Get matched with top movers in Chariton, IA

Yes, it is cheaper to move yourself than to hire professional movers. The average DIY move costs $120 to $2,300, while professionals cost $890 to $2,570 on average or up to $12,000 for the longest distances. While you’ll save on the cost of professional labor with a DIY move, you’ll spend more time and energy packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking.

You can’t start preparing for movers too soon. Some steps, like scheduling the movers and arranging for pet care, need to happen months ahead to fit into busy schedules, especially if you’re moving during on-season.

Several weeks ahead of the moving date, start packing lesser-used rooms and supplies. As the moving day gets closer, move your packing toward more and more essential rooms until only a few necessities are left on the day ahead of the move.

Choosing a reliable moving company is critical because you’re entrusting all of your belongings to the professional movers, so you’ll want to make sure you consider the following:

• The experience of the movers and the number of years in the industry

• The add-on services provided, like packing and storage

• The warranty or insurance coverage to protect your belongings 

We also recommend confirming that the movers are properly licensed using Angi’s state licensing tool. You can check for certification from organizations like the American Moving and Storage Association.

It’s best to book local movers about three months in advance to ensure your moving date is available, as most of the time, you’ll have a fairly tight window for moving your belongings. When booking your moving date, provide your moving team with as much detailed information as possible to prepare for the big day. Let your movers know an estimate of how many boxes they’ll move, any large or bulky items, number of bedrooms in your current home, the type of moving vehicle, and more.