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My wife and I will be loading the Uhaul on a Thursday and driving to the new location on Friday (200 miles). I am considering hiring movers for the sole purpose of unloading the truck. Would cost about $130. Do you think that is money well spent? That is for 2 guys for 2 hours plus their travel time. We will have a bit of ground to cover from the truck to our second floor apartment in the back. Only a couple of heavy items to move. Anybody do anything like this?
My wife and I will be loading the Uhaul on a Thursday and driving to the new location on Friday (200 miles). I am considering hiring movers for the sole purpose of unloading the truck. Would cost about $130. Do you think that is money well spent? That is for 2 guys for 2 hours plus their travel time. We will have a bit of ground to cover from the truck to our second floor apartment in the back. Only a couple of heavy items to move. Anybody do anything like this?
I believe most local Uhaul places have a list of Uhaul authorized packers and unloaders. I also believe most also have an "off the books" list. Contact them.
Yes, it's worth it! I'm older and I have even older friends, and I would feel awful if one of the older guys tried to move something too heavy for him and hurt his back.
If money is an issue, you can also hire movers for specific pieces. For example, on my next move, I will hire a guy or two to move the stove, fridge, washer, dryer, and sofa. I will move the rest myself with hand trucks.
I've also downsized my furniture and have folding bookcases, so this is possible. I went from a queen bed to a full-sized one because I can still move a full mattress on my own or with the help of a friend. These are the sorts of choices that can greatly help if more moves are in your future.
I believe most local Uhaul places have a list of Uhaul authorized packers and unloaders. I also believe most also have an "off the books" list. Contact them.
This is definitely an option, however consider there is no vetting process to become a UHaul mover. You only have to just fill out an online form to be listed on their site. Then they have a customer review process that acts as a vetting process. So the movers may or may not be licensed/insured/bonded.
There a lot of viable moving labor options ranging from picking up day labor from the Home Depot to legitimate businesses operating under all local and national regulations. As with most services, you get what you pay for.
i ALWAYS hire loading and unloading help. I prefer to keep possession of my things so I drive the rental truck. I've learned a few things.
Always treat these people with utmost respect, but know that sometimes you need to let them know how you want things done.
Keep food and water on hand. They work hard and I get the impression some of the people are in financial trouble. They really appreciate being fed. Keeping the workers fed and hydrated will also keep them from exhaustion, meaning less chances of them dropping your things.
opt for one more person than you think you need. Especially if stairs are involved and you have heavy or fragile items.
I tip $20/person and add $10 per flight of stairs.
Have handtrucks, tape, straps, rope, tape, boxes, and any other moving supply on hand.
I prefer to hire from a service that has good reviews. It might cost a little more, but I have someone to yell at if anything goes missing. I won't take a risk picking up day labor to handle everything i own.
Yes, most definitely! Moves are exhausting so give yourself a break.
Local moving companies will sometimes provide workers to unload trucks for you, too. You could ask and make sure they are insured, licensed, bonded, or whatever.
Loading the truck by someone who knows what they're doing is money well spent. Loading is key.
Unloading USUALLY goes fast; sometimes real fast.
Double doors in, ramp right at the front door, remove and fold pads, place furniture where it's wanted esp. if it's heavy.
Who estimated two hours with ground cover, unfamiliar with the load (where the glass?), and then up around the back?
That's pushing it except for a one bedroom single persons apartment.
Loading the truck by someone who knows what they're doing is money well spent. Loading is key.
Unloading USUALLY goes fast; sometimes real fast.
Double doors in, ramp right at the front door, remove and fold pads, place furniture where it's wanted esp. if it's heavy.
Who estimated two hours with ground cover, unfamiliar with the load (where the glass?), and then up around the back?
That's pushing it except for a one bedroom single persons apartment.
Their travel time to the location is not included in the 2 hours. The 2 hours is only onsite. I worded that kind of funny in my OP. $50 is a part of the total cost and that covers their travel expenses. It is more like up the stairs to the back apartment (shared entrance). I figure if they can knock out the majority (i'll probably help) in 2 hours, I can finish up and my lovely wife who is moving for me won't have to lift a finger during the unload other than to point where stuff goes. We are moving a lightly furnished 2 bed house with like a few awkward things to carry. Nothing overly heavy.
Totally totally worth it after packing a truck up yourself and driving 200 miles. TRUST ME
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Moves are exhausting so give yourself a break. 
We are moving a lightly furnished 2 bed house with like a few awkward things to carry. Nothing overly heavy.
