Professional Movers vs. DIY: What's the Real Cost of Your Move
Tight budget for your upcoming move? You may feel inclined to take the DIY approach. While there are advantages to DIYing a relocation, it's not always the most affordable option available. You'll need to consider the personal and financial commitment a do-it-yourself move requires to ensure it's the best option for you and your family.
We're here to discuss the differences between moving yourself vs. hiring movers so you can decide which option is best for you.
The Allure of DIY: Why Many Consider Moving Themselves
DIYing a relocation gives you more flexibility and control over your move. You get to pack, transport and unpack your items on your own time. You also don't need to wait for movers to arrive or work around their schedules.
You can create your timeline, use different packing techniques, and move at your own pace, as quickly or as slowly as you need! Whether you want to move in one day or three, you get to determine which option works best for you - which is why many choose a do-it-yourself move.
Unpacking the DIY "Savings": The Hidden Costs You Might Overlook
While DIYing a relocation may be a more flexible and convenient alternative for individuals who want to be involved in all aspects of their move, it's not always the most cost-effective option. There are many hidden costs of do-it-yourself moving. While you won't be required to pay your moving expenses upfront, you'll need to pay small hidden costs throughout your move, which can be more than you budgeted for.
For starters, you likely aren't insured to handle your move, so if anything breaks in transit, you'll need to cover the replacement costs. If you're planning a long-distance relocation, you'll need to consider the cost of hotel stays, gas, and renting a moving truck. You'll also need to pay for moving supplies, equipment, and tools.
When you consolidate all the hidden fees into one, you may find that the cost of a do-it-yourself move is comparable to the average cost of moving and hiring movers.
The Value Proposition of Professional Movers
When comparing the costs of moving yourself vs. hiring movers, you can't beat the professional support of a moving company. Movers are professionally trained, certified, and insured to handle moves of every size and any kind. Movers and relocation experts must complete a rigorous training program, ensuring they know the best packing techniques and can operate the equipment necessary.
They also have DOT and FSMA authorization, which allows them to transport goods across state lines legally. With their hands-on approach and attention to detail, you can rest assured your belongings are in good hands throughout your relocation. When you leave the moving to the pros, you can also look forward to:
Comprehensive Service: Packing, Loading, Transport, Unloading
When you hire movers, you can customize your moving package to align with your needs. Movers are trained to help with packing, loading, transporting and unloading. Here's how these different services compare:
- Packing: Movers will arrive at your home and help you pack your belongings into boxes. They'll come ready to assist with premium packing supplies and moving boxes, using some of the best techniques for different items you have.
- Loading: Once the items are packed, movers will help load the items into the moving truck. They'll be careful and attentive, ensuring that heavy items are placed on the bottom and lighter boxes on top.
- Transporting: During transit, you can track your items in real-time using a GPS tracker. While your items are being transported, you can focus on other moving tasks that may require your attention.
- Unloading: Once the movers arrive at your new destination, they'll help you unload your items into your new home. They'll carry the boxes one by one, ensuring everything safely arrives.
If you need help with all four aspects of your move, consider hiring full-service movers. If you only need help with loading or transporting, a professional moving company can customize your plan to align with your unique needs.
Expertise and Efficiency: Faster and Safer Moving
Consider the time commitment before you decide to DIY your move. Moving can be tedious, time-consuming and physically demanding. If you've never DIY'd a move, you may need to take more breaks to reassess your timeline or catch your breath, which can cause significant delays in the process.
Professionally trained movers are quick and efficient. They understand the different challenges of moving and are here to help you navigate them. With their expert guidance and professional experience, you can enjoy a faster and safer relocation.
Proper Equipment and Vehicles: Designed for Moving
Movers have the tools and equipment necessary for small and large-scale relocations. They'll provide ollies, shrink wrap, moving blankets, and all the tools to disassemble furniture. They'll also help source the best vehicle for the size of your relocation.
If you plan to DIY your move and don't have these tools, you'll need to buy the items, which can be a costly investment for a one-time project.
Insurance and Liability: Peace of Mind for Your Valuables
Unlike do-it-yourself moving, your belongings and valuables will be covered by insurance with a moving company. Moving companies are required to offer Basic Liability Coverage with all relocations. Basic liability coverage typically covers $0.60 per pound per article. You also have the option to add additional coverage for extra peace of mind. If you decide to move yourself, you'll need to assess the financial risk, especially with fragile or delicate items.
Time Savings and Reduced Stress
Working with movers provides many time-saving benefits for you and your family. Planning a do-it-yourself move requires time, patience, and a significant physical commitment. You'll need to think through the logistics of your relocation and have a set plan for the packing, transporting and unpacking process. A DIY move is also physically demanding and puts you and your loved ones at risk of injuries.
No Hidden Fees: Transparent Pricing from the Start
At North American Van Lines, we are dedicated to providing professional moving services you can rely on. You never need to worry about hidden fees or excessive charges. The price we quote you is what you can expect to pay for your move.
You may be required to pay more upfront when compared to do-it-yourself moving, but you can enjoy transparent pricing, as this will make it easier to budget accordingly.
Breaking Down the Costs: What to Expect When Hiring Professional Movers
Hiring a moving company may come with more upfront costs than do-it-yourself moving, but there are many small tasks that your movers will assist you with that will provide a positive return on investment.
- Move-Day Logistics: Movers will create a timeline for your move. From packing and unpacking to route planning and inventory management, a moving company will handle all the logistics for you, so you don't have to.
- Transportation: The quote you receive will include all expenses required for transporting your items, including gas, hotel stays, food, and hiring movers.
- Customer Support: Throughout the entire moving process, your movers will be there to help. They will walk you through challenges and help you set realistic expectations. They'll also answer any questions you may have along the way. When it comes to navigating relocation, the support they provide is priceless!
- Challenges and Concerns: Moves can help with logistical errors or unexpected challenges. They are trained to navigate traffic, severe weather, and moving down narrow streets in a moving truck.
Real-Life Scenarios: When is DIY Better? When are Pros Essential?
The truth is - when you're comparing moving yourself vs. hiring movers, you'll find there are pros and cons of both options. To determine which option is best for you by considering your unique circumstances.
For example, if you're relocating to a new city or state, can you take enough time off work to meet the physical demands and needs of a long-distance DIY relocation? Will you have assistance from friends and family? Are you moving with kids, pets, or elderly family members? These are questions to consider before deciding which option is right for you.
If you're moving across the street from apartment to apartment, DIYing a move might be easier. However, you'll need to consider the physical demand and time constraints and decide if you can meet the requirements.
Final Thoughts: Making the Best Choice for Your Move
So .. hiring movers or a do-it-yourself move? You can’t beat professional guidance. Hiring professional movers provides peace of mind and reassurance. It's the quickest, safest and most budget-friendly option for relocations. At North American Van Lines, our movers are attentive, personable, and trustworthy. They are here to help you navigate the challenges of moving with ease and ensure you get the hands-on support you deserve throughout the relocation.
