While both options require a deposit, it's possible to avoid paying more than you should by knowing ahead of time, and budgeting for, those extra hidden moving costs that can pop-up unexpectedly and snap you in the wallet.

The important phrase to remember here is being prepared. Though paying professional movers and packers to handle your move sounds like your least stressful option,however it will also cost you more in transportation and labor charges.

Remember that movers getting paid by the hour might not work quite as fast as you'd prefer, while those paid by the job could rush the move to get to their next location. A situation that could, in the long run, cost you in mishandled or damaged property.

The type of contract you choose should be decided upon only after consulting moving company representatives and/or former customers. Always get written estimates and quotes. Never go by word of mouth.

While the moving cost of any long-distance move is federally regulated based on weight and distance traveled, be prepared for fine-print charges, which can add up quickly.

A transportation surcharge if the moving company compensates its movers for work performed in metropolitan areas where labor rates tend to be higher.

Think about additional charges for moving heavy items such as refrigerators, washe and dryers or dressers.

Additional charge for specialists brought in to disconnect gas mains or disassemble pianos and pool tables.

Additional charge if the movers have to walk more than 75 feet from door to truck or need to use stairs or an elevator.

Also, if the moving van is too large to fit down your narrow street, or is thwarted by low hanging wires or branches, the movers may need to shuttle your furnishings out on a smaller truck first-- a situation which can become very costly.

Always look for, and discuss, possible "hidden" costs with the moving company's sales representative.

Of course the above pitfalls can be avoided by doing the job yourself, but self-moves come with their own set of hidden money traps.

Never mind the stress and physical labor involved, there may be loss of income from time spent renting a truck, moving furnishings, driving the truck to a new location and unpacking again.

Are you insured? Having an accident while driving a rented truck could put you at risk unless you've purchased truck insurance from the rental company. Chances are, your automobile policy does not cover commercial vehicles.

Talk to your insurance agent with any concerns you may have. Do you have an Insurance Rider? Property damaged in transit may not be covered under your homeowner's policy. You may have to purchase an insurance rider that covers contents.