DIY Move vs. Hiring Professional Local Movers
Everyone has different reasons to relocate, although most of the time, it’s for a new job or to be closer to family. Regardless of why you are moving, there’s one thing that all moves have in common — they will stress you out. Things can be difficult because of all the uncertainties that come with such a big change. The planning process is mentally draining, while the physical aspect is physically exhausting. On top of that, the ultimate question is: should you hire movers or do everything by yourself? In this article, you’ll learn about the pros and cons of each method.
Pros of a DIY Move
Affordability
Moving is expensive. That’s a fact. Outsourcing the job to others would require extra expenses since you’ll have to pay them. So for those keen on saving up, moving on your own can be relatively cheap with the help of a bit of ingenuity and the right tools at your disposal.
No Time Constraints
The most significant advantage to moving on your own is that you won’t be in a rush. You’ll be the one in charge of when to do the packing, and there’s no stopping you from taking as much time as needed to do the job right. Unlike when you’re hiring movers, everything needs to get done fast because you’ll most likely be paying an hourly rate.
You’re In Control
As a DIY mover, you are in control of every decision that has to be made. You get to decide what boxes things go into and how you’re going to arrange them inside the truck. More importantly, you also get to decide whether you’re going to buy packing supplies or use existing materials in your home.
Cons of a DIY Move
Risk of Injuries
If you are moving by yourself, you’re going to have a hard time moving large appliances and bulky furniture. If you attempt to lift something heavy without enough manpower, you might end up with broken bones and injuries.
Takes a Long Time
DIY moving seems like a great way to save money, but it does so at the cost of your time. You will have to plan everything, pack your stuff, load them to the truck, and unpack them later. Unless you’re Superman, you’re going to take days or even weeks to pull this off.
Damaged Items
When moving alone, there’s always the risk of ruining stuff. And when you’re stressed, it’s easy to make mistakes. This won’t be good since your belongings won’t be covered by insurance typically provided by most moving companies.
Pros of Hiring Movers
Convenience
Moving is a time-consuming event. You can prepare all you want, but at the end of the day, it’s going to affect your mind and body. But with professional movers on your side, you will have plenty of time to work on other moving aspects that don’t require heavy labor.
Safety
Safety is the number one reason to hire a professional moving company. Many things can go wrong during a move. Most people do not realize how difficult it is to lift boxes or move furniture. You will most likely get injured if you’ve got no experience. What’s even worse is that you can damage your belongings or break something important. That’s why it’s always better to entrust the burdens to the experts.
Time Efficient
In addition to adequate manpower, movers have ample experience in moving logistics. It is not just the physical work they are good at but also their knowledge and efficiency that makes the price totally worth it.
They Know What to Do
Local movers most likely have operated to the place you’re moving to for years. They know the means of getting through the traffic, traversing the neighborhoods, and basically the ins and outs of your new city. This makes the process much easier, faster, and safer.
Cons of Hiring Movers
A Bit Expensive
Well, what can you expect? Moving is no cheap service. There’s a lot of expenses attached to it—packing, shipping, storage. Movers will also have to make sure your belongings arrive at their destination safely. All the factors are taken into account, so you might have to spend a bit compared to moving independently.
You Have Little Control Over Your Move
Depending on your perspective, no control can be disadvantageous. As a customer, it can be disheartening to see your belongings handle recklessly by incompetent movers. While there are plenty of moving companies here and there, you have to ensure you hire the right one. Do your research and ask your movers questions before signing anything.
Conclusion
To hire or not to hire? Honestly, the decision is up to your needs, budget, and preferences. If you think you can pull off a DIY and you actually got the resources to do it, then go for it. But if you want to save precious hours and energy, you better look for a moving company now!