According to recent U.S. Census Bureau Statistics, more than 15 percent of the U.S. population moves in a year. Many people relocate during the spring and summer months because of warmer weather and time off from work and school.

While familiar with the option of hiring a full-service mover or the self-service option of truck rental for long-distance moves, movers today are virtually unaware of a relatively new do-it-yourself alternative in the marketplace.

A growing number of companies are offering a moving option that blends the conveniences of the full-service mover with the pricing of truck rental. Once a reservation is made, a trailer is dropped off at your home. You generally have two days to load and secure your belongings in the trailer. When you have finished packing, your trailer is picked up and driven by professional drivers to your new home. You then have two days to unload your belongings.

Like full-service moving, you get the advantage of having someone else do the driving. The cost is similar to truck rental because you pay only for the space that you use. Because you pack your belongings in the trailer, you have direct control over your expenses.

"One of the best places to start your search for "you pack, we drive" companies is on the Internet," said Kay Lynn Clay, manager of ABF U-Pack Moving. "You will find that companies such as ours offer free online rate quotes and interactive space estimators at our Web sites to help you quickly determine moving costs."

To view an online video about out-of-state self-move alternatives or to access a moving tips resource center, visit www.upack.com.