To Move or Not to Move: Deciding Between a DIY Move and Hiring Professional Movers

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet often challenging endeavor. Among the many decisions to be made, one crucial question arises; should you handle the move yourself or hire professional movers? It's a dilemma that many people face when planning a relocation.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way; every move is different. A college student moving one bedroom’s worth of stuff to a new apartment four blocks away will have very different needs from a family of five moving a house full of stuff across country.

These different needs mean that there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to how you should move.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of both options so you can make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances and preferences.

       The Hidden Costs of Moving Yourself

•     One of the primary factors influencing the decision is cost. Moving can be expensive, and budget constraints play a significant role. If you’re looking at self-moving, it’s probably because you want to save money. While at first glance a DIY move may seem way less expensive, you probably won’t save as much as you think. It's important to consider the hidden costs, such as truck rental, fuel, packing supplies, and potential damage to your belongings due to inexperience. On the other hand, hiring movers might seem expensive upfront, but they come with the advantage of providing all the necessary equipment, expertise and insurance, minimizing the risk of additional expenses.
  
  Time and Convenience
•     Picture this, you’re driving a twenty-six box truck with your car in tow. You’ve been on the interstate for about seven hours when it starts down pouring rain. Traffic slows to a crawl and then stops altogether. Multiple accidents cause the interstate to close. You’re exhausted. You’re hungry. You need to use the bathroom. Your body aches because you’ve never driven a rig that large before. And on top of all of that, your truck is getting low on fuel. You are stopped for more than an hour and it’s getting very late. Because of the delay, you miss the check-in window for your new place and have to find a hotel to sleep in for the night. When you finally open your truck the next day to unload it, you realize that you should have played Tetris more as a kid because you didn’t load your truck properly for transport and many items are now damaged … How much would you be willing pay to avoid an experience like this?
  
  Moving can be an incredibly time-consuming process. Packing, loading, transporting, unloading and unpacking require a significant investment of time and effort. If you have a flexible schedule, a smaller load, or ample help from friends and family, a DIY move might be a feasible option. However, if you're short on time, have a large household, or lack physical strength, hiring professional movers will 100% save you a tremendous amount of stress and effort. They will handle the logistics (whether moving locally or long distance), allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move. In addition, full-service movers provide various forms of damage coverage.
  
  Complexity and Expertise
•     Moving involves more than just carrying boxes. It requires careful planning, efficient packing, and crews that know how to secure furniture and valuable items. If you have limited experience with moving, hiring professionals can provide peace of mind and it can ultimately cost you less in the end. Movers have the knowledge and expertise to handle your belongings with care, navigate through tight spaces, and ensure a smooth transition from one home to another. DIY moves, while manageable for small and straightforward relocations, can become overwhelming and risky when faced with complex logistical challenges.
  
  Physical Demands and Safety
•     Moving seems easy, right? Oh your aching back! Maneuvering heavy furniture and lifting bulky boxes can strain your body and increase the risk of injuries if not done properly. Professional movers, like our crews, are trained in the proper techniques to handle heavy loads safely, minimizing the chance of personal injury. They have the appropriate equipment, such as hand trucks and straps, to lift and move items efficiently. If you have health concerns or lack the physical strength required for a DIY move, it's wise to prioritize your well-being and hire professionals to avoid unnecessary physical strain.
  
  Emotional Considerations
•     Moving can be a very emotionally taxing experience. Leaving behind familiar surroundings and embarking on a new chapter can be overwhelming, whether for happy reasons like your family is expanding or for sad reasons like illness or aging. DIY moves can provide a sense of control and a personal touch during the process. However, if you're already feeling stressed or emotionally drained, delegating the moving responsibilities to professionals can alleviate some of the burden, allowing you and/or your loved ones to focus on adjusting to a new home and new surroundings.
  
  

At the end of the day, deciding whether to move yourself or hire professional movers is a very personal choice and depends on many factors, including your budget, time constraints, expertise, physical abilities and emotional well-being. Assess your unique circumstances, evaluate the pros and cons, and consider the trade-offs associated with each option. While a DIY move might be suitable for some, professional movers, like us, offer a range of benefits, from saving time and effort to ensuring the safety of your belongings. Ultimately, choosing the right approach will help make your move a successful and less stressful experience.

Written by Claudia Schouten Jones, Owner
​Elite Relocation Services