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Alex is the founder of 9Kilo Moving, which he started to help people easily find and choose the right moving company to make their move as stress-free and seamless as possible. He has spent over 20 years working in the moving industry, so he knows every aspect of the business and uses his knowledge to write about the industry and give moving advice. More on about us page

There are hundreds of moving companies in the United States alone. Some are huge multinational conglomerates while others are small-time local businesses. If you're planning to do a relocation anytime soon, you're in luck because there's enough variety in the moving industry to suit every need. Today we'll discuss three of the basic varieties of services provided by moving companies.

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Full Service

Full-service movers are also called all-around movers. Getting full service means that the company will help you with every aspect of the moving process. This includes packing your belongings, loading them into the truck, driving the truck and shipping the goods, unloading them upon arrival at your new home, and even unpacking. It's basically a one-stop shop for moving. Some companies even offer moving supplies (boxes, fillers, etc.) and incorporate them into the cost. All you need to do here (aside from paying for the comprehensive service of course) is to supervise them and make sure that everything is going smoothly. Hiring full service movers is a great option for people who are on a strict timeline or those who simply do not want to deal with the stress and hassle of doing the manual labor.

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Assisted Moving

For those who are okay with doing some of the work themselves, assisted moving or partial moving services are another option. This contains a customized service package based on the demands of each client. Often this means that the customer will prepare and pack the goods on their own and just have the movers to handle the loading and transportation. One good example of assisted moving are Pods or Moving Pods. Companies that offer moving pods will deliver an empty pod or container to your address and leave you to your own devices for the packing process. Once you're done, they can come back at an agreed upon date and pick up the pod to be delivered to your new place. Partial moving services are popular among those who want to make their relocation both economic and stress-free.

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Self-Move

The last type of move is called a self-move or a do-it-yourself move. During a DIY move an individual doesn't hire the services of any moving company and does most of the work themselves. They will pack and prepare everything themselves and then move it to a rental truck which they'll also have to drive on their own. See also: Risks of a Self-Move A lot of people think that this is the cheapest option for moving but the truth is, if you add up all of the expenses in truck rental, gas, toll fees, food, and possibly hotel/motel rates, it can be very costly too. That's in addition to the lost time that could have been used doing other more productive things, and the physical stress of all the lifting, pushing, and driving.

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What is expected of you?

Whether you're an individual, a family, or a small enterprise who wants to relocate to a new place, some basic principles apply when it comes to what is expected of you. Some of these include:
  • Know that you are not the only customer in the universe
    Weekends, summer months, the first and last days of each month, are peak days for moving. Therefore, there is a huge possibility that the moving company already has a packed schedule on your target date. In this case, you will need to be flexible or find another company if you must travel on a specific date. Or better yet, book your chosen date as early as possible to guaranty that you'll get it.
  • Take care of rented property
    This goes for rental trucks, moving pods, or whatever it is that you will borrow or rent from a company. Not only is this a courtesy, it can also save you from unwanted fees.
  • Read the fine print before you sign anything
    After signing a contract, the moving company of your choice will assume that you've read, understood and agree to everything on the document. If anything is unclear to you, clarify with them and don't be afraid to ask.
  • Be kind to the movers
    You will be working with professionals and they deserve to be treated as such. A little kindness doesn't hurt either. Offer them a cool beverage if it's a hot day, or if you're feeling extra generous, giving out tips is also a great sign of gratitude and appreciation.
To find the right movers and get the best services for your relocation, just fill out one of our short forms and we'll connect you with the best moving companies in just a matter of minutes. 9Kilo.com wishes you a fast and hassle-free move!

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