Moving Choices: Full Moving Service, Rental Trucks, Self-Moving Services? How should I choose?

Many factors will come into play when deciding how to move your furniture.  In our years of experience, the number one factor is usually the price, and unfortunately, price shouldn’t be the deciding factor.  Other factors that can come into play are whether you are physically able to move furniture yourself, whether you have the expertise to stack a U-Pack or Pod or rental truck yourself so no damage will occur, whether you know how to drive a truck, etc.   These are questions to ask yourself when deciding between a full-service moving company and a self-move company. So, in order to make good moving choices, assess your needs, get different moving estimates, and choose your moving services.

Moving Options: An Overview

The moving industry has developed to such an extent that there are many companies to choose from:

• Full-Service Moving Companies
• Moving and Storage Companies
• Self-Move Companies

Full-Service Moving Company is One of the Best Moving Choices

What is a full-service moving company?  Full-service moving companies, such as Columbine Moving & Storage CO are regulated by the FMSCA as household items carriers.  They typically do the packing and loading of your household goods in their truck and drive it to your new residence, and unload your furniture in the rooms you want it and unpack boxes if you have requested this service.

A reputable full-service moving company will send out an estimator to your residence and walk through your home and determine the weight of your goods.  From the weight and the miles your shipment is traveling, you can get an estimate of the cost of shipping your goods.  The full-service company can fully pack your household items, or if you want to do some or all of the packing yourself, this can be done as well.  This is an area where you can save money by packing your goods yourself.

Specialized Moving Choices

When hiring a full-service moving company, it means you have probably chosen a company that offers specialized movign services, such as:

1. moving fine art
2. white-glove moving services
3. moving shuttle 
4. antique moving services
5. moving labor
6. junk removal, etc

Moving & Storage Companies – The Best Moving Option

Moving and storage companies offer more than just transportation. First of all, they provide both short- and long-term storage options to suit your timeline. If you’re between homes, short-term storage gives you flexibility. On the other hand, long-term storage is ideal for extended travel or downsizing. In addition, many companies offer portable storage containers. They drop them off at your home, you pack at your own pace, and then they handle the transport or storage. This means you don’t have to rush or coordinate multiple services.

Moreover, climate-controlled units protect sensitive items. Electronics, antiques, and furniture stay safe from humidity and extreme temperatures. For example, some facilities even offer separate units for ski gear, sports equipment, or seasonal items. Ultimately, combining moving and storage in one service simplifies the entire process. You stay organized, reduce stress, and gain peace of mind—knowing your belongings are secure and ready when you are.

Self-Moving Companies

These companies typically provide rental trucks or portable storage containers that you load and unload yourself. But is it really worth the effort? On the plus side, self-moving options are often more affordable than full-service movers. You can control the pace of your move, decide how items are packed, and avoid labor charges. If you’re on a tight budget or prefer doing things yourself, this might be ideal.

However, there are downsides. What happens if something breaks during the move? You’re responsible—not just for your belongings, but also for potential damage to the vehicle or container. Plus, you’ll need to do all the heavy lifting. That includes packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. Is it physically demanding? Absolutely. Moving large furniture or dozens of boxes isn’t easy, especially without help. Also, some residential areas restrict where containers can be placed, so it’s important to check with your local regulations or HOA before booking.

In short, self-moving companies offer flexibility and cost savings, but they require significant time, effort, and coordination. Ask yourself: do you have the time, strength, and patience for a full DIY move? Your moving choices define the success of your move.

Things to consider when renting a truck:

If you opt for self-moving companies, consider the following regarding truck rental:

1. Do you feel comfortable driving a truck, especially in the cities across the country?
2. How do you get your car to the new residence?  You can tow it behind the truck, but how do you feel doing that maneuvering?
3. Besides paying for the truck, you will also have the cost of gas and hotel rooms getting to the new residence. You may also have to pay labor to load and unload the truck.
4. How do you feel about packing and then stacking your furniture into the truck?   You will need to rent pads to protect your furniture from damage of rubbing.

How to Make the Right Moving Choices?

Choosing the right moving options starts with knowing your needs. Are you willing to do the heavy lifting, or do you want professionals to handle it all? Consider your budget, physical ability, time, and the complexity of your move. Don’t just pick the cheapest option—think long term. Get multiple estimates, compare moving services, and read reviews. Need storage in Aspen CO, for example? Ask if they offer secure, climate-controlled units. Unsure about driving a truck or packing fragile items? Then go with the pros. It’s one of the best moving choices you can make. Ready to move smarter? Start by assessing your needs and get your personalized moving quote today!