Should You Hire Professional Movers, or Do It Yourself?

Should You Hire Professional Movers, or Do It Yourself?

 

When you are in the process of moving, you have a lot on your plate and a lot of questions. One of the most common questions we get here at Air Van is, “should I move myself? Or should I risk paying more to have the professionals do it for me?”

There is no clear-cut answer – when it comes to moving, everyone’s needs are different. Your decision will depend on your budget, how much time you have, your schedule, and the complexity of the move.

Most people come to us thinking that they’ll save money by moving themselves. However, this isn’t always the case – a DIY move can often add more money to the entire process, not to mention a lot of unnecessary stress.

 

When is it best to do it yourself, and when is it best to hire a moving company?

Before you make any decisions, think about your priorities, including your time, budget, and schedule. Start by asking yourself some key questions:

  • How much do you have to move? The number of items and their overall weight will affect the cost of any move, DIY or professional. If you plan to hire a moving truck on your own, the price will increase based on the truck size needed. If you go with a moving company, the amount and weight of your belongings will increase costs as well.
  • How far are you moving? The distance of your move affects the rental time, mileage and gas costs. If you’re planning to go the DIY route, you’ll have to factor in the cost of gas and extra mileage fees. However, with a professional mover, these costs are rolled into the quote.



Now that you’ve thought about these key questions, it’s time to call some moving companies and compare their quotes with your estimated DIY costs. We recommend that you get at least three in-home quotes from reputable companies before you make your decision.

 

There’s more to moving than just financial costs

For some people, cost is the only factor they’re interested in, and it will make or break their decision. However, for many people out there, scheduling and timing are equally important. Once you have your quotes, ask yourself the following questions:

  • How much time will it take you to pack, load, and then unload your items? While some people can pack their home in a few days, it takes others weeks of planning, wrapping, and packing.
  • How long will it take you to drive to your new home (and potentially back again)? Those back and forth trips can really eat into your time on moving day.
  • Do you have enough friends who are willing to help you? Even if you have enough people on your list, are you really confident in their ability to pack your fragile items safely? Remember to factor in the cost of food and drink for your friends.

 If you haven’t thought about these details before, it can be quite sobering! Do you have what it takes to take on this heavy-duty task? Remember – moving companies have the manpower and expertise to pack up your fragile items and move your belongings swiftly.

 

Final things to consider about a DIY move vs. hiring Professional Movers

If you are still considering a DIY move, consider the following:

  • Make sure you are in good physical health – DIY moving requires long hours and heavy lifting and should never be attempted by anyone who isn’t in good shape.
  • Remember that it may save you money, but certainly not time – There is always more packing, loading, and unloading than you think there will be. Do you have the extra time to spend?

Professional movers are also skilled at moving your heavy and bulky items easily and quickly, and more importantly, safely. A moving company gives you back your precious time, as well as providing you with the peace of mind that your belongings will arrive in good condition. They will pack, move, and unpack your entire home in just one day. Imagine getting settled into your new home on the very same night you arrive, with everything neat, tidy, and in its place!

Now that you know some of the differences between hiring a professional moving company and doing it yourself, it’s time to make the choice. Which will you go for on moving day?