What to Know When Moving: DIY or Not?

Moving can take a toll, not only physically but mentally. Lugging heavy furniture up several flights of stairs and dealing with the family in between can be a nightmare.

But when is it right to DIY, and when is it right to hire movers?

Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about when it’s time to hire movers and when you should consider doing it yourself.

Let’s get started.

Reasons to Move Yourself

1. You’re Not Moving Many Belongings

One of the best reasons to handle the move yourself is if you don’t have many belongings. If you’re a single person without years of accumulated furniture and possessions, moving might only take a few hours.

For larger families, the sheer volume of possessions can be overwhelming. After years in one home, the amount of clutter can be enormous. It’s common for families to purge items they’ve been storing away right before a big move to make space.

If you don’t have many belongings, moving a few items can be economical and likely won’t break your back or budget.

2. Your Destination Is Only a Short Distance Away

One of the main benefits of hiring movers is that they can handle your belongings while you focus on other tasks. This can free up your time to take care of other matters, and you might even be able to fly to your final destination and pick up your belongings there.

However, if you’re only moving down the street, hiring movers might not make much sense. Movers typically charge by the hour or by distance, and if they know you’re only moving nearby, they may charge a higher upfront fee, knowing that the distance covered isn’t significant.

3. You Have Family or Friends That Can Help

If you have a family of four able-bodied people, that’s almost as good as hiring a crew of full-time movers. Friends can also be a big help if you don’t have many strong family members to assist with moving bigger objects.

Don’t forget to reimburse your friends (and children) if they help you on moving day. Even a pizza as a thank you can go a long way, or you can offer to return the favor when your friend moves in the future!

4. It’s Not Within Your Budget

The biggest challenge with hiring movers is often the cost. While it’s a luxury, not everyone can afford it. A good strategy to fit movers into your budget is to plan well in advance; the price will likely be lower if you book them long before your move date.

When to Hire Movers

1. You Don’t Have Time

If you’re short on time, hiring movers can help expedite the moving process. A nationwide full-service moving company can streamline your move, handling every step from packing to shipping, and even unpacking and disposing of garbage at the end.

The greatest benefit of full-service movers is that they take care of everything. If time is tight, movers are an excellent way to ensure everything is taken care of during a move.

2. Age Is a Factor

While youth is a luxury for some, not everyone can lift heavy boxes as they age. If you’re older and don’t have family help, hiring movers can take the burden off your shoulders.

Lifting heavy furniture can strain even a young person’s back, so if you have any physical ailments, it’s best not to stress yourself when moving. If you must lift heavy objects, be sure to use proper form to avoid injury.

3. Budget Isn’t a Problem

If you’re not worried about your budget, hiring movers is a no-brainer. Packing, shipping, and unpacking can take days, but professional movers can do it all in one go. All you need to do is tell them when and where, and they’ll handle all the heavy lifting.

4. You’re Moving Internationally

Moving internationally can be a logistical nightmare if you’re not prepared. If you plan to move large pieces of furniture, the complexity increases. The great thing about moving companies is that they have logistics figured out ahead of time. They’ll even handle details like tariffs and include them in the final price.

Conclusion

Whether you choose a moving company or decide to DIY, both options have their benefits. If you opt for a moving company, you can save money by booking well in advance. This way, you can enjoy the luxury of moving without lifting a finger while saving some cash.

If you decide to move yourself, ask a friend to lend a hand. You’ll have to repay the favor, but this way, you won’t bear the entire burden of the move alone. Just don’t forget to pay them back—it’s common courtesy.