A Move For Two? Hiring Local Movers And Packing With A Roommate

Are you moving with a roommate? Your college BFF, co-worker, or the person who pays to share your space decided to move with you into a new apartment. From hiring local movers to packing your shared belongings, take a look at what you need to know about this type of move. 

Should You Hire A Mover?

With a roommate by your side, you don't have to do all of the heavy lifting and carrying by yourself. But does this mean you won't need to hire a local moving company? Even though there are two of you to split the work, you may still want to hire a professional. 

A moving contractor has the experience, knowledge, and equipment necessary to efficiently transport everything you own from point A to point B. This means you won't need to risk an injury picking up boxes filled with books or trying to angle your oversized couch in the just-right way to move it out of the front door. You also won't need to negotiate who carries what or worry that your roommate may do more or less work than you. This can save you time, energy, and help you to avoid a potentially irritating disagreement that negatively affects your living situation.

Which Mover Should You Hire?

You have a partner in this move. Unlike a solo move, you shouldn't choose or hire a local moving company by yourself. Instead, you need to work through this process with your roommate. Before you contact movers, make a list of what you are both looking for in a contractor. The points on your list could include necessary services (such as packing or full-service movers), budget/price, or the type of estimate you prefer.

After you know what you want in a company, you're ready to interview local movers. If you're not sure where to start, ask friends or family members for a referral. You can also use local social media sites or communities to find movers that real people in your area have used with success. Both roommates should talk to the contractor, ask questions, and sign the estimate. The person who signs the contract is responsible for paying the movers. If your roommate isn't on the contract, they could skip out on the bill.

How Should You Divide the Rest of the Move-Related Tasks?

You hired a mover and your roommate is ready to start packing. What's the next step in this process? Make a second list. Instead of what you want in a mover, this list should include move-related activities—such as buying or finding moving materials, packing different items/rooms, labeling containers, organizing boxes and bins, or disassembling furniture. Work together to decide who does what or simply divide the list in half.