À la carte movers offer an in-between option for a PPM/DITY move. Instead of the all-or-nothing choice of doing every bit of labor yourself or hiring a full-service mover, an à la carte service lets you pick and choose: packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking are typically offered as separate add-ons.
Want to save money? Select as few add-ons as possible. Don't want the hassle of a particular step? Pay to have professionals handle just that piece.
This can be a good fit if a full DITY feels like too much, but you still don't want to hand the whole move over to a full-service company. It's worth calling around, since which services are offered à la carte (and at what price) varies by company and by region.
Vet the company before you sign anything
You're still trusting someone else with your belongings for part of the move, so vet them the same way you would a full-service mover. Official DoD guidance warns specifically about “rogue operators” who quote low and then inflate the price after loading, or hold your property until you pay more. Before you sign anything:
- Look the company up on the FMCSA's Protect Your Move site.
- Check their reviews on the Better Business Bureau.
- Be wary of lowball quotes, brokers standing in for the actual moving company, and cash/wire deposit demands.
- Read the estimate and contract carefully, and understand whether it's binding or non-binding.
Other PPM/DITY options:
Helpful Hints
- Always ask for a military discount.
- Make sure you understand the Bill of Lading and any other documents you're asked to sign.
- Triple-check the insurance/valuation coverage — it may vary depending on which services you select.
- Contact your local legal office and ask whether they can help if you need to file a damage claim against the company you select.