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Planning a move can feel like a huge undertaking, but as professional movers with years of experience, Zip Moving & Storage is here to walk you through the steps of planning a successful move.
After deciding where you’d like to move, you’ll next need to decide how you will get there. There are many options available for every budget. Companies such as U-Haul and U-Pack offer a do-it-yourself style of moving, whereas hiring a moving company offers comprehensive packages from start to finish.
As professionals in the moving industry, we’ve analyzed the costs and outlined the pros and cons of U-Box, U-Pack, and hiring professional movers to help inform your decision-making process.
Services and prices offered by U-Box, U-Pack, and a moving & storage company
Services & Supplies | U-Haul: U-Box Move | U-Pack | Moving & storage company |
Sell packing supplies? | Yes | No | Packing supplies are included in packing service |
Storage service? | 30 days use | Additional | Additional |
Labor service? | No | No | Yes |
Packing service? | No | No | Yes |
Employees? | No | No | Yes |
Need to rent a moving truck? | No | No | No |
Price for a cross country move (Washington, D.C. – Atlanta, Georgia) | $2,063.85 | $3,204 | $4,221.51 |
Hiring professional movers
Hiring a moving company will make your relocation smooth and stress-free. Read on to discover the benefits of hiring a moving company, as well as some of the cons you may encounter.
Advantages of hiring movers
Planning a move can feel like a huge undertaking, but as professional movers with years of experience, Zip Moving & Storage is here to walk you through the steps of planning a successful move.
After deciding where you’d like to move, you’ll next need to decide how you will get there. There are many options available for every budget. Companies such as U-Haul and U-Pack offer a do-it-yourself style of moving, whereas hiring a moving company offers comprehensive packages from start to finish.
As professionals in the moving industry, we’ve analyzed the costs and outlined the pros and cons of U-Box, U-Pack, and hiring professional movers to help inform your decision-making process.
1.You won’t have to lift a finger
This must be the biggest selling point of hiring a moving company! Moving companies alleviate a ton of the stress that normally surrounds moving. The moving company will plan, pack, transport, load, and unload your items securely and efficiently at your new location.
Hiring movers is especially beneficial if you’re on a deadline. If you’re relocating for a new job, you may not have enough time to organize and pack everything while continuing to work and completing all of the other important administrative errands prior to moving
2.Professional movers ensure the safety of your items
The insurance of the well-being of your items is at top of the list of benefits when hiring professional movers. Expert movers with special training and experience will ensure your move goes as smooth as silk, significantly minimizing the stresses of moving for you.
Movers work with great diligence and consideration, so the risk of damage is greatly reduced. These experts are unlikely to drop an important technological device, scratch delicate furniture, or stack a box of fragile items under a heavier item, providing peace of mind for you during the move.
Professional companies use only the best quality supplies, and pack your items strategically ensuring no damage is caused while in transport. Movers have their own professional moving trucks and know how to operate them safely under any weather conditions, which, on the other hand, can be a hazardous task for someone who is not trained or experienced.
3.Discounts and deals
Moving companies offer a huge range of moving services and often offer great moving deals. For example, Zip Moving & Storages offers a discount for returning customers and veterans.
Moving during certain seasons can also secure you a discount and more flexibility with moving dates. Summer is the busiest time for moving companies, and therefore the most expensive, but moving companies are more likely to offer discounts during the fall and winter on the moving services you need.
4.Your items are insured
Every reputable moving company is fully insured. Movers usually provide different types of insurance protection for your items in case of damage or loss during the moving process. If you do it yourself and rely on family and friends to help carry your fragile belongings, you run the risk of damage.
Moving companies offer Waiver Of Full Protection and Full Protection Value to insure your belongings. In this instance, if something is damaged or lost you will be reimbursed.
Disadvantages of hiring a moving company
Planning a move can feel like a huge undertaking, but as professional movers with years of experience, Zip Moving & Storage is here to walk you through the steps of planning a successful move.
After deciding where you’d like to move, you’ll next need to decide how you will get there. There are many options available for every budget. Companies such as U-Haul and U-Pack offer a do-it-yourself style of moving, whereas hiring a moving company offers comprehensive packages from start to finish.
As professionals in the moving industry, we’ve analyzed the costs and outlined the pros and cons of U-Box, U-Pack, and hiring professional movers to help inform your decision-making process.
1.Costs are higher
Hiring a moving company may be more expensive than doing it yourself. Depending on the distance you’re moving, the number of items, and any additional services you require, a local move can cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $4,500.
Self-moving may be more affordable, but don’t forget the hidden costs of moving on your own. Ensure you have accounted for every step of the move in your cost calculations.
2.Difficulty finding reliable movers
When choosing to hire professional movers, you must carefully research and select a reputable moving company to avoid moving scams. Shady moving companies can take your money and not provide the services you paid for.
A lot of moving companies may seem reliable, but that’s not always the case. Make sure you are researching the companies in your area to find insured and licensed movers with years of experience and good reviews.
U-Box services and cost review
U-Box is a product of U-Haul, one of the biggest names in the moving industry. The U-Box service works as follows: purchase moving containers from U-Box, pack all of your items in the containers, and U-Box will ship it for you anywhere in the world, or store it for as long as you’d like.
Expert tips on how to pack a U-box
Packing for a U-Pack move involves several steps. Careful planning and strategic packing are key to a successful U-box move. Prioritize essential items, use quality packing materials, and secure fragile items with care.
So, pay close attention to these inside tips and tricks that will make your entire packing experience faster, better, and smoother.
Expert tips on how to pack a U-box:
- Create an Inventory
- Pack essentials first
- Invest in quality packing materials
- Protect furniture surfaces
- Wrap Fragile Items
- Disassemble Furniture (if possible)
- Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom
- Secure Items with Straps
Advantages of U-Box
1.Cost-effective
Renting a U-Box can end up costing you less than hiring professional movers. One container is usually enough space for a small studio or a 1 bedroom apartment; shipping the container locally costs around $1,370 and a long-distance move costs around $4,229.
This works out to be cheaper than hiring a moving company, but remember to factor in any additional costs that may arise, such as packing supplies or services
2.Control over your move
U-Box offers more freedom with your move. You have more flexibility with your moving schedule and can pack your belongings exactly to your liking.
Disadvantages of U-Box
1.Poor quality boxes
The containers that U-Box provides you with are made out of plywood with a weatherproof cover. This means that the boxes can easily break during transit, resulting in a higher risk of damage to your items. This certainly doesn’t offer peace of mind that your belongings will be safe during transit!
2.Small container sizes
U-Box containers come in only one size: 5x8x7 feet, which is large enough to fit a king-size bed. This is a downside compared to the competition since many other container companies offer containers of various sizes.
The one size makes it difficult to fit some larger furniture pieces such as pianos or large wardrobes. To move the bulkier items will require extra moving containers, resulting in your move costing more than you may expect.
U-Pack services and cost review
U-Pack is a company that provides non-traditional moving services. The U-Pack service works as follows: U-Pack drops off a container and you have 3 days to pack your belongings. After 3 days, U-Pack will pick up the container and deliver it to your new destination within 2-5 business days
Advantages of U-Pack
1.Various container sizes
U-Pack offers containers in 2 sizes. You can rent a ReloCube, which fits in a single parking space (5’10’’ x 6’10’’ x 7’9), or rent a 27-foot moving and pay only for the space used. Each ReloCube can hold a maximum of 2,500 pounds of household goods and is made of steel and aluminum for extra protection.
2.Most competitive prices
Wondering how much moving with U-Pack will cost you?
U-Pack offers great prices, especially in comparison to other long-distance moving providers. The average U-Pack costs can range from as low as $740 for a one-room apartment to as much as $4,630 for a five-bedroom home. U-Pack is nearly $600 cheaper than the industry average for a long-distance move.
3.Your items will be safely stored
Packing and properly storing all your items is an incredibly important part of any move. This will ensure the safety of all your belongings. You can pack your items in regular cardboard moving boxes, plastic containers, or the popular ReloCube Moving Containers that U-pack offers.
As you can see, there are various options to choose from based on your personal preference and needs. If you don’t know how to fold a moving box, we are here to give you all the valuable information.
However, if you decide to use the U-pack, ReloCube packing may go in a slightly different direction. You are probably wondering, what is a ReloCube actually?
Simply put, the U-Pack ReloCube is a metal container that is waterproof. It’s quite easy and practical to use as well. Simply load your items inside, seal them, and keep the key. Movers will deal with the rest, and you can be sure that your belongings will be kept safe and in great condition.
4.Delivery and shipping are fast
Wonder how long the U-box takes to ship? The good news is that U-box is pretty fast. Their iconic ReloCubes can be delivered straight to your door, and their usual transit time is 2 to 5 business days. This means they are one of the fastest in the moving industry. Time is money, especially when it comes to moving, and this will definitely save you some valuable time.
Disadvantages of U-Pack
1.No local moves
U-Pack offers its services in all 50 states but unfortunately does not do moves under 150 miles, meaning unless you’re moving long-distance, U-Pack does not offer its services for your move.
2.Limited time for packing
Unlike competitors, U-Pack limits the customer to a 3-day packing window before their employees arrive to pick up the container. In many instances, customers are not professional packers and are not experienced with loading the moving truck properly. As such, customers may feel rushed and put their belongings at greater risk of being damaged during the move.
In Conclusion…
Whether you choose to move with U-Box, U-Pack, or hire professional movers, it is important to be informed of the pros and cons each service comes with.
Moving companies are an excellent choice to handle your move from start to finish, without you having to worry about a thing. On the other hand, if you have a small local move and want to save a few dollars, U-Box may be right for you. Finally, U-Pack can ship your belongings anywhere in the world, which may be the company for you if you feel comfortable packing your belongings in a short time span.
