Moving yourself vs. hiring movers

Moving yourself

When you move yourself, you pack your things, load them into your vehicle or a rental truck and then unload and unpack at the new destination. This option might be easier and cheaper if you aren’t moving very far and have access to a truck — moving is more complicated if you don’t have free help or you’re moving a long distance.

» LEARN: How to rent a moving truck

DIY moving pros and cons

Consider the following benefits and drawbacks of completing a move yourself — are the cost savings worth it?

Pros

On the positive side, DIY moving can lead to significant savings because it eliminates the costs associated with professional moving services. It also offers you complete control and flexibility over the moving process, letting you plan according to your own schedule and preferences.

Handling the move yourself ultimately ensures personal oversight of your belongings — this way, you can keep track of your belongings and their safety in transit.

Cons

DIY moving also has its drawbacks. It can be physically demanding, especially when dealing with larger or heavier items, potentially leading to exhaustion, injuries, or damages.

The process is also time-consuming, requiring a considerable investment of time and effort in packing, loading, driving, and unloading. Also, without professional expertise, you may face challenges in efficiently utilizing space, properly packing fragile items or handling logistical issues.

» MORE: Moving tips

DIY moving costs

You’ll likely save a significant amount of money by doing all the work yourself, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be cheap. Don’t forget to consider the various associated costs.

Hiring movers

Professional moving companies can pack your boxes, move items from point A to point B and unpack your belongings at your new house — but you can save on costs by packing yourself.

Pros and cons of hiring movers

This option can get expensive, but it involves the least amount of stress and work for you. Still, even if you can afford it, it’s important to consider all the pros and cons to determine if it’s worth it.

Pros

On the upside, hiring movers means you get their experience and expertise. Trained professionals can efficiently manage all aspects of the move, adeptly navigating any challenges that may arise — one satisfied reviewer from Georgia said about their experience with movers, “Everything was packed very professionally, nice and neat. My wife and I were both impressed by the quality of the move.”

Another advantage is the time and energy saved. By delegating the tasks of packing, loading, transporting and unloading to professionals, you can focus your attention on other important aspects of your move. Reputable moving companies also offer insurance coverage, which can give you peace of mind knowing your belongings are protected.

Cons

There are also potential downsides to hiring professional movers. The cost can be significant, especially if you’re moving far away or add on services like packing.

Hiring movers can also give you less control over the moving process than you’d get with a DIY move; the timeline depends on the movers' schedules and methods. And, while movers handle the logistics for you, you might have concerns about the privacy, safety and handling of your belongings while you're not present.

Cost of hiring movers

Moving companies' services may not be as expensive as you think, and it’s worth getting an estimate for large or long-distance moves (small-scale moves might cost a few hundred dollars, while cross-country moves may cost several thousand).

When you’re considering costs, make sure to factor in the following expenses:

• Basic charges: Moving companies typically charge based on the weight of your belongings and the distance of the move. For local moves, they may charge an hourly rate.
• Insurance: Although movers provide some liability coverage, it may not fully cover the cost of replacing damaged or lost items.
• Gratuity: It’s customary to tip the movers as a token of appreciation for their hard work and professionalism.
• Miscellaneous charges: Keep an eye out for any additional charges that may apply, such as fees for using a smaller truck if accessibility is an issue in your neighborhood.

» MORE: How much to tip movers

Moving containers

When you use moving containers, like PODS or U-Haul’s U-Boxes, you’ll pack your items into a portable storage container and then either haul it yourself using a trailer or have the shipping company move it.

You can hire independent moving helpers to help you pack, load the moving containers and transport them to and from the container provider. This option gives you a lot of flexibility in deciding which services you want.

Pros and cons of using moving containers

If hiring movers seems too expensive and you don’t want to drive your belongings yourself, a moving container could be a good way to meet in the middle in terms of cost and effort.

Moving container pros

Moving containers can be more cost-effective than full-service movers, since you have more control over the packing and loading process. You also have the flexibility to pack and unpack at your convenience, allowing you to set your own timeline for the move.

Many moving container companies also offer storage options, providing a safe place to store your belongings if you require temporary storage before or after the move.

Moving container cons

Using moving containers means having them occupy space on your driveway or designated area, which can be an issue if you have limited space available.

Since the containers are placed on your property, you’re responsible for any potential vandalism or damage that may occur. Loading and unloading the containers can be physically demanding, requiring effort and coordination on your part.

Costs associated with moving containers

Using a portable storage unit gives you some of the perks of hiring a moving company. The cost is often comparable to hiring movers, but make sure to consider these costs when comparing prices and making your budget.

How to choose between a DIY move and hiring movers

When it comes to deciding whether to move yourself, hire professional movers or pay for moving containers, there are several important factors to consider, including your budget, the type of move and how much help you can get from friends and family. Taking the time to evaluate these factors will help you make an informed decision aligning with your specific needs.

Budget

Assess your budget and determine how much you’re willing to spend on your move. Consider the costs associated with each option, including truck rental, professional movers' fees and moving container expenses in your area.

» MORE: How to make a moving budget

Time and energy

Evaluate your available time and energy. Moving yourself requires a significant investment of time and physical effort. If you have a busy schedule or limited physical capabilities, hiring professionals or using moving containers might be more suitable.

Distance and logistics

Consider the distance of your move and the logistical challenges it presents. Long-distance moves or moves involving delicate or bulky items may require the expertise and specialized equipment only professional movers can provide.

Level of control

Determine how much control you want to have over the moving process. If you prefer to oversee every aspect and have the flexibility to plan according to your schedule, moving yourself or using moving containers might be preferable. However, if you'd rather delegate tasks and rely on professionals to handle the logistics, hiring movers can provide peace of mind.

Complexity of the move

Assess the complexity of your move. Do you have valuable or fragile items that require special care? Are there any unique challenges, such as navigating narrow staircases or dealing with limited parking space? Professional movers can not only move these items — they can also pack and unpack them if you have the budget for it.

Support system

Consider how much support from friends and family you can count on. If you have a network of reliable individuals who are willing to assist you in packing, loading and unloading, moving yourself is a more viable option. However, if you lack a support system, hiring professionals or using moving containers can provide the necessary help.

Risk tolerance

Evaluate your tolerance for risk. Moving yourself may save money, but it comes with potential risks of physical strain, injuries and damage to your belongings. If you prefer a more secure and insured option, hiring professional movers or using reputable moving containers can provide the necessary protection.