While many relocating individuals may decide that do-it-yourself packing is a logical place to cut costs, self-packing may end up costing much more in the long run – and today, that is something most everyone hopes to avoid.
"People who decide to pack themselves often haven't considered the full picture," explains Craig Broback, president, Graebel Van Lines
"Self-packing requires both time and expertise that the average person doesn't have. Moving is a hectic and stressful time. Adding the extra burden of proper packing increases your stress level and personal liability."
Packing right takes time.
Self-packing requires you to put a dollar value on your time. Properly packing your entire household requires much more time than most people anticipate. To ensure everything is ready to go when the moving truck arrives, you need to start days or weeks ahead of moving day – and that means living among boxes and packing materials. Professional packers can complete packing for an average move in one or two days, meaning your household will experience minimal disruption as you prepare for your move.
Inexperience with packing techniques adds time to an already time-consuming process. While a professional packer can quickly identify like items to pack together, amateurs spend valuable time preparing packing materials and looking for the right items for each box. Additionally, amateur packers may unknowingly segregate similar items that are better suited for packing in the same box, thereby increasing unpacking time.
"People have other concerns – from work and childcare to goodbye parties and move preparations – than just packing," states Broback. "As time passes and moving day quickly approaches, packing becomes more hectic and less careful when completed by the individual as opposed to a professional."
Is saving a few dollars worth the risk?
What many people don't know is that professional moving companies are liable for goods once they are placed on board the moving van. In light of that, drivers have the right to refuse any self-packed carton or require cartons be repacked at your expense. Moving companies are only responsible for damage to box contents of a self-packed carton if the carton itself is damaged externally. Therefore, establishing damage claims against your mover for boxes you packed yourself is often quite difficult.
Skimping on packing materials can be an expensive risk. Many inexperienced packers will choose newspaper to wrap their valuables and fragile household items. But, what many of them learn later is that items wrapped in newspaper can end up with imprints that require extra cleaning, and improperly wrapped goods could easily break in transit. Self-packers also tend to be unaware of how to properly pack boxes. Many times self-packers over-pack boxes which are then too heavy, causing box failure and/or injuries.
Not all boxes are made for moving.
When packing yourself, you tend to be on the lookout for cheap or even free boxes. Unfortunately, odd-sized cartons, boxes without lids, and containers made of improper materials take longer to load, thus increasing your moving costs. Plus, professional movers will not accept any container that lacks the integrity to survive transit.
Packing materials from professional moving companies are designed to fit comfortably inside a moving van and facilitate the loading process. Boxes obtained from the liquor or grocery store do not fit the puzzle and can hinder the moving process. In some cases, these oddly-shaped boxes create overflows and cause the need for small sized movers to dispatch their additional moving vans or these movers transport outside the back of the trailer when their resources are exhausted. This means extra costs, high probability of delivery delays, unsecured items, and an increased likelihood of damage – all thanks to free non-mover boxes.
"Professional packers are trained to economize packing to ensure everything fits in the moving van's allotted cubic space," explains Broback. "Additionally, moving companies will perform an in-home estimate to properly identify the materials, time, and labor needed to move your household goods. This eliminates surprises, prepares for special packing needs, and reduces the possibility of damage and additional fees."
Don't let your move go up in smoke.
One of the riskiest mistakes you can make is packing perishable, dangerous, and hazardous goods without your mover's knowledge. Combustible liquids, corrosives, explosives, flammables, compressed gasses and food are not accepted for interstate household goods transit, and it is best not to include items like these on your moving van regardless of the distance of your move. Including these items limits the moving company's liability and runs the risk of explosions or fires. It only takes a small leak from a purged propane tank to contaminate the entire shipment – and create a total loss.
Get the truth about valuation.
Your mover is liable for your belongings during transport; however, it is important to keep in mind that different levels of liability exist. Released value is the most economical form of liability protection. At no cost to you, your mover will assume liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. That means if your 200-lb. flat-screen television is damaged in transport, you will receive only $120 less depreciation, if something happens to it in transit.
The alternative – and highly encouraged – form of valuation is full value protection. While this coverage costs extra, any article that is damaged, lost, or destroyed will be paid for or replaced at its current market value.
Find complete details on valuation options in the booklet, "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move." Federal law requires moving companies provide you with a copy if an interstate move is involved.
Try these alternative cost-cutting strategies.
Self-packing can cause heartbreak and can cost you a lot more money in the long run. Instead of jeopardizing your family heirlooms and your important belongings just to save a few dollars, consider using these approaches to cut your moving costs:
- Move with flexibility. According to Bankrate.com, moving during off-peak seasons, or non-summer months, can save 5- to 12-percent. Also, some discounts may be available if you can accommodate greater flexibility in pick-up and delivery dates.
- Lighten your load. Don't pay to move things you no longer need or want. Consider charitable donations (and possible tax benefits), as well as recycling used items.
- Watch for possible tax deductions. Moving expenses may be tax deductible. Keep copies of your receipts and contact a professional when preparing your tax returns.
- Consider storage solutions. If you plan to return to the same town, store some of your goods in a professional mover's warehouse. The small monthly warehousing fee will cost less in the long run, and you'll eliminate the headache of unpacking and re-packing items for your return.
- Recycle packing materials. Professional packing materials in good condition can often be reused by others. Your moving company should have a recycling program.