Moving to a new home or office can be a stressful experience, and one of the most significant decisions you’ll make is whether to handle the move yourself or hire a moving company.
Each option has its pros and cons, and it’s essential to weigh them carefully before making a decision.
In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of both DIY moving and hiring a moving company.
By the end, you should have a clearer idea of which option is the best fit for your situation.
Let’s dive in!
Benefits of DIY moving
The trick about DIY moving is that it might seem like a great idea at first. You do most (or everything) yourself, you save some money, it sounds like a win!
While we will outline some of the most commonly listed benefits of DIY moving, we have to emphasize that moving by yourself is actually incredibly difficult.
So while the advantages may be appealing, don’t forget to consider the significant drawbacks as well.
Cost savings
The biggest assumption about DIY moving is that moving on your own can save you a considerable amount of money compared to hiring a professional moving company.
People often think that the cost of renting a moving truck and purchasing packing supplies is less than what they would pay a professional moving company. Additionally, they can cut costs by packing their belongings on their own instead of paying for packing services.
However, this cannot be further from the truth.
The cost of rental trucks has gone up dramatically in recent years, largely due to the supply and demand on the market. Rental truck fees are commonly charged daily, but prices can quickly increase if the company you are working with charges a per mile fee. Some companies force you to pay extra for truck insurance.
Not to mention the outrageous cost of fuel you will be paying for, as most rental trucks average less than 10 miles per gallon.
Finally, unless you have few belongings that aren’t difficult to maneuver, odds are, there will be something you need extra help with, which at the minimum will cost you a six pack and a pizza.
But even in the best of circumstances, you will need extra help with at least one thing, which will cost you a six pack and a pizza at the very least.
All of this adds up to an amount that ultimately might not be that much lower than if you had just hired a professional moving company to do all the work for you.
More control
One of the benefits of DIY moving is that you have complete control over the entire process. You can choose which items to pack, how to pack them, and how to transport them.
This level of control can be especially important if you have fragile or valuable items that require special attention.
For some people, having control over the move is also a matter of personal preference. By handling the move on your own, you can feel more in control of the situation, which can help alleviate some of the stress associated with moving.
At the same time, keep in mind that full control comes with full responsibility as well. If anything gets lost or damaged on the way to your new home, you will have no insurance coverage to reimburse you for the loss.
Flexibility
Another advantage of DIY moving is the flexibility it offers in terms of scheduling and timing. You can schedule the move for a time that works best for you and can change plans at the last minute without having to worry about rescheduling with a moving company.
This can be especially helpful if you have a flexible work schedule or need to move on short notice.
To maximize flexibility, be sure to plan ahead and have a backup plan in case unexpected issues arise. Be careful…most rental trucks and rental units have a specific time limit offered before large feeds start kicking in.
Drawbacks of DIY moving
Let’s dig into the reasons why you might not opt for this type of moving in the first place.
Time-consuming
One of the biggest drawbacks of DIY moving is the amount of time it takes to complete the move.
Packing, loading, and unloading boxes and furniture can be a time-consuming process, especially if you’re moving a large household.
In fact, most people get unpleasantly surprised by the amount of work that has to be done. Not to mention that all of the packing and transportation has to be done just right so that your inventory arrives at its destination intact.
Physical demands
DIY moving can also be incredibly physically demanding, especially if you’re moving heavy items or large furniture.
Lifting and carrying boxes and furniture can put a strain on your back and other muscles, which can lead to injuries.
Even with help, there is a significant safety risk in damaging your items, actual house, or yourself, apart from disassembling furniture and using tools such as drills, hammers, and similar.
With your health at stake, perhaps it’s wiser to hire a reputable moving company that will take over the bulk of work for you.
Risks and liabilities
Finally, DIY moving comes with certain risks and liabilities that may not be present with a professional moving company.
For example, if you damage your own property during the move, you’ll be responsible for the cost of repairs. Additionally, if you injure yourself during the move, you may be responsible for your own medical bills.
Benefits of hiring a moving company
Now that we’ve established all the advantages and disadvantages of DIY moving, let’s take a closer look at what it means to hire a professional moving company.
Professionalism and experience
Hiring a professional moving company provides several advantages, including their experience and professionalism.
Professional movers are trained to handle all aspects of the moving process, from packing fragile items to disassembling furniture. They also have the necessary equipment and tools to make the move as efficient and safe as possible.
To find a reputable moving company, be sure to research reviews and ratings online and get recommendations from friends and family, but beware that every jurisdiction has its own regulations around moving household goods. If your mover doesn’t meet those regulations, your move could be sold off to another mover or be done illegally.
You can also request quotes from multiple moving companies to compare pricing and services, but you should keep in mind that over 90% of quotes change to a higher price during the moving process.
Convenience
Another benefit of hiring a moving company is the convenience it provides.
Moving companies can take care of all aspects of the move, from packing and loading to transportation and unloading. This allows you to focus on other important aspects of the move, such as getting settled in your new home.
To maximize convenience, be sure to communicate your needs and preferences with the moving company and create a detailed moving plan.
Reduced stress
Perhaps the most significant benefit of hiring a moving company is the reduced stress that comes with having someone else take care of the move if that “someone” is truly a top quality mover who will honor your original price.
Moving companies can handle the logistics of the move, allowing you to focus on the emotional aspects of the move, such as saying goodbye to your old home and adjusting to your new surroundings.
Drawbacks of Hiring a Moving Company
Higher cost
It’s a natural assumption that the cost of hiring a moving company is higher compared to DIY moving.
Professional moving services are expensive, especially if you’re moving long distances or have a large household. Aren’t they?
Well, as explained above, that doesn’t have to be the case anymore.
While there are certainly moving companies that are unashamed of charging incredibly high prices for their services, most full-service moving options are now on the same level as what an average DIY move would cost especially when the process is streamlined with technology and linked with thousands of movers across the country to find the best fit for everyone.
Less control
Another potential drawback of hiring a moving company is the reduced level of control you have over the move.
While professional movers are trained and experienced, they may not be as familiar with your specific needs and preferences as you are.
To ensure that your needs are met, be sure to communicate your expectations clearly with the moving company and ask questions throughout the process. NexMuv allows you to feel more in control while working with a professional mover with gps tracking and a concierge service.
Potential for scams
Finally, there is the potential for scams in the moving industry, which can be a significant concern for people considering hiring a moving company.
Scammers may offer low prices or make promises they can’t keep, leading to lost or damaged belongings and unexpected costs.
To avoid scams, be sure to research moving companies carefully and look for red flags, such as lack of licensing or insurance. A simple rule of thumb is that you get what you pay for, good movers aren’t cheap and cheap movers aren’t good.
Conclusion
Whether to opt for DIY moving or hire a professional moving company is a decision that should not be taken lightly.
Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and it’s essential to consider them thoroughly before making a final decision.
DIY moving may seem like an attractive option because of its flexibility and more control over the move, but it can also be incredibly time-consuming, physically demanding, and comes with certain risks and liabilities.
On the other hand, hiring a professional moving company offers several benefits, such as experience and professionalism, convenience, and reduced stress, but it may also come with a reduced level of control over the move, with the potential for scams.
If you’d like to learn more about your moving options and how you can minimize your risk for the budget you have, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at NexMuv. We’d love to help you make the most of your moving day!
