Truck Rental Vs Moving Company Vs Moving Container – What is the best choice for me?

Moving to a new place can be exciting but it also can be stressful. This stress often comes from the moving of your belongings from point A to Z. When thinking of moving your belongings you may consider various options in order to save time, save money, and stress. Well, let us save you this search and stress by showing you the pros and cons of hiring a moving company along with the pros and cons of moving using a moving container, and the pros and cons of a truck rental.

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Comparison of Moving Trucks, Moving Companies and Moving Containers at a Glance

 

Truck Rental 

Moving Container

Moving Company

Driving

You drive the rental truck

  The driving is done for you

The professionals drive for you

Pricing

  Pricing varies depending on distance, size, and additional services

    Pricing varies depending on distance, size, and additional services

  Pricing varies depending on distance, size, and additional services

Storage option

Many companies offer storage for an extra fee

Many companies offer storage for an extra fee

Various sizes depending on size of belongings

Size options

  Cargo vans up to 26’ moving trucks 

3 most common sizes:

 7’, 12’, 16’ containers

Sizing calculated by company based on size of home

Moving Labor

None unless you choose to hire extra help

None unless you choose to hire extra help

Movers included 

Car shipping

Car towing services usually offered

Allows motorcycle to be shipped but not large vehicles

Car shipment options may be available

Parking

Usually permitted on legal parking spots. Check your city regulations.

Usually permitted on legal parking spots. Check your city regulations.

Usually permitted on legal parking spots. Check your city regulations.

Moving Truck Rental vs. Moving Container

Both moving trucks and moving containers are efficient ways of moving without having to hire a moving company. The following are some key factors to keep in mind when choosing how to move your belongings.

Moving Truck

  • Cost effective
  • Ability to tow your car
  • Independent driving 
  • Street parking usually permitted

Moving Containers

  • Driven by company employees
  • Certain vehicles can fit inside
  • Very spacious 
  • Sturdy and safe

Truck Rental Vs Moving Company

Getting a truck rental is much more cost effective than hiring a moving company. A truck rental will give you a lot more independence as you can decide when and how to move. While there is usually a time frame, you will still have a lot more flexibility in the time and day you want to move as you won’t have to rely on the restricted availability of a moving company.

A final and important reason for renting a moving truck is that you will have full control over your items so you can have the time you need to carefully move your most precious belongings.

Moving Container Vs Moving Company

Moving containers are very spacious and sturdy metallic boxes. Their big space is a big plus if you have a lot of furniture even though you will have to pull out those muscles in order to move everything yourself. Because you will be moving all your heavy furniture on your own, you won’t have to worry about a mover accidentally breaking anything. Hiring a moving company is beneficial as you won’t have to move a thing, but you cannot guarantee that your furniture will be moved to your liking and that your fragile items won’t break.

Truck Rentals Vs Moving Companies Vs Moving Containers – What services do I get?

Truck Rental: The cheapest solution for your move

Availability

Moving Truck Rental Companies are very flexible as they have many trucks available, in many sizes, at all times of the year. So you will be able to build your own schedule rather than relying on a moving company’s restricted schedule. 

Size options

The average truck rental company offers 7 truck sizes. The range varies from cargo vans all the way to 26 moving trucks so you can definitely find the one to suit your moving needs best. 

Average cost

The average cost of a rental truck differs according to the distance it covers and the size of your furniture. The average rental truck per 1-bedroom house will cost you $20-$200 for a local move whereas if you’re moving long distance it will cost you around $800-$1,900. These costs also depend on the amount of fuel you use and if you have purchased any additional services. 

Moving Container: If you are seeking flexibility

Availability

Moving Containers offer more availability than a moving company because you usually have more flexibility in choosing the time of your move as you are not dependent on the mover’s schedule. 

Size options

The average moving container company will offer 2-3 container sizes. The sizes are quite large and can fit a lot of things. These sizes are usually 7’, 12’, and 16’. These sizes vary by moving container company so make sure to inform yourself with your local moving container company. 

Average cost

The average cost of moving a container varies depending on the distance it covers and the size of the container. The average Moving Container per 1-bedroom home will cost you $150-$600 for a local move whereas if you move long distance, it will cost you around $1,200-$4,000 plus fuel costs per 1-bedroom house.

Moving Company: Leave your move to professionals

Availability

To ship your stuff by using Moving Companies, you have to make reservations in advance as they are not available for last minute bookings during peak moving seasons, and then you have to wait for your turn. Moreover, booking a Moving Company with excessive services may be harder and tacky than renting a truck.

The availability of the Moving Company depends on the size of your belongings, the place you are moving to, the place you are moving from, and the types of services you need to move for example; are you shipping fragile items and want the company to provide insurance for that.

Size options

Professional Moving Companies offer multiple truck sizes according to your need. They will suggest a truck size depending on the size of your home. However, it becomes a bit tricky if you need to move to a very large home such as five bedrooms or more, in this case we would recommend that you use moving containers. 

Average cost

Shipment via Moving Company is not very budget friendly. The average Moving Company per 1-bedroom home will cost you $240-$500 for a local move whereas if you move long distance it will cost you around $2,700-$6,000 per 1-bedroom house.

Pros and Cons of each options

Moving with a Truck Rental

Pros

  • More affordable than Moving Container and moving companies
  •   Storage options usually offered
  • Multiple sizes of trucks are available
  • These services are widely available, no need to search extensively
  • Can easily be parked in a legalized parking spot
  • Car towing options usually offered

Cons

  • Non-professional car towing
  • You are responsible for the damage that occurs to your belongings while moving
  • You have to unload and unpack your stuff yourself
  • Most companies have strict policies and regulations
  • You have to do the driving by yourself

Moving with a Professional Mover

Pros

  • Usually have specialty moving services
  • Insurance offered for fragile items
  • Move is quick
  • The crew will handle the lifting for you
  • Lower chance of an accident to occur because of professional drivers

Cons

  • More expensive than rental trucks, and moving containers
  • You won’t always be there to keep an eye on things
  • Moving Companies may have some hidden fees
  • High prices
  • Reduced flexibility in terms of making decisions.

Moving with a Moving Container

Pros

  • Very spacious
  • Very secure
  • Flexible services
  • More affordable than moving companies
  • No driving required

Cons

  • More expensive than rental trucks, and moving containers
  • You won’t always be there to keep an eye on things
  • Higher price
  • Reduced flexibility in terms of making decisions

Final thoughts: What is the best moving solution for a successful move?

The best moving solution you will need for a successful move will depend on your budget, your time, and your physical capabilities or desire to complete the physical work.

Workload 

Truck Rental 

Moving Container

Moving Company

Budget

Low budget

Medium budget

Big budget

Time needed

A lot of time 

A lot of time

Little time 

Physical effort / desire

Elevated 

Elevated

Low

Driving effort/ desire

Elevated 

Low

Low

 

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