Just thinking about moving day can be enough to make your palms sweat, and put you into a state of anxiety. Whether you’re upgrading your home or downsizing it, packing up your life and hauling it somewhere new is rarely anyone’s idea of a good time. 

You’re probably struggling to decide whether you want to roll up your sleeves and tackle this monster yourself, or do you bite the bullet and let the professionals do the heavy lifting? There’s a lot to think about, and it’s not an easy call. By the time we’re done here, you’ll have a better idea of whether hiring movers is the right move for you.

Moving Yourself: Pros

Let’s start with the DIY approach. Moving yourself definitely has its upsides.

• It’s usually cheaper. You’re not paying for labor, just the cost of a rental truck and some packing supplies.
• You’re in complete control. Want to pack your prized action figure collection with extra bubble wrap? Go for it.
• You set the pace and make all the decisions. If you need to take a break, no one’s stopping you.
• There’s a sense of accomplishment that comes with moving yourself.
• You know exactly where everything is because you packed it yourself.
• It can be a good opportunity to declutter and organize your belongings.
• You can be more flexible with your moving timeline.

Moving Yourself: Cons

Now, let’s get into the downsides of moving yourself.

• It’s exhausting. Physically and mentally.
• You’ll be lifting, carrying, and stacking for hours on end.
• Navigating a rental truck through traffic can be stressful.
• It takes a lot longer than you might think. You could be looking at days or even weeks of disruption.
• There’s potential for disaster. Valuable items might get damaged if not packed properly.
• Risk of injury. One heavy lift and you could throw out your back.
• You need to source all your own packing materials and moving equipment.
• You’re responsible for any damages to the rental truck.
• It can be challenging to coordinate help from friends or family.

Hiring a Moving Company: Pros

Hiring a moving company definitely has a lot of pros. Here’s why hiring movers can make your life a whole lot easier:

• It’s fast. Professional movers can pack up and move a whole house in a fraction of the time it would take you.
• Movers are experts at what they do. They know how to pack fragile items and maneuver furniture.
• Your belongings are less likely to get damaged in the hands of professionals.
• You’re not the one lifting all those heavy boxes and furniture. Your back will thank you.
• Many moving companies offer insurance options for added peace of mind.
• They come with all the necessary equipment and packing materials.
• Movers can disassemble and reassemble furniture for you.
• It’s less stressful. You can focus on other aspects of your move.
• Professional movers can handle long-distance moves more efficiently.

Hiring a Moving Company: Cons

Like with most things, there are still some downsides to consider:

• Cost. Professional movers are significantly more expensive than doing it yourself.
• You lose some control over the moving process. They have their own methods and schedules.
• It can be nerve-wracking to watch strangers handle your belongings.
• There’s a small risk of items getting lost in the shuffle.
• You need to book in advance, especially during peak moving seasons.
• Some companies may have minimum charges or additional fees for certain services.
• You might feel pressured to tip, adding to the overall cost.
• If the movers are delayed, it could throw off your entire moving schedule.
• There’s potential for miscommunication about services or pricing.

Can I Hire Movers and Move Myself?

Here’s the thing – it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can actually combine both approaches for a best-of-both-worlds situation.

Many moving companies offer partial services. You could pack everything yourself and just hire residential movers for the heavy lifting on moving day, or you could have them pack and move everything, but you handle the unpacking. This way, you can save some money while still getting help with the toughest parts of the move.

Should I Hire Movers? Things to Consider

Alright, so how do you actually make this decision? Here are some important things to think about before you decide if you should hire a moving company:

Time It Takes

Think about how much time you have for this move. If you’re in a hurry to get out of your old place or into your new one, professional movers might be the way to go. They can often get the job done in a day, while a DIY move could take several days or even weeks.

But if you have the luxury of time and don’t mind spreading the move out over a longer period, doing it yourself could work. Just be prepared for your life to be in boxes for a while.

Cost to Hire Movers

The cost of hiring movers can vary widely depending on factors like the size of your home, the distance of your move, and the services you need.

For a local move, you might be looking at anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for professional 

movers. Long-distance moves can cost several thousand dollars.

On the other hand, renting a truck and moving yourself might only cost a few hundred dollars. But remember to factor in hidden costs like packing supplies, gas, and potential time off work.

Distance of Your Move

The distance of your move matters, because you could either be moving across town or across the country. For a local move, doing it yourself might be manageable. But for a long-distance move, professional movers start to look a lot more appealing.

Driving a big rental truck for hours (or days) isn’t most people’s idea of fun. Plus, with a long-distance move, you have to factor in costs like hotels and meals on the road.

Packing Supplies

Don’t underestimate the cost and hassle of packing supplies. Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper – it all adds up. Many moving companies include these supplies in their quote, which can be a nice perk.

If you’re moving yourself, you can try to scrounge up free boxes from local stores or online marketplaces. But be prepared to spend some time hunting them down.

Packing and Unpacking

Packing is probably the most time-consuming part of any move. If you hire full-service movers, they’ll handle all of this for you. They’ll show up with all the supplies and pack everything carefully and efficiently.

But here’s something cool: many movers can also disassemble and reassemble furniture for you so you don’t have to move it yourself. That means no struggling with allen wrenches or trying to remember how that bookshelf went together. They’ll take it apart at your old place and put it back together in your new home.

Your Health

Be honest with yourself: can you physically handle moving yourself? Moving involves a lot of heavy lifting, bending, and carrying. If you have any health issues or injuries, hiring movers might be the safer choice.

Even if you’re in great shape, moving is tough work. Think about whether you’re willing to put your body through that stress. Remember, a thrown-out back or pulled muscle could end up costing you more in medical bills than you would have spent on movers.

Moving Yourself Vs Hiring Movers: FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers?

It’s best to book movers as soon as you know your moving date. For summer moves (peak season), try to book at least 6-8 weeks in advance. For off-season moves, 4 weeks should be enough.

Do I need to be there when the movers arrive?

Yes, you or someone you trust should be present when the movers arrive and throughout the moving process. This allows you to answer any questions and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Should I tip movers?

Tipping isn’t required, but it’s a nice gesture if you’re happy with the service. A good rule of thumb is $4-5 per hour per mover for a typical move.

What items won’t movers transport?

Most moving companies have a list of items they won’t move for safety or legal reasons. This typically includes hazardous materials like paint, gasoline, and propane tanks. 

They also usually won’t transport perishable foods, plants, or pets. Valuable items like cash, jewelry, or important documents should be moved by you personally. Always ask your moving company for their specific list of non-allowable items.

Is it cheaper to move yourself or hire movers?

Generally, moving yourself is cheaper than hiring professional movers. Renting a truck and buying packing supplies usually costs less than paying for a full-service move. 

However, the true cost difference can vary based on factors like distance, the amount of stuff you’re moving, and how you value your time and effort. 

Don’t forget to factor in hidden costs of DIY moving like fuel, potential time off work, and the risk of injury or damage to your belongings. For some, the convenience and peace of mind of hiring movers outweigh the extra cost.

Final Thoughts 

If you’re still asking yourself “Should I hire movers?”, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your budget, timeline, physical abilities, and personal preferences.

If you have the time and energy, and you’re looking to save money, moving yourself can be a good option. Just be prepared for a lot of hard work and potential stress.

On the other hand, if you value convenience and efficiency, and you have room in your budget, hiring movers can make your life a lot easier. It’s especially worth considering for long-distance moves or if you have a lot of heavy furniture.

Whatever you choose, plan ahead, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Moving is a big job, but with the right approach, you can get through it and start enjoying your new home.

Check out the Agoyu moving app today to get started planning your move.