Get matched with top movers in Crestwood, IL

Generally, you should avoid using your car as a storage space if you’re using a shipping company.Your items could get lost or damaged during transport, and most shipping companies won’t cover the cost of damage. Contact the shipping company and ask about their policy ahead of time. Some companies may not allow you to leave anything but necessary paperwork in the car. 

Moving pods are most often available in three sizes: 8, 12, and 16 feet. To move a four-bedroom house, you’ll likely need two 16-foot moving pods. Of course, the exact answer depends more on your house’s square footage and the amount of belongings you have than on the number of bedrooms in the house. For example, moving a small four-bedroom house may only require one 16-foot pod and one 8-foot pod, but moving a large four-bedroom house may require more than two 16-foot pods.

There are several effective ways to save money when hiring a moving company, primarily by handling some tasks yourself and being strategic with scheduling. Consider these methods:

• Pack Your Own Belongings: You can significantly reduce costs by packing and protecting your items yourself. This includes wrapping delicate items, organizing them into boxes, and taping the boxes closed. You can use towels, clothes, and suitcases to pack belongings and protect breakables.

• Provide Your Own Materials: Source free packing materials from friends and family, or reuse boxes and bubble wrap from a previous move.

• Schedule Strategically: Book your move well in advance. Rates are often lower if you schedule your move on a weekday during the off-season, which typically runs from October through April.

• Compare Quotes: Get moving quotes from at least three professional movers in your area. This allows you to compare services and choose the best value.

• Ask for Discounts: Inquire if the moving company offers any special coupons or deals.

• Purchase Moving Insurance: Protect your investment by purchasing moving insurance, especially for expensive or antique belongings.

• Divide the Labor: While you can save money by packing, it's wise to leave the more dangerous and physically demanding work—like loading, unloading, and moving heavy furniture—to the professionals.

Using moving pods is generally cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company, primarily because you handle the packing and loading yourself, which eliminates labor costs. The cost savings are most significant for long-distance or cross-country moves; for local moves, hiring a moving company might be the more economical option. Renting and shipping moving pods can cost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on factors like distance, the number of containers, and the weight of your items. Some services also charge a monthly rental fee of $75 to $200. In comparison, hiring a professional moving company for a long-distance move typically costs between $2,700 and $10,000.