Should You Move Yourself Or Hire Movers?
January 31, 2022 | amandasearlerealtor
To pack or not to pack, that is the question. Is it better to pack and move yourself or to hire a moving company to do the work for you? It seems right now that more people are opting for the DIY move, or at least a partial DIY move. Not only is it significantly less money than a moving company, you also have greater control over how your possessions are packed and exactly when they will be delivered at the other end.
On the other hand, hiring professionals reduces the stress of the process and the stress on your back. Here are a few of the pros and cons to doing it yourself. 
1. You are responsible for all packing materials as well as the moving vehicle. While this seems simple at first – just go to the nearest liquor store and get boxes – it really isn’t that simple or cheap. You will need durable boxes of the correct size for your items as well as packing material like sheets of newspaper, bubble wrap and packing peanuts. If you no longer have the original boxes for items like your television or computer you will need to purchase packing products.
2. Packing yourself will always take three times longer than you estimate. Always.
3. Moving companies carry insurance that will cover your household goods while in transit. Your homeowner’s or renter’s policy most likely only protects your items while they are at your residence. You will want to look into purchasing trip transit insurance for your move.
4. You will also want to check your auto insurance policy to see if it covers a rental vehicle before you rent your moving van. You will want to choose among the four main types of supplemental protection plans such as damage waivers, supplemental liability insurance, personal accident and cargo insurance and auto tow protection.
5. You will have to disassemble and reassemble all your furniture yourself. Make sure that you have the proper tools and can do so without damaging your furniture or home gym equipment.
6. You need to carefully review the items that should never go in a moving truck for safety concerns: propane tanks, candles, paint, lighter fluid, or nail polish remover. For your personal safety do not pack personal papers, open jars of food or perishables.
7. The washing machine is always heavier than it looks. So is the couch. Make sure you have strong help and that you have at least one moving dolly.
Another option is to do the packing yourself but to hire a moving company to do the heavy lifting. If you choose to bring in professionals, make sure that they are insured as well as bonded. Bonding guarantees that you are protected against certain adverse actions.
Give me a call today for more tips that will make your moving process a smooth one.
