Moving home? You have a choice to make. In one corner, it’s the DIY move: do it yourself, pack it yourself, move it yourself. Simple, right? In the other, it’s professional moving services, carried out by experienced crews. Is booking such companies worth the expense? Industry experts weigh in on this ongoing debate - hoping to steer readers towards the right choice for their needs.
Round One: Confidence
Setting out for a DIY move essentially means you’re on your own - save for the friends and family you can convince to help out. Are any of them experienced with home relocations? You’ll need to get their insights on preparing and planning to overcome all the obstacles that come with such pursuits, from packing to scheduling. The sooner, the better.
Meanwhile, professional support often begins well before moving day. Many crews will be happy to consult with you on ways to prepare for a smoother relocation, and the advantage here is that professionals have seen it all, done it all. Meaning? They offer the proper, correct advice for your situation, from the number of boxes you’ll need to figuring out when and how to pack up your old home.
And they’re being paid for their service - which means they’re more motivated to help you do this the right way. No stone unturned.
Winner: Professionals
Round Two: Costs
Here’s the main thought that usually leads people to lean towards DIY moving - it’s got to be cheaper… right?
And sure, when you move by yourself, there’s nobody to pay… at first But consider this: everything that goes into moving, from packing boxes to wrapping valuables and hiring specialist equipment, usually comes with its own price tag. This all adds up. What’s more, what starts out looking like a low-cost adventure can end up far more expensive when problems develop a little farther down the line.
In fact, the experts at True Friends Moving Company compare booked services favorably to DIY moving. Why? Because the apparently lower costs involved with the latter can be deceiving…
“Moving with a few friends and a big car may initially appear cost-effective, but it often lacks the professionalism needed for a smooth relocation. Movers know how to pack and safely transport bulky and delicate belongings.”
Here’s what they mean: by packing items safely with the road in mind, professionals will substantially lower the risk of damage in transit. Otherwise, that’s a costly risk that DIY movers often take upon themselves when preparing alone. Got insurance for your stuff? Professionals definitely do - and many will offer a range of plans that fit your unique cargo.
Winner: Professionals
Round Three: Ease
DIY moving is just fine if you know how it’s done. But you can’t escape the fact that regardless of your experience level, there’s going to be a lot of work to do. You’re the one taping boxes, you’re the one lifting furniture up and down the stairs, and you’re the one who’ll feel the strain as all of this gets underway.
The obvious benefit of hiring professionals, then, is that you’re handing the hard work (and heavy lifting) to somebody else. That’s huge if you’re less than confident in your ability to carry multiple stacks of boxes at once. Especially if you’re hesitant to get injured, which most people are.
And while professionals are carrying out the move, your mind will be free to focus on other things - namely, getting started with your new life in your new home. As such, while DIY moving gives you the opportunity to do things your way, in your own time, there’s something to be said about the added efficiency of hiring a crew to Do It For You - instead of Doing It Yourself.
Winner: Professionals
Final Takeaways
Winner by TKO: professional moving companies. DIY definitely has its charms and keeps things simple, but experts say that hired moving companies bring far more pros (literally) than cons. And if you’re still concerned about the price tag, keep in mind that some moving crews will offer upfront, accurate quotes that reflect the final billing - allowing you to keep your moves on budget with ease.