Weigh the Pros, Cons & Cost of Moving Yourself
Moving Yourself. Is It the “Right Move”?
Weigh the Pros, Cons & Cost of Moving Yourself
Moving Yourself. Is It the “Right Move”?
Deciding whether to move yourself or hire a moving company can be a tough call. It depends on various factors such as the size of your move, the distance you are moving, the complexity of the move, and your budget. Here are some things to consider:
Price vs. Cost: DIY moving is usually cheaper than hiring a moving company, but it can be more time-consuming and stressful. If you have a tight budget and don’t mind putting in the extra effort, DIY moving might be the way to go. However, if you have a lot of valuable items or fragile belongings that require special handling, hiring a professional moving company might be a better option. When you look at your cash outlay it may appear less expensive than a mover. Don’t forget to include the cost of your time away from work, the cost to rent a truck or trailer and other equipment, etc., and make it a fair comparison.
Distance: If you are moving long-distance, it might be more practical to hire a moving company. They have the expertise and resources to handle long-distance moves efficiently and safely. However, if you are moving locally, DIY moving might be a viable option.
Time: Moving can be a time-consuming process, especially if you are doing it yourself. If you have a busy schedule and can’t afford to take time off work, hiring a moving company might be the best option. They can take care of everything from packing to unpacking, leaving you with more time to focus on other things.
Complexity: If you have a lot of heavy furniture, large appliances, or other bulky items, moving them yourself can be challenging. You might need special equipment or tools to move them safely. In such cases, hiring a professional moving company might be the best option.
Stress: Moving can be a stressful experience, especially if you are doing it yourself. You must worry about packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking all your belongings. If you want to avoid the stress and hassle of moving, hiring a professional moving company might be the way to go.
Ultimately, the decision to move yourself or hire a moving company depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Consider all the factors mentioned above and choose the option that works best for you.
If it’s DIY Moving for you, be sure to get the right supplies!
When moving, most damage comes from vibration in transit. Think of a stack of dishes in a box on the bed of a bouncing truck. No matter how well the sides are padded, a firm up-and-down jolt could crack the entire stack. On the other hand, dishes packed on edge and surrounded by bubble wrap have a better chance of surviving the trip unharmed.
It is essential that you have the right packing materials in order to minimize the effect of this eventual vibration. Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper are worth the money. A tape dispenser may help you move along quicker. A box cutter can also be used to “cut the tape” and will also be very handy when unpacking.
With a little care and planning, you and your belongings can arrive in perfect condition. These packing tips will give you some helpful information to make this goal a reality.
Self-Service Home Moving
Self-Service Moving is an economical option for small to mid-size moves. Companies that provide this service deliver a trailer or van to your home, leaving it there for you to load. Once the trailer is loaded, the mover picks it up and delivers it to your new home, where you unload it yourself.
Pack, Load and Drive!
Do it all yourself. Before you start, however, honestly assess your physical as well as the hauling capacity. Whether you rely on friends and borrowed vehicles or hire local college students and rent a truck to do the job, you need not only enough strong helpers but also the right hauling capacity. If you lack either of these, it’s best not to do-it-yourself.
Friends and family may come to the rescue, but are they capable movers. They won’t be covered by insurance and what happens if somone gets hurt? Are you patient enough to pack a truck, then drive this to the destination. Taking a 25-foot truck on a crowded freeway can be a harrowing experience.
Three-“Ps” of Household Moving
If you decide it makes sense to take on a self-move, the next step is to examine the details.The Three “Ps” of Moving:
Self-Move Decision Checklist
Don’t Forget the “Big Picture”!
After all the cost calculations are completed, the lower cost option may still not be the one that you should choose. If a professional move will cost you more money (and it probably will), ask yourself if it’s still worth the decrease in stress and hassle. In the end, you might find it’s easier and more worthwhile to hire professionals.
