Viewed as a great way to get the move done while saving some cash, DIY moving is the route that many individuals and families take when it’s time to relocate. But does it really pay off to do it yourself? And how much are you truly going to save if you choose to forgo the moving team?
Here’s what you need to know.
The Costs of a DIY Move
When you hire a team of movers, there are expenses associated with insurance, service fees, and more. But what’re the financial implications of conducting a DIY move? Here’s a breakdown of the various costs associated with the process:
Renting a Truck
Truck rental prices can be high, especially if you’re conducting a long-distance move. Between fuel costs, mileage charges, tolls, and insurance, as well as hotel rooms or lodging along the way, a truck rental can quickly become expensive.
As a general rule, moving trucks cost about $40-$100 per day, plus 68 cents – $1.10 per mile.
The Potential for Injury
DIY moving is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard work! With that hard work comes the potential for injury – specifically pulls, bumps, bruises, scrapes, and more.
While professional movers understand how to move Grandma’s antique piano without throwing their backs out, DIY movers often don’t, which means you’ll have to consider the cost of potential injury before you begin. If you have insurance, take some time to ensure your coverage is ample before you begin your move.
Storage Costs
If you’re moving to a smaller home, you may need to invest in a storage shed. While storage is generally a tiny expense compared to the rest of the move (you can get a long-term storage facility for about $87.50 a month), it’s still something you’ll want to factor in and consider. If you need additional storage, you’ll want to think about this now, as well.
Wear and Tear on Your Personal Vehicles
When you hire a moving team, they bring a moving truck. When you’re in the midst of DIY moving, you’re doing it all on your own.
This means your personal vehicle is subject to the same wear and tear as the moving truck a professional team would have used. While this may be a small detail, breakdowns and service can come with large price tags. As such, it’s smart to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you begin!
Broken Items
While moving teams carry insurance to protect your items, you likely won’t have the same coverage on your own. This means you may wind up with a large replacement cost if you slip up and break a box of dishes, or injure someone else’s property during your DIY move.
To protect yourself against these expenses, consider picking up some additional insurance coverage or hiring a team of movers to move and pack your items for you.
Forgotten Details
Professional movers are just that…professionals. They’ve conducted hundreds of moves in their time and they understand what it takes to make them streamlined and comprehensive. DIY, on the other hand, doesn’t have the benefit of this much experience.
In fact, one of the most significant expenses associated with DIY moving is forgotten details. You didn’t get enough boxes, so you’ve got to run back to U-Haul to grab some. You didn’t pack lunch, so the whole family is eating out. These things can add up over time and will put you in a space that could easily blow your budget.
Travel Expenses
If you’re conducting a long-distance move, you’ll have to consider travel expenses while you’re on the road. Depending on the distance of your move, this could include lodging, food, gasoline, and more. While these things are rolled-in to a commercial or professional move, they can come extra for DIY moves.
Frustration
Don’t forget to factor frustration into this equation! Moving is a big job and your mental health matters! If you’re working a job, caring for family members, or raising children, the frustrations associated with moving can take over your life and cause unneeded stress. This fact alone makes many people willing to convert to professional movers.
The Perception of Big Savings
Part of the reason DIY is so popular is that there’s a perception that it will help you save big. Is that really the case, though? And if not, what is the reality?
While there’s no doubt that DIY is a great option for some people, the perception of huge savings often outpaces the reality. While there are typically some savings involved, they’re minor, and may not be worth it once you consider the major frustrations that can come with juggling a move all on your own.
Because of this, many people who may have conducted DIY moves in the past are turning to professional movers. In addition to the fact that professional movers have checklists, equipment, insurance, and processes to guide them through the moving process, they’re also dedicated to completing the move as quickly and easily as possible.
Although many people perceive this as being much more expensive than doing it yourself, you may be surprised to find that costs are equal (or just slightly more) than those of DIY moving.
Is DIY Moving Right for You?
If you’ve got a big relocation coming up, take some time to consider whether DIY moving is truly right for you. Thanks to all the factors included in moving, many people find that it’s less expensive and much easier to simply hire a professional moving team. Not only does this save the stress and difficulty associated with DIY moving, but it can also go a long way toward streamlining and simplifying your move from start to finish.
If you’re ready to learn more about a team of professional movers, or would like a quote for your move, contact our team. We’re here to answer any questions you may have!