Long-Distance Moving Options: Pros and Cons

You’ve taken the new job across the country. You’ve found a brand-new place to call home. Now you need to figure out exactly how you’re going to get you and all your belongings there.

Sounds simple on paper, huh?

There are plenty of options out there when it comes to long-distance moving. But how do you choose the best option for you? As a full-service moving company that specializes in long-distance moves, we’ve got a few pros and cons for each of the most popular options that can help you make the best decision.

Storage Pods 

Pros 

• Cost-Effective – Renting a long-distance moving pod is considerably cheaper than hiring movers for a number of factors, mainly depending on the distance of your move and the length of the rental. 
• Durable and Weather-Resistant – Large storage pods are built to withstand the elements, meaning you won’t have to worry about external damages. 

Cons 

• Lack of Schedule Flexibility – You’ll be subject to a storage pod’s delivery window, meaning you’re at the mercy of their schedule and resources. Not the other way around. 

• Risk of Damages – If the storage pod isn’t loaded properly, your belongings may shift during shipment, which can cause significant damage.  
• No Supplies Included – None of the essential moving supplies are included, meaning you’ll have to buy or rent moving blankets and other items (straps, shrink wrap, etc.). 
• Minimal Space – Due to the size of the storage pods, large items like sofas, king-size beds, and large mirrors don’t fill well and have to be loaded in a way that takes up a lot more space. This requires multiple pods, ultimately increasing your moving pods cost. 

Van Lines 

Pros 

• Packing and Unpacking – You don’t need to put in the hard labor of packing and unpacking your items, the long-distance moving companies will do that for you. 
• Debris Removal – Post-move trash or debris pickup is often included in long-distance moving quotes, making it easier for you to focus on the next steps of the moving process. 
• Technology and Communication – Nationwide movers may have systems that keep you in the loop throughout the moving process. 

Cons 

• Shared Trucks – You’ll typically have to share a truck with multiple other customers/shipments. 

• Large Delivery Windows – They’ll typically give you a 10-14-day delivery window and will often have delays well past those windows. 
• Inconsistent Crews – You never who is going show up to your move. Van lines often broker the move out to other companies or owner/operators. They also hire local labor to unload your items, meaning you have no control over who shows up to your home. 

Do It Yourself 

Pros 

• Control – You get full control of your belongings and how things are handled—especially the fragile and valuable items—giving you peace of mind. 

• Flexibility – No need to coordinate with anyone’s schedules and availability, it’s all up to you to determine when you start packing, loading, and moving to your new home. 
• Cheap – A DIY move is definitely the cheapest route you can take when it comes to long-distance moving, since you get to determine the number of boxes, packing supplies, and figuring out your transportation—like long-distance moving truck rentals. 

Cons 

• …Doing It ALL Yourself! – You are ultimately the one responsible for loading, transporting, and unloading your items. While you can save money, renting a truck and handling your move yourself can take up a ton of time, add significant stress to your life, and be physically exhausting. 

Hiring a Professional Mover 

Pros 

• No Shared Loads – When you hire a professional long-distance moving company like Move On, you won’t have any shared loads or shipments. 
• Consistency of Service – The crew that loads your items up is the exact same crew that will unload your belongings at your new home. We never hire local labor to help us unload. They are always our highly trained and experienced employees! 
• Guaranteed Delivery Dates – You’ll receive your items in the window we give you as part of your long-distance moving estimate. 

Cons 

• Costs – Hiring a long-distance moving company will typically be more expensive than a DIY or storage pod option. But using professional movers gives you peace of mind by taking care of all the big and small tasks that go into moving—even the ones you might not even think about. All you need to do is focus on getting yourself to your new home. 

Moving companies are here to make your lives easier. Choosing the right movers that provide a full set of moving services for your move to Nashville (or from Nashville to your next adventure!) can make all the difference. As a local, long-distance moving company, we know Middle Tennessee inside and out, and we’re ready to help with your next home move. 

Moving is a big deal. Ready to make your Nashville move easy? Get a free estimate from the Nashville movers at Move On today.