DIY has turned into “the thing” these days…with all of the “how to” blogs, videos, pictures and articles floating around on the web, you can figure out how to do just about anything on your own.  In fact, I’ve spent the last two weeks trying to figure out how to build my own raised flower beds so I don’t have to pay someone else to do it.  It’s all about saving a little money.

Moving is no exception.

But, fifteen years ago, if you were looking to save money with a do-it-yourself moving company, it was a no-brainer that you would have to drive.  Do-it-yourself literally meant you did everything, including driving the rental truck, by yourself. Prices were more reasonable than full service movers, so that’s what people did.&n...
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In this economy, we wish that all moving companies would be cheap moving companies. But, is cheaper always better? Here’s what I think – sometimes yes, sometimes no.

Cheap Moving Companies – You get what you pay for?
Usually when my husband lovingly reminds me that you “get what you pay for”, it’s not because the trash bags I just bought for two dollars less than the other brand were so great…it’s because they just spilled trash all over the kitchen floor.  I’m known (and laughed at) for looking for ways to save, and have learned through the years that it’s ok to make saving money a priority…but if you end up losing in the end, the savings aren’t always worth it.

Now, let’s move on to something I know a little more about than trash bags (obviously)…Cheap moving companies. All of my “you get what you pay for...
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Working for a moving service makes me overly conscious of what questions should be asked when choosing moving companies. It’s kind of like how mechanics know what to look for when your car doesn’t run and how realtors know what to do to sell your house quickly – when it’s what you do, it’s what you know.

So, I try to put myself in the shoes of the person who has never moved before - just to consider all the questions that surface when choosing moving companies.

Here’s the beginning of my list of questions people ask (and my answers)…feel free to add more!

1. How much do moving companies charge? Remember, some moving companies don’t include the price of fuel, taxes, insurance etc. in your quote. So consider the total price before you make a decision. For instance, you’ll need to...
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Ways to Avoid Moving Scam

Don’t talk to strangers
Our parents told us this when we were kids, and it still applies.  Stranger-proof your move by:

1) Writing down the names of everyone you speak with. Reputable moving companies won’t mind giving their names.
2) Calling multiple times.  Ask questions to make sure you know exactly who you’re dealing with and what to expect.
3) Know who you're talking to. Ask the moving company if they own and operate their own equipment, or if they are a broker. There's no need to use a broker - you'll pay more for the service and have less control over your move. ABF U-Pack is not a broker. We own and operate our own eq...
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