Is Hiring a Moving Company Worth It?
The average person moves more than 11 times in their lives. No matter how many times you’ve moved in the past, you know that the process can be stressful and expensive.
This leaves many people looking for ways to cut down on costs and make their move as affordable as possible.
Though moving on your own is always an option, deciding if it’s best to eat the cost to hire a moving company or save a few hundred dollars by doing it yourself is tough. You need to weigh your options carefully and understand what goes into the move itself.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind so you can make the best decision for your needs and your budget.
You Control the Cost to Hire a Moving Company
One of the biggest factors to keep in mind when deciding between a DIY move and hiring a professional moving company is your budget. Though the cost of renting a moving truck may seem cheaper, it’s not always the case.
When you rent a truck, you’ll have to pay the full cost of gas, rental truck insurance, trunk rental fee, moving supplies, and any other incidental expenses that pop up. When you hire a professional, you’ll pay for their expertise, but you won’t have to worry about the incidental costs.
Even better, you’re able to control how much the moving company costs by reducing the amount of stuff you pay to move. Decluttering your home and selling the items you don’t really want to keep will help you keep your costs low.
In some cases, you may find that it’s cheaper to hire a professional than it is to handle the move on your own. Get quotes from several companies and compare each moving company cost estimate against the cost of renting a truck.
Think About How Much Time You Have
Moving is a time-consuming process whether you work with a professional moving company or handle it on your own. Before you can decide whether you should hire a professional or move on your own, you need to think about how much time you have.
If you’re moving across town and don’t have a tight schedule you have to keep, moving on your own is a great option. You’re able to take your time and move small loads when you’re free.
However, if your personal schedule is already packed or you’re moving out of state, hiring a professional company may save you time and make the move easier. They’ll be able to handle the packing and driving for you so you can focus on your normal responsibilities throughout the move.
Consider the Weight of Your Items
When you hire professionals to move your belongings, you’re not just paying for their expertise. You’re also paying for their ability to move heavy items safely.
Think about the types of items you’re moving. If your furniture and boxes are large or hard to maneuver on your own, movers will take the stress out of the process. They have the experience needed to move those awkward and heavy loads safely. Even better, they’ll do it without damaging your belongings or putting you at risk of muscle strain and injury.
However, if you’re moving lightweight boxes or don’t have tons of furniture to transport, moving on your own may be a better choice. Remember, you can always get your friends and family to help you move those oversized items into your new home.
Make Sure You’re Comfortable Driving the Truck
Driving a moving truck is challenging, even if you pride yourself on being a good driver. Before you can decide on a DIY or professional move, you need to think about how comfortable you are driving a moving truck across town.
Look at your planned route and check for hazards before you make your choice. If the route has tons of low-hanging branches or requires you to drive down narrow streets, working with a professional may be a better choice. Their professional insurance coverage will protect them from liability should they damage someone else’s property.
However, if the route is clear and you’re comfortable driving a moving truck through your intended route, renting a truck is a good option.
Know Where You’re Getting Packing Materials
Believe it or not, buying moving boxes and packing materials can get expensive quickly. You’re stuck buying the materials from local supply stores and have to pay the full retail price for each item you buy.
When you work with a professional full-service moving company, part of the cost will cover those moving materials. This includes boxes, padding, tape, and protective blankets used to keep your stuff safe in transit.
Depending on the size of your home and the number of boxes you need, hiring a professional may end up saving you money. Even if you plan to pack your belongings yourself, it may still be cheaper to buy boxes from your moving company.
That said, it’s possible to find free packing materials if you’re willing to put in the time. Grocery stores, big-box retailers, and even your friends and family may have moving materials you can use for free. However, you risk using boxes that aren’t up to holding the weight of your belongings and may lead to damage on the truck.
Is Hiring a Moving Company Worth It?
Ultimately, making the decision between moving on your own and hiring a professional moving company to help you out is a personal preference. You need to weight the cost to hire a moving company against the convenience of letting experienced professionals handle everything for you.
If you have a lot on your plate, professionals will make your move much easier and less stressful. However, if you have the time or are working with an incredibly tight budget, moving to your new home on your own will be a better choice. Whatever option you settle on, make sure your belongings get packed safely and securely.
Looking for more helpful tips to make settling into your new home simple? Check out our latest posts.