With a self-service type of move, you hire a driver to drive your truck rental. You still handle the packing, loading, unloading and packing of your belongings like a do-it-yourself move.
If you don't have the budget for a full-service move and don't feel comfortable driving a huge truck rental vehicle for a do-it-yourself move, there is a third option - the self-service move. This type of move is quickly gaining popularity as a viable option to the two better-known types of moves. Here's what these types of moves entail.
You do the packing plus much more
Similar to a do-it-yourself or truck rental move, the self-service move means that you will be responsible for packing up your belongings, loading and unloading them into/from the truck rental, and unpacking them once you arrive at your new place. You'll also be responsible for providing all of the boxes and supplies for your move, whether you purchase, borrow or rent those items.
Since you will be responsible for your own packing, loading, unloading and unpacking, make sure that you have plenty of support to make that happen. Ask yourself if you have enough family members or friends to help you pack your items and then lift them into the truck, as well as unload and unpack your belongings. If you have a limited number of possible volunteers, consider packing and unpacking your items by yourself so at least you can have help with the loading and unloading of the truck.
Leave the driving to the professionals
Unlike a do-it-yourself or truck rental move, you will not be driving the vehicle. Instead, the self-service moving company will drive the vehicle to your old address and will leave it there until it's loaded. Once it's loaded, the company will then send a driver to drive the truck rental to your new location. If your truck rental vehicle is large and your belongings only take up a portion of the vehicle, some self-service movers will then share the truck with other customers (once your belongings are secured in a tied off area within the truck, either through the use of a bulkhead or plywood). That saves you additional money, as you will only be paying for a portion of the total truck rental price (charged according to space used versus the total
weight of your items).
