As you prepare to move to a new home, a common question is whether to hire a local moving company or not. Professional movers and DIY moving each have their own set of benefits and disadvantages. With the right guidance and information, you can make an informed decision on which option is best suited for you.
Our team at Saf Keep Storage will describe the pros and cons of professional and DIY moving to help you find the ideal choice for your upcoming move.
Should I Hire a Local Moving Company?
Whether you’re relocating locally or moving across the country, hiring a professional moving company can take a lot of weight off your shoulders. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of hiring a professional moving company below.
What Are the Pros of Professional Movers?
- Reduced stress. Professional movers handle the physical labor of packing, loading, and transporting your belongings to help save you effort, which can be better spent on other aspects of your move.
- Saves time. Movers can save time by doing the packing and moving process themselves rather than taking on the load on their own.
- Expertise. Your movers will have experience and knowledge to pack and handle all your belongings effectively, even fragile items.
- Long-term cost-effective. Hiring movers may be expensive, but the best movers can help you save money in the long run by preventing damage and reducing the time spent moving your belongings.
What Are the Cons of Professional Movers?
- Up-front costs. While professional moving companies can yield long-term savings, these services usually cost more.
- Trust. You’ll have to come to terms with trusting strangers to handle your belongings throughout your move.
- Loss of control. You lose the ability to customize and personalize your move as you give those responsibilities over to the movers you hire.
- Potential scams. While most moving companies are legit, look out for potential scams or hidden fees not communicated up front.
Should I Do DIY Moving?
Also known as self-moving, DIY moving puts you in the driver’s seat of packing and transporting your belongings to your new home. With more control over your move, you can also run into more common moving mistakes. To better understand if you can handle these responsibilities yourself, we’ll guide you through the pros and cons of DIY moving below.
What Are the Pros of DIY Moving?
- Cost savings. Moving your belongings on your own can help reduce the overall cost of your move, especially if you plan to move a shorter distance.
- More control. With complete control of your move, you can pack and load your belongings to your standards and strategy.
- Flexibility. As you take control of your move, you can load your belongings and stage your move on your own time, making the process as flexible as possible.
What Are the Cons of DIY Moving?
- Time and effort. DIY moving requires more time and effort, from planning your move to packing and unpacking your belongings.
- Risk of injury. Since DIY moving requires more physical labor from you, the risk of personal injury increases.
- Risk of damaged items. If you improperly pack a box of items, the risk of damage to your belongings rises.
- Hidden costs. While DIY moving can be cheaper, several hidden expenses should be considered, such as purchasing moving supplies like furniture blankets or sliders, and renting a moving vehicle.
How Much Does a Moving Company Cost?
The cost of a professional moving company depends on a variety of factors. Some of these factors include the home size, distance, and the services included in your plan. On average, shorter moves within 100 miles tend to be more affordable than long-distance moves.
Local moves within 100 miles typically range from around $400 for a small studio to over $4,000 for larger homes. Hourly rates per mover usually fall between $60 and $150. Long-distance moves, which cover more than 100 miles, generally cost between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on distance, the weight of belongings, and any extra services like packing or storage.
If you opt for professional movers, plan to allocate a decent portion of your budget to cover their services. We recommend dedicating between 10% and 15% of your total moving budget to professional moving costs. To save money, consider decluttering, packing yourself, comparing multiple quotes, and scheduling your move during off-peak times.
When Is the Best Time To Move?
The best time to move is usually between September and April. Trying to stay cool during a summer move can cause extra hassle and physical strain throughout the journey. Moving during the fall and spring helps you avoid those extreme temperatures. If you plan to move during winter, be on the lookout for incoming weather and storms along your path.
How To Prepare for Moving
The key to a seamless move is to create a checklist as soon as possible. Think through every step of the process and jot it down on a piece of paper or your phone’s notes app. Determine a moving date and schedule your moving truck or professional movers accordingly.
Go through every room of your current home and determine which items you plan to bring with you and which items can arrive at a later date. Pack your belongings up with moving supplies, such as boxes and packing paper. We recommend you start with lesser-used items and pack more of your essentials as the big day approaches.
Invest in Self Storage
If you have a gap between leases or have many non-essential items that need a place to stay, self storage can help. A great storage facility will offer several storage unit types and sizes with a multitude of features and amenities included.
The absolute best storage facilities, like those from Saf Keep Storage, will extend free move-in assistance, making moving your belongings into your storage unit a breeze. These services include carry-in help and moving truck or van rentals.
Streamline Your Move with Saf Keep Storage
Do you need quality residential storage for your move? Look no further than Saf Keep Storage. Across our storage facilities throughout the western United States, our wide range of small, medium, and large storage units helps keep your belongings in a convenient and accessible place for yourself and professional movers alike.
To rent or reserve your storage unit, find your nearest Saf Keep Storage location or contact our team online today!
