Should I Hire Movers or Do It Myself?

It’s time to move, and you’ve got two choices: hire a mover or do it yourself. 

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably got at least one self-move under your belt. So it may seem like forgoing the help of movers is a savvy way to save money this time. Yet, the headache of moving all your stuff is most likely causing you grief at this very moment.

Given a number of valuables a person may have, it can be easy to understand why some people choose to handle the move themselves. While moving costs can be a factor for some, there are a few things that should be evaluated when looking at moving yourself vs hiring movers.

Moving Yourself vs Hiring Movers

Depending on the size of your move, moving can be a task many people are not fully equipped for. While moving locally can have its financial benefits, often times people do not realize the amount of time and energy spent on a move. While moving yourself can have its benefits, here are just a few things you may want to consider:

• You are often liable for damage to any items or things in your home
• Costs are not calculated/fixed and there can be hidden costs
• You may take longer to pack or load your items than a mover

Benefits of Hiring Movers

Most people believe the better way to move is by doing it yourself, but the truth is that when you take insurance and liability and other factors into account, moving on your own can be more costly than hiring a mover. While moving isn’t always a frequent event in someone’s life, professional movers do it every day and at Colonial Van Lines we’ve perfected the moving process. 

Here are some more quick benefits of hiring a mover:

• Movers are on a fixed schedule versus waiting for family and friends to come help.
• Movers have the tools and expertise to handle your move efficiently and quickly.
• Often, one truck can fit your belongings when handled and packed by professionals.
• Movers make long-distance moves on a daily basis. This experience means fewer complications with the move.

Why Should I Hire Movers?

While there are many reasons to move your belongings yourself you might have wondered whey you should consider hiring a mover? Here are some top reasons hiring movers might be the right choice for you. 

1. Peace of Mind

A true professional mover will have a positive track record with consumer agencies. Additionally, they will have updated licensing with government agencies. This ensures that the movers who enter your home are trustworthy and reliable. Furthermore, their professional assistance provides an effortless and straightforward moving process for you.

2. Movers Provide Supplies

Movers bring all moving supplies necessary to ensure belongings are packed away safely.

3. Movers Carry Insurance

If damages do occur in the hands of a mover, you’re covered by the mover’s insurance.

4. Movers Work Fast

If you’re moving last-minute, hiring movers is a great way to get the job done quickly. Movers work in highly-trained teams to execute your move carefully, yet efficiently. As opposed to self-packing, which can drag on for weeks, pro-movers can usually box up your belongings in a few hours. Furthermore, the loading and unloading process moves along faster with the help of an experienced and able-bodied professional team.

5. Movers Do the Heavy Lifting

Professional movers are trained and equipped to move your items safely. The professional, able-bodied workers will use a team effort when packing and loading your items. Likewise, movers have easy access to equipment like dollies to transport your heaviest items with ease.

6. Movers Have Trucks

Movers have a truck-sized for every household. By that same token, hiring a mover means you get the expertise of truck loading. Hiring a mover provides assurance that your household items will fit securely, as well.

7. Storage-Services

Professional long-distance movers often offer storage services. This is helpful if your move-out and move-in dates don’t align. If you are downsizing, storage is a convenient option for you as well with a professional mover.

8. Assembly & Disassembly

When it comes to assembly and disassembly for items in your home, movers are experienced and knowledgeable because they do it everyday. 

Pros and Cons of Moving On Your Own

Just as there are a variety of reasons for hiring professionals to move your things, there are also pros and cons to moving your own items when it comes time to move. Every moving scenario is unique when you factor in budget, household size, destination and timing. Use this list of DIY moving pros and cons to help determine if a DIY move is best for you.

DIY Pros:

• You Could Save Money. When you’re not paying movers, you’ll free up your budget for things like temporary housing. When you can’t afford both, it’s obvious where the sacrifice needs to come from.
• You’re in Control. As a self-mover, you are in charge of every detail regarding how your items get from A to B. This can be comforting for many people.
• You Can Take Your Time. If you’re in no rush to move, the DIY process allows you to take your time with it. This is ideal for those with the luxury to move in stages, rather than all at once.

If you do decide to move on your own, we’ve got a list of moving hacks to make your life easier.

DIY Cons: 

• There Are Often Hidden Costs. Self-movers often fail to consider many expenses that creep up in the middle of the process. Some often unforeseen expenses to budget for include:
  • Missed time from work
  • Renting a truck
  • Insurance on truck rentals
  • Paying for gas and tolls
  • Meals and lodging on the road
  • Costly moving supplies
  • Damaged items
• Moving Without Professionals is Time-Consuming. While you will have eyes on the moving project the whole time, that’s not necessarily a good thing. The self-moving process can drag out for weeks or months. On the contrary, a pro move is an in-and-out experience. Moving on your own steals your precious time and can cost you more money if you need to take time off work. 
• Renting a Truck is Costly. Truck rentals, insurance, and gas all add up—especially if you’re moving long-distance. Plus you need to consider if your items will fit so you don’t purchase a truck that’s too small, or overspend on a truck that’s too big. 
• Storing Items Means a Double Move. If you need to store some items or your entire household, you’ll have to complete the moving process twice. Yikes! You’ll have to pack, load and unload to a storage warehouse, then pick it up and load again to deliver to your new house. You’ll also need to spend extra money renting another moving truck. 
• DIY Moves are Distracting. You may be buying /selling a home, starting a new job, or dealing with another life-altering event. These require your full attention. If you are overwhelmed with moving on top of it, it’s potentially disastrous for your personal responsibilities.
• DIY Moves are Physically Difficult. Healthy or not, moving on your own can be a serious physical challenge. You will literally be lifting thousands of pounds during your move. Your large/bulky items pose challenges to get through doorways or are awkward to carry. The potential for injury is high, and at the least, you’ll be exhausted.
• DIY Moves are Logistically Challenging. There are a lot of tasks to coordinate with a self-move. From gathering supplies to organizing and itemizing, to packaging delicate items. In addition, there is no one experienced to help you anticipate the challenges. You won’t have the necessary solutions you may need when things like inclement weather arise.

In the end, the reality of savings for a DIY move is often a slimmer margin than self-movers expect.

Keep Moving Cost Down with a Reliable Moving Company

Finding the right moving company isn’t always easy. When considering moving yourself vs hiring movers it’s important to find a trusted mover that meets your moving needs. When shopping around for moving quotes, check their online reviews, and contact them for the best pricing. With a little homework, moving can be simpler than you might think.

Contact Colonial Van Lines today for a free moving quote.