When to Do It Yourself and When to Hire Help
Moving is a process that can be a stressful experience as well as time-consuming. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, it’s important to make sure your move is as efficient and safe as possible. But with so many options available, it can be hard to decide when to do it yourself and when to hire help.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of hiring professional movers and provide strategies for saving money on tight budgets.
What Are Professional Moving Services?
Professional moving services are offered by full-service moving companies to help individuals and families move their entire household.
Professional movers typically offer packing services. These services may be full service which includes all items in the household, partial packing for special request items, unpacking services, and specialty packing for special items such as pianos, pool tables, or large electronics.
In addition to these basic services, some professional moving companies may offer additional services such as furniture disassembly and furniture assembly or even organizing boxes in your new home.
When it comes to long-distance moves, hiring a full-service mover is often the most sensible option since it removes the hassle of driving a large truck across multiple states.
For shorter distances or smaller households, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of professional moving services before making an informed decision about what’s best for you.
Pros of Hiring Professional Movers
Although it may come at an additional cost, there are many benefits to having professionals do the work for you. Not only will they have the necessary experience and skills to move your household items safely, but they can also save you time and energy.
Hiring professional movers also reduces the chances of damage to your furniture or other fragile belongings, as well as alleviates any stress associated with navigating through a busy city or long-distance move.
The packing and unpacking services many professional movers offer can remove much stress from the process.
The average cost for hiring a professional mover is approximately $2,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, although this number can vary depending on the city it is located in, the distance being traveled, and any additional services requested.
Moving Fragile Items
When moving, it’s important to take special care when packing and handling fragile items. Professional movers are experts at safely transporting delicate items such as:
- artwork
- glassware
- valuable antique items
They will typically wrap each piece in bubble wrap or other protective materials before placing it in a box labeled with the words “Fragile” or “Handle With Care”. They will use extra caution when loading and unloading these boxes into and out of their vehicles.
Professional movers know how to stack boxes properly in order to avoid any property damage during transit. They are experienced in furniture assembly so that your most valuable possessions arrive at your new home intact.
When hiring professional movers for a fragile item move, be sure to ask about any additional costs associated with protecting delicate belongings from damage. You may even want to consider requesting damage insurance coverage for extra protection if something happens during the move. With their experience and expertise, professional movers make moving fragile items a breeze.
Hiring a professional mover for fragile items is the best way to ensure that your delicate belongings arrive at your new home safely. Professional movers are trained in packing and unpacking fragile items, ensuring each piece is properly wrapped and labeled before being loaded onto their vehicle.
Hiring a professional mover for fragile items can save you time and money in the long run by providing peace of mind that your most valuable possessions will be handled with care from start to finish.
Moving Heavy Items
Hiring a professional mover for heavy items is often recommended since it can minimize the risk of injury and damage. Professional movers have the right tools and experience to move heavy objects, such as appliances and furniture, safely.
They are typically knowledgeable in packing and unpacking bulky items and can make sure that everything is secured properly during transport so as to keep items safe.
The average cost of hiring professional movers for heavy items varies depending on the size of your move and whether you require additional services such as bubble wrap or furniture assembly.
If you plan to take advantage of these additional services, factor them into your budget before signing any contracts with a full-service moving company.
Hiring a professional mover for heavy items can be beneficial if you don’t have the necessary equipment or expertise to do it yourself. [1]
Long-Distance Moves
When it comes to cross-country moves, hiring a professional mover is often the best option. Not only are they better equipped to navigate tricky terrain and highways, but they also have access to resources that make moving large items much easier.
Moving long distances can be a daunting task, and it’s important to consider all the benefits of hiring professional movers before you decide how to tackle it. The key is finding the best option for your needs and budget.
Health Issues
There are various health concerns that could cause a person to require a moving company. For instance, people with chronic pain conditions or mobility issues may find it difficult to lift and carry heavy boxes or move pieces of furniture around. They may risk injury, worsening their pain, or causing additional medical issues.
Similarly, for seniors or people with disabilities, moving can be a difficult task that requires significant physical effort. There is a risk of falling, straining muscles or exacerbating existing health conditions.
Professional movers can provide the needed assistance, with trained staff that handle large, heavy items with care and expertise. Hiring a moving company can also minimize stress levels, which can be beneficial for people who are managing medical conditions.
The stress of the move could cause anxiety, depression, or exacerbate pre-existing conditions. Professional movers managing the bulk of the work can ultimately help mitigate the physical and emotional strain on a person.
Cons of Hiring Professional Movers
Tight Budget Considerations
When making the decision to hire professional movers or do it yourself, one of the biggest considerations is cost. Those on a tight budget may be tempted to take on the entire moving process themselves in order to save money.
While it is true that DIY moves can be the cheaper option in the short-term, they could also end up costing more in the long run due to potential damage caused by inexperience or incorrect packing techniques.
Since most people don’t have access to large moving trucks and supplies such as bubble wrap and furniture assembly tools, these additional costs must also be taken into account when making this important decision.
The financially challenged should carefully evaluate both options before making their final choice. It is important to consider not only the upfront costs but also any additional expenses associated with each option as well as what tasks will be required for a successful move.
With careful planning and budgeting, you can make an informed choice that will ensure a successful move while still saving money. But if you decide to go with professional movers, there are still strategies available to help save even more money.
Strategies for Saving Money with Professional Movers on a Tight Budget
There are still strategies available for saving money through the entire process, even when hiring professional movers.
One way to achieve cost savings is to look for discounts and specials offered by different full-service moving companies. Many offer promotional rates or discounts for certain services, which can help lower the overall cost of your move.
It is important to compare prices between multiple companies and ask questions about any additional services they may provide, such as storage options or furniture assembly tools.
By carefully evaluating both options and taking advantage of any discounts available, those on a tight budget can make an informed decision that best fits their specific needs while still saving money in the process.
You Must Trust Them With Your Belongings
One of the biggest concerns people have when hiring a moving company is the fact that they have to trust strangers with their prized possessions. While many moving companies hire trustworthy, professional staff, there is always a risk of damage, loss, or theft when you entrust your belongings to someone else.
Even with insurance, some sentimental items cannot be replaced, and some losses can never fully be compensated for. Some moving companies may not have adequate safety precautions in place, such as proper handling techniques or secure storage facilities. This can lead to damage or loss during transportation.
Even with careful planning, however, there is always an element of risk involved when trusting someone else with your possessions, which is an unfortunate downside of hiring a moving company.
Moving Scams Exist
Moving company scams are, unfortunately, a real issue that has affected many people over the years. These scams often involve a moving company offering an unrealistically low estimate for the cost of the move, only to drastically increase the price once the move is underway.
Some companies may even hold the items hostage until the higher price is paid, leaving the client with no choice but to pay the higher price. Other scams may involve theft, such as the moving company stealing items or holding them for ransom.
These scams can be devastating for the individuals and families involved, who may lose their precious belongings or pay exorbitant prices for their move. Scammers often target vulnerable people, such as those in a rush to move or those who don’t have the time or resources to research moving companies properly.
It’s important to do thorough research before hiring a moving company, checking their credentials, reading reviews, and asking for recommendations. Be wary of any company that seems too good to be true, and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right. Even with precautions in place, however, it’s unfortunate that moving company scams exist and can cause such harm to innocent people.
What Moving Company Should I Use?
When it comes to finding the right moving company, it is important to consider several factors.
- Ensure that the company is licensed and insured while checking for any accreditations.
- Inquire about the specific services offered, such as packing, unpacking, and specialty item handling.
- Obtain multiple quotes and compare prices to make an informed decision.
- Research and read reviews to gauge the company's reputation and reliability.
Looking for a professional moving company in Minneapolis? We can get you moved at at an affordable price. Get a free estimate on your next move.
Sources
[1] Zito, B. (2023, May 18). How To Guide For Hiring Movers. Forbes Home. https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/moving-services/how-to-hire-movers/
