The True Cost of Moving Yourself vs. Hiring Movers

No one really likes the hassle and expense of moving, but it’s still one of those things (like death and taxes) you know you’ll experience at some point in your life.

One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make early on in the process is if you want to move yourself or pay for professional movers. But that begs the question: which is cheaper?

Let’s look at both methods of moving, their costs (both hidden and upfront) and the advantages and disadvantages of both:

Moving Yourself

Many people like the idea of packing themselves. There are advantages to doing this.

First, you get to work on your own schedule. You can pack a little along throughout the weeks leading up to the move and get everything ready. And then, you can move whichever day you want and not have to worry about fitting into a moving company’s schedule.

You can also have total control over the move. You can know that if something is lost or broken, then you have no one to blame but yourself.

And of course, the biggest bonus is that it cost less. But does it really?

Here are some of the costs you’ll have to pay even if you move yourself:

• Moving supplies such as boxes, packing and tape;
• Moving truck with a dolly or hand-truck;
• Other safety/security equipment such as ropes and padding;
• Fuel for the truck; and
• Pizza for the friends you recruit into helping you.

Hiring Professional Movers

Hiring professional movers can take a lot of the stress and pressure off you. You can take all the physical pain off your shoulders by having someone else do the heavy lifting.

But it goes way beyond that. Your movers are efficient experts at what they do. They can complete the move in a fraction of the time it would take you and your family or friends to do it.

Many professional movers also include supplies such as boxes and packing into the fees for your move. But one of the biggest benefits is that it takes a lot of stress off your plate and that’s what you are paying for.

There are aspects to hiring professional movers that need to be considered before you decide to hire experienced relocators. The most obvious is paying for movers. It can be hard to pay someone to do what you feel you can do, but if you look for reputable, experienced movers, you’ll know you’re getting value in a process that you have little experience in.

Some people have issues turning over precious belongings to complete strangers. This can fill a lot of people with anxiety and pain, especially if those items are lost or stolen. Again, this really isn’t an issue when hiring movers who have been in the business for many years, have great reviews and are licensed and bonded. Your “stuff” is more protected than if YOU moved it!

Movers Provide Value and Security During a Stressful Time

The bottom line is that, yes, moving yourself is generally cheaper than hiring professionals. But remember, you get what you pay for and it’s not without risks. If you cherish your furniture and sentimental items while taking considerable stress off your shoulders, reputable experienced movers provide great value.