For a cross country move, is it cheaper to do it yourself or pay someone else?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 21:09:20 -0400

I took a job in Utah so I’m going to be relocating there from Alabama. I’ve started looking online and from the figures I’ve seen, it looks like the cost doing it yourself might workout to be about the same, if not a little more, than paying a company to do it.

Unfortunately, relocation isn’t covered so I’m going to be footing the bill myself.

Also, are there any good trip planning tools anyone can recommend? I’ll be heading up ahead of the herd at the end of the month and I’m a little concerned about weather in the Rockies and plains at this time of year.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2018 10:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 22:04:37 -0400

From my experience its always been cheaper to do it myself. Its definitely more of a hassle but cheaper.

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Oct 4 at 2018 10:47 PM

MAJ Rene De La Rosa — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 22:47:05 -0400

The best question to ask: what is your moving weight? If you have your prior military paperwork, this would give you a fair estimation of the move. I moved once from Virginia to Hawaii and back to Georgia; obviously not a DITY move at all. They did everything, and the general rule of thumb is to figure it will take a three-man team to box all of your stuff up, and a day-and-a-half to load it up. I also had one ton of professional gear (books) that was not anticipated.
The reason I bring up the team is that if you are doing this yourself, you are going to have to estimate doing this by yourself for about two weeks. Although cheaper, this will annoy and anger you to no end. It might be best to let the professionals handle this and handle your part of the equation; getting your family moved without the intrusion of your household goods. Good luck.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2018 11:01 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 23:01:45 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member If you go with a moving company, there will be certain item that they will not move like firearms, ammunition, gas, cleaning supplies, etc., so check their website for items that are excluded. Good luck.

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 5 at 2018 7:21 PM

SrA John Monette — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 19:21:20 -0400

I moved to CT ahead of my family and stayed with family friends. when it came time to bring them up, I took a train back to NC. we rented a truck, packed up, and left. we spent one night in a hotel, which was great for reconnecting. I never explored the option of a moving company because we weren't in the financial situation that would allow that. we may have spent more moving ourselves, but it was worth it. the sucky part was hauling furniture up 14 steps from the street, then 9 more to the front porch. the house came with appliances though, so there's that!!!

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2018 11:22 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 23:22:51 -0400

Actually i just did that move when I got stationed at Fort Campbell in August it was rough but it was the only thing I could do.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Oct 6 at 2018 2:46 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 14:46:43 -0400

Paying a moving company can be cheaprer or more expensive depending on several things. Renting a truck can add up quick, the price of fuel, the time used loading, traveling and unloading. A moving company can packup and move your stuff a lot quicker than you can and get there quicker. The stress of unpacking and moving furniture is the worst part of the process. I have moved both ways which if you have the money, it is better to pay a professional. A lot of things can happen on the move when you do it yourself and carrying heavy furniture can hurt either you or your wife. It takes a lot of planing and organization to make a stress free move. Rent the larger truck, you will need it because you have more stuff than you realize. It also is great if you have help on both end. Good luck and stay safe!

Response by SGM Jeffrey Hall made Oct 6 at 2018 3:40 PM

SGM Jeffrey Hall — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 15:40:31 -0400

I have lived in Utah since retirement. Feel free to contact me if you need information.