5 Labor Alternatives to Hiring a Full Service Moving Company

If you’re thinking of hiring a professional moving company to handle your next move, be aware that it’s going to cost you. T he average cost of a simple local move is $2,300 for four movers at $200 per hour. And if you’re embarking on an interstate move, it’s going to cost you even more – upwards of $4,300.

Fortunately for those looking to save money, there are less expensive alternatives to hiring a moving company. In fact, all you need is a rental moving truck and a few assistants to help out with the heavy lifting, and the loading/unloading of your things. From hiring moving labor professionals to recruiting friends, here are five money-saving options to consider next time you move.

HireAHelper

Planning to rent your own truck? Avoid breaking your back (and your friends’) by hiring pros to help with the loading and unloading process. HireAHelper is one of the most reliable online marketplaces for finding and booking these moving labor professionals.

According to HireAHelper , the movers are either labor-only moving companies that specialize in load and unload services, or they’re full-service moving companies willing to send workers out on labor-only moving jobs. Given that these movers do this for a living, you can rest assured that your belongings will be in good hands.

• The website allows customers to see up-front pricing for every labor professional.
• There are over 3,400 companies in the HireAHelper network serving 48 states.
• Its fast and easy to use. Customers can compare providers and book a job in less than 10 minutes.
• Customers can read reviews to help evaluate different labor professionals.

If anything breaks or is damaged, HireAHelper states that the individual moving company should resolve the damage claims on their own. However, if they don’t, you have a backup option. HireAHelper provides complimentary mover’s insurance when you place your order for the mover through HireAHelper. This insurance covers $.60 cents per pound, up to $10K. The company also points out that Full Value coverage is available through MovingInsurance.com as well.

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving is a licensed and insured moving and junk removal service. The Tampa-based company offers junk removal services, donation pickups, packing help, residential and commercial moving, and moving labor assistance nationwide. The company points out that many of their customers actually combine these services when moving. However, if you’re only looking for someone to assist with heavy lifting and single item moves, College Hunks also offers a simple hourly labor option. These moving labor professionals are described as “seasoned veterans” that will ensure every belonging is properly packed, sealed and loaded. To receive a quick quote for hourly labor, check here .

Moving Help

Similar to HireAHelper, Moving Help provides customers with an online marketplace to search and locate local moving services in their area. These services include packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, cleaning and driving assistance. The website also ranks all Moving Helpers based on the company’s star rating. Customers can read unedited customer comments and assess ratings about each and every Moving Helper before making their selection. This way you can easily find the most reliable and well-reviewed labor service at the touch of a button.

To use Moving Help, simply enter the date of the move and the zip code or city/state of the moving locations. You can also choose what time of day you’re moving and the size of your move. Then click “Find available Moving Helpers” on the company’s website to see the list of potential moving professionals in your area.

Truck rental add-ons

If you’re planning to hire the help of moving labor professionals, you’re most likely renting a moving truck as well. Fortunately, most rental truck companies also offer loading and unloading services directly through their websites. For instance, U-Haul partners with Moving Help (mentioned above) to find local laborers in the area and Budget Truck Rental partners with HireAHelper. Make sure to check with your specific rental truck company to see what labor options are available for your next move. These services are usually included in the “add-ons” section of your rental truck’s website and can be purchased while reserving the moving truck.

Enlisting friends

Of course, there’s always the old-fashioned do-it-yourself move with friends. For those looking to save big bucks on their next relocation, this may be the best option – especially if you have some pretty strong buddies.

Besides saving plenty of cash, a DIY move grants you total control (and flexibility) over the move. That means you get to choose the timing of your move and the way in which you pack and protect your belongings. You also get to decide how exactly to load and unload the moving truck. Bottomline: the move will go according to your plan.

Additionally, when it comes to boxing up all of your precious belongings, you won’t have to worry about packing everything according to your mover’s guidelines. After all, professional moving companies will most likely want all of your boxes sealed up and ready to go when they arrive. Without these constraints, you can box up those odd-shaped items – such as lamps, plants and pillows – however you see fit.

Need to hire labor assistance?

Moving.com has partnered with HireAHelper to find the best local moving labor professionals to move all of your stuff onto and off of the moving truck. All you have to do is enter your zip code and your moving date. From there, the moving labor website allows customers to compare and book available labor professionals in the area. To find discounts and information on various rental truck companies, check out Moving.com’s truck rental center.

Still prefer to go the full-service route? To find the best moving company to handle your upcoming move, check Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Good luck and happy moving!