A quick fact: relocating can come with fresh challenges you may have yet to anticipate from the start.
If you are not frantically Googling how to fit a couch through a door, you may be playing the balancing act with your tower of boxes.
The truth is moving comes with its fair share of headaches, from packing and loading to transporting and unpacking.
Consequently, one of your biggest decisions is whether to handle the move yourself or call in the professionals. At first glance, DIY moving may seem like the cheaper option.
But is it really all that it’s cracked up to be?
Before you grab your packing tape and rally your friends for a day of heavy lifting, let’s weigh the pros and cons of doing it yourself.
The Pros of DIY Moving
Ask yourself, ‘Should I hire movers?’
Suppose you find that you are stuck in the loop of whether to hire movers or do it yourself, it might help you determine the pros and cons of DIY moving.
These pros include:
1. Cost savings
One of the perks of DIY moving is that it can save you a chunk of change — that’s right!
The moving process itself is an expensive venture, from renting a home or buying one to switching service providers. These activities cost a lot of money, so where there is an option for you to cut down costs, you may itch to grab it.
Besides, hiring professional movers is not cheap — they charge for their time, expertise, and equipment!
By doing it yourself, you avoid labor costs, which means you will have more money to splurge on housewarming pizza or some new decor for your space.
2. Full control over the moving process
Another great plus to DIY moving is that it lets you control your move.
From the start, your relocation is not confined to the availability of a booking date from a moving company.
You control the packing timeline and decide what goes where. Your movement and activities will not be dependent on another person’s schedule.
Want to start moving at dawn? Go for it!
Need a midday snack break that turns into an hour-long nap? No problem.
3. Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of DIY moving is the flexibility it offers.
When you are in charge of the process, you get to set the pace and make changes as needed.
There are no rigid schedules, no waiting on movers to show up, and no pressure to finish within a set timeframe. If you want to pack over several weeks instead of cramming it into two days, that is totally your call.
Flexibility also extends to how you pack and organize your items. Plus, if plans change, say you need to move your date up or push it back, it’s much easier to adjust when you are not tied to the availability of any professional movers.
DIY moving should be your preferred relocation option if you enjoy freedom and adaptability.
4. A potentially fun experience
Most DIY moves are rarely made ‘by yourself.’
You are likely to enlist the help of family and friends, which can be surprisingly rewarding.
By turning up the music and making it a group effort with friends or family, you can turn an otherwise arduous process into a memory-making adventure.
Sure, it will be sweaty and chaotic, but you might even laugh about it later.
The Cons of DIY Moving
Like most advantages, DIY moving has a few disadvantages. Depending on what you prioritize during your move, you may have conflicting opinions.
Are moving companies worth it after all?
Here are a few cons of DIY moving that may help you answer that and decide which path to take:
1. Physical and emotional toll
Moving is hard work, especially when you must do it alone.
Yes, you may have the assistance of friends and family to help with the heavy lifting. But other aspects of the move can also take their physical and emotional toll on you.
When you DIY, you have to worry about more than just the heavy lifting; you also have to coordinate logistics mentally. Renting a truck and keeping fragile items safe come with unforetold anxiety that will steadily keep you on edge.
Also, your friends might promise to help, but come moving day; a few may show up late or not be able to come at all. Even if they come through, not everyone can lift a couch without causing bodily harm (or arguments).
By the end of the day, your muscles will ache, your patience will be thin, and you might seriously question your life choices.
2. Risk of damage or injuries
A consequence of doing all that work in moving yourself is that the risk of damage to property or injuries to self increases.
Lifting heavy items the wrong way can lead to sprains, strains, or worse. Without professional training, accidents are more likely to happen.
That fragile antique or large mirror that’s as valuable in the market as it is a sentimental keepsake might not survive the journey if it’s not packed or secured properly.
But damage to your own property is not all there is to worry about!
‘Pivot’ moments trying to maneuver furniture through tight hallways can easily lead to dinged-up walls or a scratched floor, putting your security deposit at risk.
3. Time-consuming
While professional movers are quick and efficient, DIY moving can feel like it’s dragging on forever.
Due to the flexibility and control of moving without professional movers breathing down your neck, you may keep putting off tasks. Soon, you realize that what seemed like a weekend project might eat into your entire week.
Also, this mismanagement of your time can lead to last-minute panic and even extra costs if your lease overlaps or you miss deadlines.
4. Unexpected costs and logistical errors
Yes, DIY moving sounds cheaper, but some hidden costs do add up quickly.
- renting a truck,
- buying packing materials, and
- fueling up for multiple trips
…can strain your budget.
If you accidentally damage your belongings or strain your back, the expenses can pile on further.
A move that lasts more than a day may also require booking lodgings for the night, adding yet another cost.
Another challenge with DIY moving is that if you lack the technical know-how, you might easily misjudge the size of the truck you rent. A truck that’s too small can leave you stuck making multiple trips or, worse, leaving items behind.
Conclusion: Is DIY Moving Worth It?
DIY moving can be a great option if you are on a budget or have a small amount of stuff to pack. Even as you take charge of every detail, it’s still not for the faint-hearted!
If you have the time, patience, and manpower, a DIY move might be an adventure you want to tackle. But if you would rather avoid the stress, the sweat, and the risk of shattered belongings, calling in the pros could be worth the investment.
So, take stock of your situation, weigh your priorities, and choose what works best for you — physically, mentally, financially.
Good luck!