While most people are real familiar with the option of hiring a full-service mover or the self-service option of truck rental for long-distance moves,you then have two days to unload your belongings and make sure that the rental is returned so that you dont incurr any additional fees.



If your employer is having you relocated and short of your employer footing the bill for a move out of town, there are only two options when it comes to packing up and relocating: Hiring a moving company to do the job or Doing it yourself.

You have about two days to load up the truck with all your personal items. While both options require a cash output, it's possible to avoid paying more than you should by anticipating, and budgeting for, those hidden moving costs that can pop-up unexpectedly and bite you in the wallet. The most important thing to remember is to be prepared.

Some valuation policies are calculated on a sliding scale, where the price per $1,000 of coverage will vary depending upon the total amount of coverage. In such cases, carriers are requested to quote valuation prices based on $25,000 of coverage.

Please note that most valuation policies require that the entire load be covered, not just specific items. Ask your carrier for terms and educate yourself so that you can understand your contract better.

You need to be aware of the whole contract thing. The rates are applied, that value is stated next to the cost-per-$1,000 figure.

For example, 7.50/100 means that the consumer must pay $7.50 per $1,000 of assessed value to cover the load against loss, and the first $100 of damage is not covered.

Keep these terms in mind to help you understand your contract better. Make sure that you get everything in writting, especially your moving cost quote and the terms of when to expect your delivery.

1. Advanced Charges -Charges for services performed by a third party at your request. The charges for these services are paid for by the mover and added to the charges on your Bill of Lading.

2. Standard Coverage -Movers, by law, are required to provide a minimum amount of free coverage. This number, typically 60 cents, refers to the amount of money you will receive per pound of damaged goods. This coverage is a bare minimum and should not be relied upon to cover you for any significant damage.

Because you pack your belongings in the trailer, you have direct control over your expenses. One of the best places to start your search for "you pack, we drive" or door to door movers is to locate companies is on the Internet.

Consider a few questions before you decide to handle your own move. Do I have time to pack, load, unload and drive? How many heavy items, like furniture and appliances, do I have to move? Am I physically capable to do this hard work? Do I have friends and family that can help me through relocation? Can I handle a big truck over a long distance?

Always compare rates and let professional door to door movers compete for your business. Consider the option of moving pods if you have the time to pack and move because you will save yourself time and money.