You have options to choose from when deciding how you want to move your belongings. Different types of movers offer different ways for you to tackle your move. Consider the following choices.

1. Full-Service Movers

Full-service movers provide the most comprehensive service of all the options. They pack your belongings for you, load them all on the moving truck, drive to your new home, and unload. Full-service movers include the large vanlines, such as, Mayflower, Allied Van Lines and United Van Lines.

Pros: This can be the most headache-free way to move and a great choice if you don’t have the time or inclination to worry about doing it all yourself.

Cons: This can be very costly. Also, the actual level of service varies from company to company. Get quotes from different companies, and research their history with a consumer organization, such as the Better Business Bureau or the American Moving and Storage Association.

2. Half-Service Movers

The half-service mover delivers a truck or moving units to your home. You pack your belongings as you wish, at your own pace. When you have finished loading the truck or unit, the moving company drives it to your new home. You unload the truck or unit in your new home, and the mover drives the truck or unit away. Alternatively, you pack your own belongings. The moving company then loads all your household goods into the truck or unit, drives it to your new home and unloads your belongings into your new house. Some of the full-service moving companies now offer this option as well.

Pros: A less expensive option to the full service-move. You don’t have the hassle of renting a truck, driving it cross country, and returning it. You have control over the packing and loading so you can load and unload as you wish.

Cons: Packing your own belongings isn’t easy, especially items which require special care. Loading a truck is backbreaking work; you will need a lot of help. You will also need room in front of your home to park a truck or moving units for a couple of days.

3. Self-Service Move

The least costly of the options, this is for the ultimate do-it-yourselfer. The self-service move is done completely by you: you rent a truck or a van, pack your belongings, load them, drive the vehicle to your new home, unload, and return the vehicle.

Examples of companies that rent trucks for self-service moves are U-Haul, Penske, and Budget Truck Rental.

Pros: The least expensive way to go since you are doing it all by yourself. You are in control of the whole move.

Cons: You have to do EVERYTHING by yourself from buying packing supplies to mapping out your truck route to your new location.

Ask yourself the following questions: Do you like to remain in control of everything so that things are done your way? Do you like to sit back and have someone else do everything for you? Do you have a lot of family and friends available to help you? Are you comfortable driving your own moving van/truck? What do you have more of to spend on this move: time or money? Based on your personal preferences and situation, choose the best moving option for you.