When to Move Yourself and When to Hire a Professional

If you’re planning to move between homes, this is probably a big question on your mind. Should you attempt to move on your own or hire a professional to help you? Whether you’re moving just a few blocks away, out of state, or outside the country, the moving process requires a lot of time, effort, and in some cases, money. 

In this article, we help you weigh the pros and cons of moving yourself and hiring a professional mover.

Four Things to Consider When Moving

When deciding between moving yourself or hiring one of the best moving companies, there are several factors you need to consider. First, ask yourself the following questions. They should help you find a solution that balances both convenience and cost.

Where are you moving to?

Moving within the same state is significantly easier than cross-country or out-of-country moves. You may be able to move yourself if you’re just going to a different city. 

How much stuff are you moving?

Are you moving out of a studio or a three-bedroom home? This will determine the time and effort you will spend on packing, loading, transporting, and unloading.

Are you physically capable of moving on your own?

Making a DIY move seems like a simple concept, but you need to consider your physical strength. Remember, moving is not an overnight endeavor. You will need to be in tiptop shape throughout the process. 

How much are you willing to spend on your move?

Any kind of move will incur expenses. You will spend on boxes, storage, transportation, and gas. Plan your budget and work around that.

Hiring a Professional Mover

Hiring a professional mover is the ideal solution for people who are willing to spend for convenience and assurance. They will cover everything from packing and loading to transporting and unloading. This will save you time and effort so you can focus on other matters. 

If you are open to this option but working within a budget, don’t pressure yourself to make a decision immediately. Start by researching moving companies, and see which ones fit your budget.

Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about hiring a professional mover.

Pros

• Convenience
• Minimal time and effort on your end
• Assurance that your belongings are being handled by trained professionals
• Security for your belongings in between homes—most moving companies offer basic liability coverage for an additional cost

Cons

• More costly 

Services

• Packing
• Loading
• Van for transporting 
• Unloading belongs into your new home

Most moving companies also give you the option to choose only specific services, if you want to cut down on some costs. 

Costs

Moving costs will depend on a variety of factors, such as:

• Services you choose
• Amount of belongings to move
• Time of the year
• Distance

Given these considerations, hiring a mover may cost you between $800 and $2,150 for local moves, and up to $5,700 for long-distance moves. The best approach would be to contact multiple moving companies, explain your requirements and budget in detail, and request a quote. Compare your options and decide which one is best for you.

DIY Move

Making the move on your own is a good option for short-distance traveling. Additionally, it shouldn’t be much of a hassle for people who are willing to set aside time and effort. In that case, make sure you choose the right truck service. 

If you decide to do attempt a DIY move, keep these pros and cons in mind. 

Pros

• Fewer expenses

Cons

• More time-consuming
• Requires physical labor on your end
• Spending on a truck and personally transporting your items 

With all of these pros and cons in mind, you can make an informed decision about whether you should move on your own or call in the pros.