Moving is one of the most challenging tasks you will encounter, but it’s not always feasible to hire a professional moving company to handle your move. Unfortunately, hiring a professional moving company can be extremely expensive and not everyone has thousands of dollars set aside to pay for movers. Furthermore, if you are moving during a busy time of year, it can be difficult to reserve a traditional moving company for the time you need them. These are just a few of the most common reasons why people seek out alternative methods of moving. If you are interested in forgoing the traditional method of hiring a professional moving company, here are a few great alternatives to consider.

1. Rent a Moving Truck

If you don’t mind doing a lot of the work yourself, you can save tons of money by renting a moving truck and driving yourself. This is a good alternative for those who either don’t mind a DIY move, or don’t have an entire house of belongings to pack. You can rent a moving truck for a flat fee plus the cost of gas and optional insurance. This method works best if you are moving short distance or a small apartment or home. Keep in mind, however, that you are responsible for the packing, loading and unloading, and transport of your belongings. While you can certainly save big on renting a moving truck, you will be trading in convenience for a lot more work.

2. Rent a Portable Storage Container

Moving containers, also known as portable storage units, are another great alternative to hiring a traditional moving company.  This method has some unique advantages, including convenience, flexibility, and savings. You simply call the portable storage company and request one or more containers based on the number of belongings you will be moving. These containers are then delivered directly to your door, where you can take as much time as you need packing and loading the contents. When you are ready, simply call the storage company and schedule to have your portable containers picked up and delivered right to your new home. Again, they can remain on your property for as long as you need, allowing you plenty of time to unpack at your convenience. The best part about using moving containers is that you can take your time and move at your own pace without being rushed. This is also a great option if you are remodeling your new home or you need temporary storage for your belongings before moving in. You will also find that you can typically save money by using moving containers as opposed to traditional movers.

3. Local Labor-for-Hire

Perhaps you don’t want to pay the exorbitant prices for a full-service moving company but you still need a little help loading and unloading your belongings. You can usually look online and find a number of local labor-for-hire workers who are willing to take on odd and end jobs for an hourly rate. Start by searching for local workers who might be able to assist you with loading and unloading your belongings. In some cases, they might even have a truck of their own that can provide transportation. This is a great option for local moves when you need a little extra help but want to pay less than a traditional moving company.

4. uShip Services

More and more people are turning to companies like uShip to transport their belongings that might be difficult to ship through regular mail. Much like an eBay for moving, the customer will list what they need to have shipped on a transport marketplace and various carriers will bid on the job. The customer can then pick the deal that works best for them and they can even track their shipment, receiving updates along the way. This method is ideal if you are in need of transporting large or bulky items like a piano, hot tub, household appliances, furniture, playground equipment, vehicles, etc. You can even arrange for pet transport. The best part about this service is that you can ship pretty much anything and you get to pick the deal you like best. Keep in mind, however, that depending on your shipment, this can still be a costly alternative.

5. DIY Moving

Of course you could also ditch all other services and just go with a completely DIY move. You can use your own vehicles and enlist the help of family and friends to help you load, unload, and transport your belongings. While this is most definitely the cheapest option, it is usually only feasible for very small moves and light furniture. Keep in mind that although there is little cost involved, you are responsible for all of it and you also run the risk of damage to your items and your vehicle.