give better rates.

Another good thing about uShip is that they only give your contact details to the service provider you’ve chosen. This prevents unwanted phone calls and sales pitches from agents.

When is uShip Most Applicable?

uShip is highly recommended for people with special, one-time shipping needs. Because uShip caters to a diverse pool of service providers, you can easily find someone to ship your item regardless if it’s just one or a couple of pieces.

You can post a listing on uShip if you need to transport your motorcycle, send furniture, or deliver a crate full of toys. It’s a great option for shipping singular, bulky items.

However, if you’re planning to relocate your entire household, this may not be best option for you.

We highly recommend that for a complete household relocation, the more practical option is to hire full-service movers instead because that way, your shipment will not be combined with other things inside their trucks, and get the right amount of attention and space from the movers.

To get in touch with trusted full service movers, just fill out a short form and tell us about the details of your move. In no time, you’ll get competitively priced quotes from some of the best moving companies today.

It’s not hard to find moving companies in the United States. Today, there are thousands of national movers all around the country encompassing various shapes and sizes. In small towns and counties, family-operated moving companies are quite popular. This is mostly because they personally know the owners and know that they can put trust on their services.  However, most of us have to deal with finding good quality movers from scratch.

For instances like this, the best option for you is to tap into well-established nationwide moving companies that are known for providing excellent services.

Today let’s take a look at 10 of the biggest and most trusted movers in the USA.

1. Mayflower Transit

   Mayflower Transit has been in the moving industry for more than 80 years. The company has been moving families across the country since 1927 and is known for providing excellent value services at competitive prices. They have over 500 agents and 650 locations to date and offer standardized techniques for safe packing and cargo loading.
    
   Mayflower provides innovative technologies that inventories and tracks the shipment of their customers – PreciseTrack and MayTrack. We also like their accessible online claims process.
    
   Website: www.mayflower.com

2. United Van Lines

   Headquartered in Fenton, Missouri, United Van Lines is one of the largest moving companies in the country today. United Van Lines has a wide network of long distance movers covering more than 400 agents in various locations around the US.
    
   The company specializes in various types of relocations including full service moving, storage services, moving containers, corporate relocations, even international moving.
    
   Website: www.unitedvanlines.com

3. North American Moving Services

   North American is a respected brand not just in the US but internationally as well. The company has representatives not just in every state in America, but also in more than 175 countries around the world.
    
   Their customers swear to the great service offered by North American’s crew. Most if not all of their previous clients opt to hire them again and again.
    
   Website: www.northamerican.com

4. Arpin Van Lines

   Arpin Van Lines is a privately owned moving services company that specializes in domestic and worldwide moving and storage services. The company which is under the Arpin Group, has its headquarters in Rhode Island and has over 330 domestic agents and strategic service centers all over the globe.
    
   This company has been in the moving industry for over 100 years now, and that’s a testament to their expertise and passion for the job.
    
   Website: www.arpin.com

5. Wheaton Worldwide Moving

   This globally renowned moving company started with a simple move from Ohio to Michigan in 1945. From that day on, the company has grown and evolved into a global behemoth with more than 250 agents nationwide, 4, 000 employees worldwide spread into 52 nationalities.
    
   Not only do they have a proven track record of good service, they are also striving towards going green and reducing their environmental footprint.
    
   Website: www.wheatonworldwide.com

6. Bekins

   Bekins was founded in 1891 by John and Martin Bekins in Indianapolis, Ind. Back then, they only had 3 horse-drawn carriages and 12 employees. Today, they are considered one of the biggest movers in the country with a presence in over 250 U.S. locations.
    
   One of their core specialties is moving household goods and has been introducing various innovations in this field until today.
    
   Website: www.bekins.com

7. Graebel

   Graebel has its headquarters in Aurora, Colorado and today has about 828 trucks to its name. It has been recognized by Relocation Baker’s Dozen for 2013.
    
   This company specializes in employee relocations and commercial workplace services.
    
   Website: www.graebel.com

8. Stevens Worldwide

   Stevens Worldwide Van Lines was established in 1905 in Saginaw, Michigan by its founder Frederick H. Stevens. Today, they have over 150 agent locations throughout the United States and a division that’s solely dedicated to international relocations.
    
   Aside from moving and storage, they also offer services in records storage and records managements.
    
   Website: www.stevensworldwide.com

9. AMJ CAMPBELL

   AMJ Campbell is one of Canada’s largest and most reliable moving companies. Now with operations all across North America, this company has gone a long way from its humble beginnings in 1934.
    
   If you are moving to Canada, this may be the option for you.
    
   Website: www.amjcampbell.com

10. Atlas Van Lines

    Headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, Atlas Van Lines is a part of the Atlas World Group which comprises of various companies dealing in the delivery and transport business not just in the United States but internationally as well. The company has over 500 agents to date.
     
    Aside from their basic relocation services, Atlas Van Lines also excels in their Specialized Transportation Services where they transport special products like fine art, exhibitions, store fixtures, electronics and other high value goods.
     
    Website: www.atlasvanlines.com

Although it’s quite challenging to put up a moving company, it’s a thousand times more challenging to make it last and gain the trust of your market. These 10 companies have successfully combined competitive pricing with excellent service and for this reason, we at 9Kilo.Com highly recommend them to our customers.

Are you planning to move anytime soon? Just fill out a form on our homepage and get quotes from these reputable companies. At www.9kilo.com we offer nothing but the best for our clients.

When nationwide moving comes to mind, we often think of people packing up their belongings and relocating to a new location across the country. However, it’s not always about the big boxes, and huge container trucks.

Small items, documents and other personal articles are important too and when these items need to be delivered in the quickest way possible, people turn to UPS.

All About UPS

UPS (United Parcel Service, Inc.) was founded in 1907 as a simple messenger company in the United States. More than a hundred years later and UPS is now a multi-billion-dollar corporation that plays a pivotal role in global commerce. In fact, it’s one of the most recognized brands around the world. Today, it’s the largest package delivery company as well as a leader in specialized transportation and logistics services, managing the flow of goods, funds and information in more than 200 countries all across the globe.

UPS has branched out into several businesses each with specific goals and operations, but for the purposes of nationwide moving, we are going to focus on their core business- shipping.

Did you know that UPS delivers more than 16 million packages and documents every single day?

Scenarios Best Suited for UPS

So when are the services of UPS be most applicable for a person who is planning or undergoing a relocation? Here are a few instances:

• While creating an inventory of your belongings and you encounter an item/items that you would rather send to a friend or relative, rather than simply throw it away.
• For the fast delivery of important paperwork such as school records, work-related items, financial documents, medical records and so on
• When you want the expedited delivery of an item or items that you left behind from your old address
• When your trusted contact/neighbour needs to forward mail or packages that were delivered to your old address

Basically, UPS is your best option if you need to send and receive small items urgently. Some of their most well-loved services include the same-day and next-day delivery options (as early as 8AM).

Visit their website to see their roster of US and International Shipping Services.

What is their lost items policy?

Whenever you’re sending or receiving an item via UPS, take note of the tracking number so you’ll be able to:

• Determine the current status of your shipment
• Verify delivery of your shipment
• Access delivery change options

If your package gets lost or is not delivered, you can ask UPS to help you locate the package. If it really cannot be found, the shipper can file a Lost Package Claim up to the declared value of the package’s contents.

1. You can simply log on to UPS to report a lost package and follow the instructions there.
    
   Remember: in order for a package to be considered lost, it should be undelivered at least 24 hours after the expected delivery date and time. You cannot file a report earlier than that.
    
2. UPS will then conduct an investigation to try and find the lost package. This can take around 7-10 business days.
    
3. If they’re unable to locate your package, a Damage/Loss Notification claim letter will be sent to you (if you’re the shipper). It’s important to note that UPS will not send this claim letter to the receiver. It will be directed to the person who sent the package.
    
4. Make sure to provide UPS with proper documentation. This includes original invoices, purchase orders, proof of shipment, etc. This will allow them to analyze the lost item and determine the value of the package contents.
    
5. If your claim gets approved, the payment will then be processed. “UPS will pay the lesser of purchase or replacement of costs, up to the declared value” of the items.

What NOT to Send

UPS will not ship any items that can be dangerous or hazardous. Here are some common household items that will not be accepted:

• Alcohol, Alcoholic beverages, tobacco
• Air bags
• Air conditioning equipment
• Auto parts
• Batteries
• Breathing apparatus
• Camping gear/equipment
• Power tools
• Cigarette lighters
• Computer equipment
• Cosmetics
• Engine parts
• Fertilizer
• Household goods such as: sprays cans, bleaches, paints, etc.
• Hunting supplies
• Medical supplies
• Perfume
• Oxygen generator
• Pharmaceuticals
• Thermometers
• Weather, laboratory or testing equipment

In addition to these hazardous/dangerous items, UPS will also refuse to ship perishable goods that may deteriorate, die, or decompose during travel. If you have any pets or live animals, you’d be better off traveling with them yourself provided that you have the necessary permits if applicable.

For more information about UPS and their services, visit their website.

How to Online Review a National Moving Company

The times have indeed changed. Nowadays, you can do almost anything from the computer. And in fact, that’s often our preference. We want to do everything on our computers. Consumers like the feeling of having control and they thoroughly enjoy being able to do things in lightning speed thanks to the internet.

The same principle applies to reviewing a national moving company. We want it done fast. We want to do it online.

And the good news is, yes this is possible.

It’s indeed possible to do a thorough online review of a moving company. All you need is a bit of time and the right resources. Here’s how to do it:

• Does the company have its own website?

  If fraudulent businesses can have an online presence, then what more for legitimate companies? It’s a must for serious organizations to have a relevant and user-friendly website- a place where their customers can get to know as much about them as possible. Here’s a default rule of thumb, legitimate and established companies will (and should) spend money for a decent-looking website. If it looks outdated and useless, it’s a poor reflection on the company’s image.
   
  Check out the company’s About page. Did they indicate their company history in there? Take note of the other services they offer. Make copies of their contact details and try them out later. All of their contact numbers should work if you try to call them.
  
  

• Check with the BBB

  The BBB or Better Business Bureau has always been a good barometer for the credibility of businesses. BBB is a non-profit organization that sets and upholds good standards for honest and fair business behaviour. The organization sets guidelines for marketplace trust in the US and Canada, and offers accreditation for businesses from various market sectors including the moving industry. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behaviour. However, BBB can provide scores not only for businesses who are registered with them but also for those who are not.
   
  So what you need to do is contact the BBB and find out the score of the national moving company that you’re doing the research on. Take time to read customer feedback as well and see if they have any unresolved cases or complaints.
   
  Website: www.bbb.org
  
  

• Protect Your Move

  The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) promotes and upholds regulations that protect consumers on interstate and national moves. That’s why the FMCSA developed www.ProtectYourMove.gov .
   
  Protect Your Move is a website that’s dedicated to helping consumers protect themselves from fraudulent moving companies. The site provides loads of resources that will guide citizens into making the right decisions with regards to moving. It covers information from planning the relocation to choosing a reputable provider, checking prices, even up to filing complaints (if necessary).
   
  Use it as a complete resource for your online research.
  
  

• AMSA and ProMover

  The American Moving and Storage Association or AMSA is the national trade association for the professional moving industry. They have more than 3,200 members that include interstate moving and storage companies, local and international movers, plus various industry suppliers and state association members.
   
  As the leading certifier of professional movers in the US, AMSA wanted to promote knowledge of the moving and storage industry to the mass public. They did this by introducing the ProMover brand- a certification program launched in 2009. The initiative was created to protect the interests of consumers, it was also put up to fight impostors and rogue who taint the name of the moving industry.
   
  The company you’re eyeing should be affiliated with the AMSA and have the ProMover seal of approval.
   
  For more information on this, visit their website at www.promover.org.
  
  

• Yelp

  It’s also important to get as much user feedback as possible. Do your best to find what their previous customers say about them. Sites like www.yelp.com can be very helpful in getting a feel of how the moving company deals with clients.
  
  

• Blogs and Forums

  Personal blogs are also great at giving you actual user experience. So use your best googling skills and see if you can unearth any blog posts about the company’s services. Online discussion forums can also be a good source of information.

The key to doing a good online review is to be persistent, open minded and creative. Don’t be afraid to search different keywords. Don’t stop until you’ve found user stories that seem sincere. A few hours of research will definitely pay off if it means avoiding the pains and hassle of hiring a rogue moving company.

Full service national movers often don’t include packing materials in their quotations. This means that you’ll have to buy these for yourself. It is therefore important for you to find the best sources for packing supplies and equipment.

Here are a few of the best online sources out there:

1. UBoxes

   A well-trusted seller that offers various payment methods and a wide variety of packing supplies. They offer free delivery and will bring you your order in just 1-2 days.
   Website

2. U-Haul

   From the company that is considered as the leader in DIY self-moves. Purchase your moving supplies online and they’ll give you free standard shipping on orders over $25. The best thing about U-Haul is that they’ll even buy back the boxes that you don’t use.Website

3. The UPS Store

   This is from one of the oldest and most respected shipping and logistics companies in the world. You can be sure that they know what they’re doing when it comes to packing materials and equipment. They also have padded envelopes, mailing tubes and other handy pieces. Website

4. Office Max

   A respected supplier of office supplies and also offer a wide variety of packing supplies. What’s great about their site is that you can browse around their online store and purchase other supplies that you may also need (those which are not directly related to packing). Website

5. Amazon

   Nowadays, is there anything that you won’t be able to find on Amazon? You’ll be able to find a plethora of moving and packing supplies on this behemoth website. Just remember that when purchasing numerous items, you may actually be buying from different sellers. Website

6. Two Men and a Truck

   This charming little site offers a complete list of supplies and they’ll even give you a full refund for the items that you don’t use. Make sure to check out their box calculator to get an idea of how many boxes you’ll be needing for your move.
   Website

7. Pods

   If you’re going to rent a Pod, you may consider buying your packing supplies from them as well. This is very similar to U-Haul.
   Website

Sample Cost of Moving Boxes and Supplies

To give you an idea of how much you’ll be spending on packing materials, let’s take a look at one of the packages offered by U-Haul.

Their 1-2 bedroom kit consists of 15 small moving boxes, 20 medium boxes, 10 large boxes, 10 extra large boxes, 4 wardrobe boxes, 4 box/packaging tape, 1 box marker with knife. All of these amount to a grand total of $179.39.

Take note that you’ll probably need additional supplies like protective materials (furniture pads, packing peanuts, bubble wraps), covers, bags and ropes (tie-downs). This could set you back another $100.

So that’s $270.39 just for packing materials!

How to Save on Packing Costs

Of course, nobody wants to spend too much just on packing their goods. To help you minimize the costs, you can try the following:

1. Use paper shreddings from the office as fillers and cushions for your boxes.
2. Use plastic grocery bags as a quick wrapper for items that aren’t necessarily fragile.
3. Reuse what you already have. Whenever you buy a new item (like a computer or appliance), have you noticed that they always come in padded boxes? Well, this is actually your goal. You want your items to arrive safely just like that appliance you’re holding right now. So to cut moving costs, try saving these pads and boxes and use them for another day.
4. Visit your local retails or grocery store and ask the managers if they have extra boxes from the recent shipment of goods. Just make sure that before you use them, you’ve checked them for any signs of damage.
5. Save newspapers, magazines and coupon mailers as soon as you know that you’re moving. Newsprint was and still is often considered the best packing paper available.
6. Everyday items like towels, socks and washcloths can be used as additional padding and protection for your other possessions.

So you see, the expenses incurred in moving don’t all go to the moving company. Packing and getting the right supplies can cost you huge amounts too if you don’t know the techniques on how to minimize costs.

This knowledge will be very helpful for you once you start planning out your moving budget.

For more information on moving budgets, online moving quotes and practical relocation tips, contact us at 9Kilo.com today.

Don’t Stick to One

When it comes to moving, the more options you have, the better.

The secret to finding and choosing a good national moving company is to get as many quotes as possible. This will allow you to have sufficient options which you can then study and compare.

However, don’t get carried away either and get a dozen quotations because to be on the realistic side, you may not have that much time (or patience) to go through tons of paperwork. Our recommendation is for you to get at least 3-5 quotes from different moving companies. That way, you won’t get overwhelmed by their quotations and still be able to get a good grasp of the market.

What to Do with the Quotes: How to Compare

Now it’s time to compare the details of each proposed quotation or moving contract. Here are the things that you need to look at carefully:

1. The Name of the Company Itself

   Before we delve deeper in to the quotations, you should consider the company that gave it to you first. Is it a local moving company or are they an established brand with international operations? Of course if you’re dealing with a company with years of experience in the industry, you should factor that in as a positive trait.

2. What’s included in the package?

   Find out exactly what each company is including in the base rate. Most companies include basic services like loading, transport, unloading and even unpacking. Some companies charge extra for packing services and packing materials such as boxes and moving equipment while others offer them for free. Clarify these details before making a decision.

3. What additional costs can you incur?

   Majority of companies won’t tell customers that they’ll need to pay extra if the movers need to go up a flight of stairs, or if they have to walk far from your driveway. You may also have to pay for the transport of fragile items and for specific types of furniture. Call each company about possible additional costs and write down the prices for these services. In addition to this, use the opportunity to ask them about services that they offer for free.

   Some extra charges to take note of:

   • Packing and Disconnecting Fees

     For example, they may charge you for disconnecting and packing a huge bath tub. Ask about disassembling furniture, gas lines, and other special items.

   • Fees for extremely heavy items

     Grand pianos, all-terrain vehicles, furniture and other big appliances can be included here.

   • Flight charges

     Residents of apartment buildings and multi-storey houses, need to watch out for flight charges (flight of stairs).

   • Charges for inconvenient locations

     If the movers need to traverse difficult terrain, or if you don’t have an accessible driveway and they have to walk far (also known as Long Carries), they may charge additional fees.

   • Shuttle Fees

     When the moving truck is not allowed into your neighbourhood or if it just can’t fit into your small streets, you may need to pay extra for the use of smaller trucks (shuttle).

4. Check the liability and insurance policies and packages

   Here are the types of insurance that you can avail:

   • Basic Carrier Liability

     Carriers are required by the law to offer insurance but they can only offer a package of ($0.60) sixty cents per pound per article when moving things out of state. Local rates may vary.

   • Declared Value Protection

     For this type of coverage, your mover will be liable for the entire shipment at an agreed amount that is usually equal to $1.25 per pound times the weight. If the goods get damaged during shipping and transport, the settlement will be based on the depreciated value of the items.

   • “Lump Sum” or Assessed Value

     If your items are of high value, this is the type of insurance you need. This is applicable for items of extreme value (antiques, art collections etc.).This kind of coverage is usually purchased based on $1000 increments.

5. Study the moving estimates

   Most companies will give you an estimate either via email or phone. Of course these are only estimates and can never be an actual gauge of how much you will have them transport. Ask for an on-site estimate (personal visit to your home) so that you can have a clearer view of the price before the project begins.

6. Check their Refund Policy

   Ask each company about their existing refund policy is. Should you need to move the date or even cancel your move, would you need to pay anything? Will they refund any initial deposits made?

Always remember that national moving involves serious money so before you make your investment, it should be basic protocol for you to consider each company and study each quote with a critical eye.

For more information about getting online moving quotes, contact us today.

What is a moving pod?

One of the moving options that’s gaining popularity nowadays is the use of moving pods. A moving pod is a portable storage container that can be rented by a user who’s either preparing for a relocation, or in need of temporary storage. For those planning a national relocation, a pod is a container where you can pack and store your belongings until such a time that you’re ready to have it picked up by the moving company to your new home.

It’s a storage container that’s very similar to the containers found in storage yards. They vary in sizes ranging from 12 to 16 feet in height. You can place a pod in front of your house or in your backyard while you pack your things and load it inside the pod.

Then once you’re ready, you can call the pod company, have them pick it up, then transport it to your new home.

What are full service national movers?

Full service national movers on the other hand are moving companies that offer comprehensive and all around service for every part of the relocation. Unlike pods where you do the packing yourself, full service movers can do this for you. Most full service movers can provide assistance for packing, loading (into the truck), transport, unloading, and even up to unpacking. Full service movers usually charge based on the total weight of your things and the total distance that needs to be travelled.

Which one is better?

It really depends on your personal requirements at the moment. If you’re crunched for time and you must outsource every task in order to have time for other things, hiring full service movers maybe your best option. It’s also great for people who want to avoid the stress and hassle that packing can bring.

The downside is that hiring full service movers can be expensive especially if you’re moving across the country.

Moving pods on the other hand can be a good option for people who want to take their time. It’s also great for people who want to personally pack their items at their own pace. It’s also a much cheaper than hiring full service long distance movers.

However, it may not be a good options if you don’t have a place to put the pods on. If you’re living in a condo or apartment then this could be a problem. Plus, not everybody is a fan of packing and have the leisure of a flexible schedule.

It’s up to you to decide which one is better for you. Just make sure to look at your needs and carefully analyze the best way to go about your move.