Which is Better: DIY Move or Hiring Movers

Key Takeaways

• There are Pros and Cons to Both DIY Moves and Hiring Movers.
• Your Decision Will Depend on Budget, Type of Move, Time, and More. 
• A Hybrid Move Offers the Best of Both Worlds

You’ve found the perfect new place, sealed the deal, and popped the champagne. Now what? Whether you’re moving your home or business, chances are you will end up with a mountain of boxes—and even more questions. 

“Should I keep this or toss it?”

“Should I hire movers or DIY move?”

“Am I crazy for doing this?” 

While we can’t comment on your sanity, we can help you decide whether you should hire a moving company for your move or do it yourself. 

Our guide below dives into the pros and cons of hiring movers vs. moving yourself. Deciding this is an essential step in planning a move, and we break down everything you need to consider to find the best fit for your move. 

The Case for a DIY Move

Those who love to take control, save money, and have time to spare are prime candidates for DIY moves. By handling everything from boxing to unpacking, you know where everything is and exactly how it’s packed. 

Most people also love the idea of saving money by moving themselves—and who could blame them? However, it is also worth considering that if uninsured items are improperly packed and damaged in transit, you could lose money. Additionally, with a DIY move, there is a fair bit of physical labor and logistics involved. 

There is certainly a good mix of perks and drawbacks to planning a DIY move. Here’s what you need to consider: 

Pros

Cost Savings

Hiring movers tends to be one of the biggest moving expenses. If you don’t hire movers, you will still need to rent a truck and moving equipment (such as a dolly, moving blankets, etc.). A DIY move is the most cost-effective when you already have access to a truck and equipment through work, friends, or other connections. 

Full Control

With a DIY move, you only have to contend with your own schedule (unless you’re getting help from family and friends). You can pack, load, and organize at your own pace. Plus, you can pack boxes exactly as you please. 

Flexibility

You have a lot of flexibility when tackling a move yourself—when to start packing, your moving day, how to unpack, and more. You don’t have to work around a moving company’s schedule. DIY is particularly convenient for short local moves, where you may want to transfer items to your new place over multiple days or weeks. 

Cons

Physical Labor

Moving involves heavy lifting—and a lot of it. You need to ensure that you and any helpers have the strength and energy to handle the task safely. While there is a risk of injury at any point during the move, many injuries occur when lifting furniture and other bulky items. 

Time-Consuming

You may be potentially saving money on a DIY move. But in return, you are giving much more of your time and energy. You are in charge of everything: planning your move, renting a moving truck,  getting moving supplies, etc. Plus, DIY local moves often take multiple trips.

Logistical Complexity

You are responsible not only for transporting all your belongings but also for the logistics that accompany that. This includes rental truck availability and equipment rentals. If you are moving in NYC or a similar congested city, you also need to consider parking and elevator bookings. Crossing the border? You will need to complete all the required paperwork.

The Case for Hiring Movers

Hiring movers is the easiest way to instantly cross items off your moving checklist. They can handle everything from packing to confirming there is parking to unload. If you have items that are difficult to pack, such as a hot tub or piano, they are also equipped to safely and efficiently handle those jobs. 

However, with expertise comes a cost. The cost to hire movers is higher than that of a DIY move. Plus, you have to find a reliable moving company that can accommodate your needs and moving schedule. When hiring movers, you are essentially trading control for peace of mind and convenience. Here’s what you need to consider:

Pros

Convenience

Hiring movers means you won’t have to take time out of your schedule to tackle moving tasks. They offer convenience, eliminating the need for packing, heavy lifting, or transportation. With a white glove moving service, movers can even unpack and place your belongings, hook up your TV, install locks, and more. 

Efficiency

A good moving company will have a team of experienced movers. This means that they can handle moving tasks in an organized and efficient manner, getting them done much quicker than you could on your own. 

Reduced Stress

If you’re looking for a stress-free moving experience, hiring movers is highly recommended. Movers handle the heavy lifting, but they also ensure that everything, from paperwork to elevator bookings, is taken care of. Additionally, a moving team’s packing expertise can best protect your belongings in transit. If anything does get damaged, moving insurance will cover your losses.

Cons

Cost

The cost of hiring movers tends to be more than a DIY move. Your moving costs will depend on the distance, the number of items to be moved, and the time of year. If you are looking to save money on hiring movers, many offer lower rates for off-peak bookings—typically weekdays and winter months. Additionally, some offer discounts if you need both moving services and storage. 

Less Control

You will need to coordinate with the moving company’s availability and be okay with their protocols. How they decide to do things may not be how you would. Remember, it is easier to relinquish control when you know your belongings are in good hands. Ensure that you hire a trusted moving company – well-established, with good reviews, and in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). 

Potential for Issues

Moving companies are generally quick and efficient, but they aren’t perfect. With movers, you always run the risk of encountering problems such as truck delays, damage to your belongings, and miscommunication. Again, hiring a good moving company is essential to minimize these risks. 

Hiring a Moving Company vs Do It Yourself—How to Decide

Deciding whether to tackle a move yourself or hire movers is no easy task. After all, moving isn’t one-size-fits-all. You need to consider multiple factors, including the distance of your move, your budget, the size of your move, and your capacity. 

Key Factors to Consider

Distance of Move

Local moves are usually the best candidates for the DIY approach. You can take multiple trips (if needed) and probably have some friends or family in the area who would be willing to lend a hand. However, if you live in a city where parking and narrow walk-ups are an issue, hiring movers can be a big help.  

Long distance moves tend to be a bit trickier and are often best left to the professionals. They require more planning as multiple trips often aren’t feasible. Plus, belongings must be packed with extra care due to longer transit times, which can increase the risk of damage. 

Budget

“How much money do I have to spend on this move?”

A DIY move can help you save money. But in turn, you are giving your time and physical effort. 

You should also consider the cost of damage when looking at the cost of a move. While damage to your belongings can occur with either a DIY move or a professional moving company, the latter is typically insured. That means you can file a claim for damages, and the moving company will reimburse you. 

However, ultimately, your moving method needs to fit your moving budget. If hiring movers seems unaffordable but the best option, consider:

• A hybrid moving option (see the next section)
• Inquiring if your place of work covers any moving expenses
• See if any moving grants are available
• Booking movers off-peak—weekdays and winter
• Contacting a moving company directly to see if they currently have any specials

Time Constraints

“Do I have days to spare or just a weekend?”

Moving is time-consuming. Supply shopping, packing, move out cleaning, truck booking, unpacking, organizing, etc. You need to ensure that you have sufficient time to tackle everything. And we highly suggest adding a bit of extra time to your moving timeline, so you aren’t stressfully rushing through tasks. 

If you only have a weekend or a couple of days to get your move done, hiring a moving company is usually a good way to go. For those with very little time, a full-service white glove moving service can take even more off your moving to-do list. 

Size and Complexity of the Move

“How much stuff do I have to move? Do I have antiques, large furniture, a piano?”

Small apartments and houses tend to be the easiest to handle. In contrast, larger homes and offices are more complex and time-consuming. 

In addition to considering the number of items you have to move, you also need to assess the type of items you have. Professional movers are best equipped for:

• Heavy furniture
• Fragile antiques
• Office equipment
• Grand piano
• Hot tub
• Other large or fragile items

The path you must take to get items inside your new home or office should also be considered. Packing elevators, navigating narrow stairwells, and driving through construction zones all make moving more complex and stressful. 

Your Capacity

“Can I physically handle the move on my own? What kind of support do I have?”

Moving not only requires the strength to handle larger items but also the ability to persevere through long days. It is a lengthy process, and physical strength and stamina are undoubtedly needed. 

You should also consider what kind of help you can get. This may be family, friends, or coworkers. Anyone helping should be able to do so safely and comfortably. Moving isn’t worth putting your health or others’ health at risk. 

A Hybrid Option

Best of Both Worlds

Whether a full-service move isn’t financially feasible or you don’t want to relinquish all control, a hybrid moving solution may be the answer. This moving method involves DIY packing with professional transport.

You get help with the heavy lifting, but you also have control over how and where things are packed. 

Cost-Effective Yet Supportive

Hybrid moving is ideal for budget-conscious individuals who are overwhelmed by the moving process. By doing the packing yourself, you will save money. However, you will receive help on moving day, which is often the most stressful part of the moving process for most people. 

Hire a Moving Company or DIY Your Move – Which Will You Choose?

Every move is unique, and by assessing your priorities, you can determine whether to hire a moving company or opt for a DIY move. Always consider the amount of time you have, your budget, physical capabilities, and stress tolerance before jumping to a decision.

By choosing the right moving method, your move can become a smoother and less stressful experience—allowing you to focus more on settling into your new home.

Still asking, “Should I hire movers?” Get in touch with Oz Moving to explore your options today!