Moving Tips
According to estimates, about 8.4% of Americans moved in 2021, while 31% are considering a move in 2023 [1]. When it comes to moving, there are different types. There are short-distance moves and long-distance moves. But regardless of the distance, there is a significant concern about the kind of moving services.
You can choose both DIY moving or professional moving services. But it is essential to see both sides of the picture before finalizing. Let’s have a look at the advantages and disadvantages of both.Â
Pros of DIY Moving
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) moving revolves around a single working force, ‘you,’ rather than a moving company. You rent a truck, load your belongings, drive it to the destination (or hire a driver), and unload. Following are some advantages of DIY moving.
1. Cost Effective
DIY moving is cheaper than hiring professional moving services. You can easily rent a moving truck from a local dealership, or your contact list may have a truck driver who can do you a favor.
DIY moving is a preference for short-distance moves as they are less secure than professional companies. You can also negotiate transportation expenses, as most rental trucks are privately owned.
2. More Flexible
With DIY moving, you can schedule and get things done at your own pace. There is no pressure to get everything packed and loaded by a specific time or date.
With moving companies, you must also consider the rises and falls in the moving season, as their prices vary accordingly. But with DIY moving, there is no such constraint.
3. More Control
DIY moving offers more control as compared to professional moving services. Everything goes according to your preference: loading, choosing the route to your new destination, or arranging the boxes in the truck.
You can also decide the payment time. Commonly, folks pay before or after the transportation completes. But if there are multiple trips, you can also pay for each individually.
Cons of DIY Moving
Although, DIY moving is more flexible regarding expense and time constraints. One must be aware of some cons before loading up their household. Here are some disadvantages of DIY moving.
1. Requires More Effort
The affordability of DIY moving comes with hidden costs, and physical effort is one of them. Every activity, from renting to packing to loading and unloading, requires physical effort, which is on your shoulders.
Yes, you can hire some individuals to help you move, but it adds to the overall expense. Therefore, people prefer more personal input rather than entertaining unnecessary costs.
2. Time-Consuming
Without a moving company, gathering moving resources and working out a suitable time takes a significant effort. Furthermore, you must adjust their availability if you rely on your friends and family for assistance.
As you must unpack things yourself, things may become overwhelming in your new home. If you are not up for hiring a moving company, consider looking at some handy tips.
3. Safety Concerns
Both company and private rental moving trucks are available. Although personal moving options prove cost-effective, they offer lower security. In some cases, there is no reliable source to guarantee their credibility.
Moreover, they may not have the needed cushioning, resulting in property damage. Runaways sometimes happen, so searching for reasonable moving means is critical.
Pros of Professional Moving Services
Professional moving involves hiring a company to pack, unpack, load, and transport your belongings during relocation. Due to the public’s inclination, the USA has a significant moving market worth 86 billion dollars with about 7000 professional moving services. [2] Let’s discuss the advantages of professional moving services.
1. Expert Solution
The most prominent reason for hiring professionals for relocation is their unwavering expertise. Moving companies have trained professionals to handle everything from loading to transporting to packing and unpacking.
Moreover, they also come armed with the necessary equipment for lifting heavy household items. Moving companies survey your place before documenting your reservation. You can contact their customer support or ask for a direct suggestion for optimal results.
2. Time Efficient
Relocation requires planning. But sometimes, things don’t work out smoothly, especially with a tight deadline. The situation is not only actual for households but also office relocation.
In such cases, professional movers prove incredibly helpful as they can ensure a smooth and fail-proof relocation within the given timestamp. Their professional expertise can convert your space into cardboard boxes within hours, saving you unnecessary hassle and effort.
3. Helps You Stay Focused
Moving is an extensive process, and you may need help to give everything attention. After a long working day, providing time to pack and sort things may seem impossible. Similarly, selling your house before the move comes with distinct complications.
That is where professional movers come into the scene. They can handle the tiniest things while you care for other important matters.
Cons Of Professional Moving Services
Here are some disadvantages of professional moving services.Â
1. Relatively Expensive
Although professional movers offer countless benefits, they require a decent budget. And the expense varies depending upon factors like the moving distance, household size, moving time (peak or off-peak season), weather conditions, special services, etc.
Considering all the mentioned pointers, and the current market rates, professional moving may sometimes become inaccessible.
2. Less Control
Unlike DIY moving, you don’t get to set your own pace with moving companies. Instead, you have to schedule things according to the movers’ availability. Sometimes, you must postpone or reschedule your move due to unavailability.
Moving companies also have policies about items they can and cannot move, another constraint worth considering.Â
Final Verdict
Choosing between DIY or professional moving services depends on your budget, preference, moving distance, and time constraints. But both methods have their pros and cons and best-case scenarios. DIY moving is significantly cheaper but requires more physical and mental effort. On the other hand, professional moving is smoother in terms of labor but needs more budget.
If you have plenty of time to relocate, you can plan, execute and DIY-move everything comfortably. But if there is an urgency, hiring a professional company is your best bet.
FAQs
1. How much does a moving company cost on average?
Local or short-distance moves cost between 1400 to 2500 dollars. In contrast, long-distance moves (more than 100 miles) cost around 2,200 and 5,700 dollars. [3]
2. Is DIY moving ideal for long-distance moves?
DIY moving works well for long-distance moves as well. But you have to be more strategic and hire a rental truck from a credible source. Â
3. Where do you find local rental trucks?
Several organizations offer rental truck services as well. So you can look up a dealership online and contact the most suitable one for further processing.
4. What should you remember when hiring a moving means?
When hiring a moving means, keeping your budget and move-specific needs in mind is essential. Moreover, you should research the company to avoid any inconveniences later.
References:Â
[1] https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/considering-moving-survey/
