Rent a Van For Moving vs Moving Company

Relocating can be one of the most stressful (and expensive) experiences any adult can go through.

Hidden costs lurk around every corner, and curbing these costs is necessary for many who are endeavoring to move.

There are numerous pros & cons for both renting a van, and for using a moving company. Let’s take a look at these more closely.

 

The Transport Distance

For many, transporting their personal possessions is a precarious exercise. Hiring a moving company is a good option for those moving to a distant location.

It’s also easier to hire a moving company if you have a lot of possessions that need to be moved all at once.

Renting a van is more suited to someone who has fewer possessions, and can afford to go between the two locations repeatedly.

So, if your list of furniture and boxed items is not on the extreme side, then renting a van is probably a good option, as your move can probably be done in a day or two.

 

The Cost

 

The cost of renting a van is significantly lower than hiring a moving company.

Moving companies use laborers to move your household items, and also charge you for their transportation vehicle—which is typically larger than a basic moving van.

For those who aren’t concerned about the extra cost, a moving company may be the way to go. However, if you’re looking to save money on unnecessary costs, hiring a van can be a lot cheaper.

In fact, it can be around three times cheaper to hire a van. Of course, this also means that you will have to pack and drive the van yourself.

Instead of paying for other laborers to do the work for you, you can ask family and friends to assist you with your move.

 

Driving A Rented Van

That begs the questions, “Is it difficult to drive a van?” The short answer is, no. Driving a van is similar to driving an SUV, a car or pickup.

However, it is prudent to consider the fact that you will be responsible for that vehicle, so insurance is a must.

On the other side of the coin, hiring a moving company relieves you of any of the added pressure of driving a vehicle.

In addition to this, hiring a moving company is a good idea if you don’t have a valid driver’s license anyway.

 

Your Possessions

One of the main reasons people DON’T hire moving companies is because they aren’t keen on strangers handling their stuff.

Many moving companies will do more than just transport your items—they will actually pack up your house too!

If this prospect doesn’t appeal to you, you may want to opt for renting a van instead. This way, you have more control over who handles your household items, which is a big plus for many.

 

Weigh Up the Pros & Cons

Considering the cost, the responsibility and the convenience of both options, you can now make an educated decision on whether it’s better to rent a van, or hire a moving company.

 

Good luck with your move!