Moving Budget
Employer Paid For
If your employer is not giving you a lump sum for your relocation costs, make certain you are aware of the type of moving expenses (automobile transport, moving company, packing or loading services, moving truck rental, meals and accommodation) they will cover, how they will compensate you (reimbursement or pay vendor direct), any limitations and maximum dollars allowed. There could be tax implications so be certain to ask them how this will affect you tax-wise. You may wish to consult an accountant.
You Pay For
Outline a moving budget. Depending on the mode of transport you chose, you will need to factor in all costs involved in your move and a budget is the first place to start. How much can we afford to spend?

Choose a Mode of Transport
Full Service Moving Companies
Full service movers pack, load, drive, unload and unpack. These movers come fully equipped with all the necessary packing materials to box, crate, wrap, cushion and pad everything in your home, garage or shed. They will disassemble furniture items as required and reassemble them at your new home. The moving van is fully equipped with ramps, moving blankets, mattress covers, furniture pads, packing supplies, tools, logistics strapping and anything else you can think of to perform a full service move. Generally all you will be asked to do is label the rooms in your old home and label corresponding rooms in your new home according to where you want items placed. You should be present at all times to supervise the movers whether they are packing, loading, unloading or unpacking.
Mid Service Moving Companies
Mid service movers load, drive and unload – you pack. Mid service moving means you the customer will pack your own boxes, disassemble furniture items as needed, wrap and pad furniture items, basically have everything ready to go when the movers show up at your door. The movers will load your household items into the van, drive it to your new home and unload everything into the rooms you have requested. Remember that while packing yourself can save you money, professional movers typically will not accept liability for damage to goods they have not packed themselves.
Self Service Moving Companies
Self service movers drive – you pack, load, unload and unpack.
Self service movers provide you with an empty container, van or trailer. Packing materials such as furniture pads are not included. Moving equipment such as dollies are not included. As well, ramps are often not included. The driver will arrive at your home with a container, van or trailer and leave it there for you to pack. You will be responsible to ensure there is adequate space for the container, van or trailer to be legally parked on the street, in your driveway or in the alley. You may be required to obtain a parking permit from your local city regulatory authorities. You pack all your household items and load everything into the container, van or trailer. When you have finished loading you give the driver a call and he returns to pick up the loaded container, van or trailer and drives it to your new home. He will leave it there for you to unload. Once again, you will need to ensure adequate space to be legally parked. When you have finished unloading you give the driver a call and he returns to pick up the empty container, van or trailer.
Moving Truck Rental Companies
You rent the truck, pack, load, drive, unload, unpack and return the truck to the rental company. When considering renting a truck for your move, make certain you factor in all of the variables associated with the move to determine if this mode is right for you.
Travel: If you are moving a long distance, calculate the number of days it will take you to arrive safely at your destination. Next the cost of gasoline for the truck, any toll charges, meals and lodging.
Truck: Determine the size of truck you will need to handle all your belongings. Equipment varies so ask for advice from your truck rental representative. Be certain to ask about the weight restrictions/limitations of the trucks as this could make a considerable difference if you have a small load that weighs a lot. Now add in the cost to rent the truck, insurance coverage and any additional mileage charges.
Equipment: Ramp, appliance dolly, furniture pads, tie-down strapping.
Manpower: You may consider hiring professional help for assistance with the loading and unloading, especially for those heavier items. If you have reliable buddies to help at both ends that’s great.