Whether you’re relocating to a new city for a dream job, upsizing to a bigger home, or just looking for a change of scenery, the process of moving and packing can feel overwhelming. Most people get confused about whether they should opt for professional movers or execute the moving themselves. Some even start searching more about moving and packing tips without understanding their needs. Although both options have their advantages and disadvantages, it’s important to assess your situation and make an informed decision. So here’s a guide to help you decide when to save with a DIY move and when to relax by hiring professionals.
DIY Moving: When to Save
1- Short Distances
DIY moving would be manageable if you are moving within the same city or to a nearby town. Since you don’t have to cover a longer distance, the chances of you damaging your belongings are less. You can say the shorter the distance, the less complicated the move. Apart from this, if you’ve moved several times before and are comfortable with the logistics, it would be easier for you to execute DIY moving. When you’re familiar with the process, it’s easier to avoid common pitfalls and make the move smoother.
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2- Small Loads and Tight Budget
DIY moving can be a good option If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Since you don’t have too many belongings to transport, it’s easier to manage everything. You can use a rented truck or even your own vehicle to handle the load. You can also consider DIY moving if you have a tight budget. As per Nerdwallet’s reports, the average cost of moving locally is between $880 and $2,540 while the average cost of a cross-country move can be $2,417 to $6,863. So if you’re looking to save money, doing it yourself can significantly cut down on costs.
3- Flexible Schedule and Availability of Help
Moving takes time and energy. So if you have both, a DIY move will become less stressful. As an inexperienced person, it will take you more time to plan and pack everything. So if you have the luxury of time, you can move at your own pace, take breaks when needed, and spread the move out over several days if necessary. Apart from this, your friends and family can be invaluable during a DIY move. The more manpower you have, the smoother and more efficient your move will be. So if you have a strong support system willing to lend a hand, it can make the process much easier and more enjoyable.
Professional Movers: When to Relax
1- Long Distances and Tight Timeline
If you’re making cross-country or international moves, professional movers are your best option as they ensure that your belongings are transported safely and efficiently. Since they have the experience and resources to handle the logistics of long-distance relocations, you won’t have to worry about anything. If you’re wondering how much does it cost to hire a moving company to move out of state, then it depends on various factors such as fuel costs, vehicle costs, insurance costs, etc. So it’s best to talk to a professional moving company to get a real quote. Apart from this, if you want to move quickly and have a tight deadline, professional movers can expedite the process as they have the manpower and expertise to complete the move swiftly
2- Large Homes and Special Items
Moving from a large apartment or a multi-bedroom house takes more effort as it involves a lot of heavy lifting and complex logistics. So if you have needs like this, it’s better to hire a professional. All reliable movers have years of moving experience, which ensures they will handle large loads and make the process much smoother. Along with the heavy loads, they will be able to move your fragile stuff with care and safety. If you’ve bulky items like pianos, antiques, or large furniture, professional movers have the right equipment and techniques to ensure these items are packed and transported safely. Although hiring professionals will increase the cost of moving, it will ensure the safety of your valuable stuff.
3- Comprehensive Services
Hiring a moving company is the best option when you don’t have budget constraints, and you don’t want to feel any stress. Many moving companies offer full-service options, including packing, unpacking, and storage. They will come to your place and conduct everything, saving you significant time and effort and making the move seamless. Apart from this, moving can be physically and mentally exhausting. So when you hire a good moving company, you get more time to focus on other important aspects of the move, like setting up your new home or saying goodbye to friends.
Factors to Consider
1- Cost
If you look at the costs, then DIY moving will be generally cheaper. However, there will be some hidden costs like truck rental, gas, and packing materials. Also, you should consider potential damages as well. So if something valuable gets damaged, your overall expenses will increase. On the other hand, you will get a clear estimate if you work with professional movers. Although you won’t have to worry about incurring any damages, you will have to pay a higher upfront cost.
2- Time
You can save money with DIY moving but it will be time-consuming. If you’ve never done it before, you will have to research packing tips and organize and plan everything. Also, you will be loading and driving by yourself, which can be difficult to manage if you have jobs or other responsibilities. Professional movers can complete the move more quickly and efficiently and you won’t have to lift a finger.
3- Effort
If you opt for DIY moving, you will have to put a lot of energy into executing everything properly as it requires significant physical effort and planning. On the other hand, a professional moving company will handle all the heavy lifting and logistics. Apart from this, DIY moving carries a higher risk of damaging your belongings due to a lack of expertise. If you don’t know how to place and pack stuff properly, you’re more likely to mess up. However, professional movers are trained to pack and transport items safely and usually offer insurance.
Choosing between DIY moving and hiring professional movers depends on your budget, time, physical ability, and the complexity of your move. You can find many DIY moving tips online but you can’t match the professionalism of an experienced moving company. In short, if you are moving to a nearby place, you can read a DIY moving guide and do it yourself. However, moving to a different city would require professional movers to complete the move safely and efficiently.
