How do I decide if I need a professional mover?

Moving is the third most stressful event of a person's life -- and worrying about the cost can add to that stress. Many people think that a self-move will save them money, but they often forget to ask questions about pertinent issues that could change the actual cost. Using a professional mover could prove to be the most economical solution after you figure in the additional costs of a self-move. Here are some considerations that should always be made before making any decision.

Depending upon the location and time that you move, prices will vary. Don't forget that you will need a day to pack and another to unpack, so be sure your quote includes two days plus driving days. Also be sure you rent the right size truck -- and load it efficiently. The last thing you'll want is to discover after loading the rental truck that you still have furniture left in your home!

If you are doing the packing, unpacking, pickup, loading, driving and unloading, it is a huge investment of time. Figure out your average hourly wage and multiply it by the estimated amount of time it will take you to do all of the necessary steps of a move to get the per-move value of time. In addition, if you enlist the help of friends, you need to figure in the cost of food and drink. If you have small children, you may need to include child care expenses for when you are loading and unloading your belongings.

Some mileage may be included in the rental agreement, but additional mileage is assessed at an average cost per mile. The truck should have a full tank of gasoline when you pick it up and it is expected to have a full tank when you return it. If you return the truck and the tank is not full, the rental company will normally charge you a higher than average price per gallon to fill it.

If you aren't going to drive all of your vehicles, you need to consider the cost of towing your car. If you are driving your own vehicle, don't forget to factor in the wear and tear on your vehicle.

Insurance on a rental truck is usually an additional charge and covers vehicle damage, cargo damage up to a certain dollar value, and medical and life insurance. Remember that the cargo damage insurance only provides protection for your possessions if you are in a vehicular accident. Also, if you plan to spend the night in a hotel en route, you need to think about who will watch the truck will you sleep. Theft of a truck fully loaded with your possessions is a security issue you'll need to address.

You will need pads for your furniture to protect it as well as dollies for your appliances. If you plan ahead, you may be able to get boxes for packing at no cost, but to make sure your belongings are properly protected, it is recommended that you purchase specialized boxes to minimize possible damage. Don't forget to add in the cost of tape and paper padding. These are additional expenses that you will need to figure in.