Professional movers are available for every part of your move, but bear in mind that you don't necessarily have to use all of them in order to speed up your move. Truck rentals, driving, loading and unloading, and of course packing all make up a very specific part of your move, so give serious thought to each before cherry picking the services you want. Once you understand where you'll be spending the most money and time, you can choose the best trade off for your situation.

Driving

Depending on the distance you'll be moving, the cost of hiring a truck and driver can make up the majority of your expense. The truck itself is often a flat rate based on its size and the duration you'll have it, while paying the driver is usually an hourly rate on top of all the rest of the labor you're paying for, to say nothing of paying for gas. The further your move takes you the longer you'll need to pay the driver and the more you can save by doing the driving yourself.

Bear in mind that large vehicles often require special licensing to drive, so check up on the truck's size and any state requirements. This applies to both your state of origin and any state you'll be passing through on the way to your new address, so do your research before you decide to DIY the drive. In some cases, both truck and driver can be hired at once, giving you the chance to save some money on rates.

Loading and Unloading

Potentially the most physically strenuous part of any move, loading your furniture, belongings and a host of boxes into the back of a vehicle also takes time. Professionals know precisely what they're capable of moving, how much weight they can reasonably maneuver and how best to position irregular objects inside the truck. If you're going to hire a professional, odds are this is your best way to spend your money. Not only will the work go by faster, but they can see the chiropractor later instead of you.

Packing

In some cases, full service moving companies provide packers who can safely stow small items into boxes that can then be tucked into the moving vehicle later. If you choose this service, make sure you're on hand to observe the process and that you have a full inventory of your property before it's loaded up. This is as much for your protection as for the packers, since you'll be able to compare your inventory to the document they provide you.

There's more to a move than simply relocating items to a new house, so make sure you're getting the help you need to make your next move as smooth as possible. To find out specific pricing for your household, contact a few moving companies and get a number of quotes for different service levels, so you can decide what you're willing to pay for.