When you have a big residential move coming up, there are many factors to consider. When you ask for opinions, some family and friends might suggest a do-it-yourself move, while others will advocate for hiring professional movers. And wherever you are in North America, National Van Lines has tips to help you make the best decision.
The Pros and Cons of a DIY Move
First, let’s identify the main reasons you may want to handle a residential move yourself, versus the reasons you may hesitate to do so.
Pros of a Do-it-Yourself Move
- Cost Savings. Handling a move yourself allows you to control expenses. By renting a truck and gathering supplies on your own, you can tailor the move to fit your budget.
- Control. When you move yourself, you’re captain of the ship and have complete control of the time, day, load-in, travel and load-out. The move is done on your schedule with people you know.
- Preserving Privacy and Sentiment. Managing the move yourself ensures that only you and your trusted group handle your belongings, keeping your home and cherished personal items private.
Cons of Handling a Residential Move Yourself
- Heavy Lifting & Injury Risk. Without professional movers, you and your helpers must handle all the heavy lifting. This increases risk of back strain, muscle pulls and other injuries, especially if you’re not used to moving large furniture and heavy boxes.
- Time-Intensive Process. Packing, loading, driving, unloading and unpacking can take much longer than expected. A move that could take pro movers a few hours might take you an entire weekend or more.
- Lack of Proper Equipment. Moving companies use specialized equipment like furniture pads, tough straps and sturdy dollies to make the process easier and safer. Without these items you may struggle to move large or delicate items, increasing the risk of damage to your belongings and your home.
- Unexpected Costs & Complications. While a DIY move might seem cheaper up-front, costs like truck rental and fuel, moving supplies, potential property damage and personal injury can add up quickly. Plus, if unexpected delays or issues arise (bad weather, vehicle trouble, etc.), you must handle these on your own.
Carefully weighing these factors will help you choose the best option for your move.
The Pros and Cons of Hiring Professional Movers
Now, let’s review the reasons your friends and family may suggest hiring professional movers.
Reasons to Hire Moving Professionals
- Interstate or International Moves. When you’re making an interstate or international move, there are indeed multiple benefits of hiring professional long distance movers. These moves can be multi-pronged and emotional. In most cases the pros are your best asset here for their wealth of knowledge and licensing alone. Pro movers know what to do and when to do it.
- Reduced Stress and Hassle. Hiring professional movers takes the burden off your shoulders, while you focus on settling into your new home. Leave the packing, complex logistics and transportation issues to the pros. Their expertise ensures a smoother transition, making the moving experience far less overwhelming.
- Valuation and Protection. Professional moving companies offer protection options that cover your belongings in case of damage, loss, or accidents during the move. This added protection gives you peace of mind, ensuring that your valuables are financially safeguarded in ways that a DIY move cannot guarantee.
Cons of Hiring a Team of Moving Pros
- Up-Front Costs. Hiring professional movers is a budget consideration. Long distance and business-related moves generally come with higher costs and specific licensing requirements compared to short-distance relocations.
- Less Flexibility. Moving companies operate on set schedules, which may not always align with your ideal timeline. Last-minute changes or delays can be challenging to accommodate.
- Space concerns. Moving companies usually provide a truck based on the size of your home and the number of items. One very large truck (versus you making multiple trips with a small truck) could be problematic for tight residential streets.
As you can see, there are just as many reasons to plan to hire a professional team of movers as to take the DIY approach. But whatever you choose, we’re here to help with information or to handle your residential, long distance or corporate moving needs.
If You Decide to Hire Professional Movers
When you’re ready to hire professional movers, the nationally recognized team at National Van Lines is ready to hear from you. Request your free moving quote or call us today at 800-323-1962.
