Pros and Cons of DIY move vs. Hiring Move Management Company

During the process of moving, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of decisions you need to make. Which realtor is best to use, what new house is the best fit for you, what belongings do you take with you, and what to do with the items you don’t want to take with you? With so many decisions to make we thought it would be helpful and practical to lay out a pro/con list of a DIY move versus hiring a move management company.

Making this decision doesn’t come lightly and is usually coupled with several other steps. Making the choice how to move usually depends on your budget, physical ability, complexity of the move, and the proximity of your move. These are all helpful grids to think through while trying to find the best fit for you and your family.

Moving Yourself

Pros

You Have Control- The most popular reason to move yourself is you have total control over all aspects of your move. You can control how your belongings are packed, who moves them, and the timeline.

You’ll Save Money- If you are on a tight budget, then a DIY move may be your best bet. You can rent a U-Haul and ask your buddies to help you that day load and unload your moving truck.

Flexibility- You have the freedom to set the time, day, and pace of your move. There is flexibility in the process when you are orchestrating it.

Cons

Tough Work- The worst part about a DIY move is all the heavy lifting you will do that day. Even if your friends are up for putting in the muscle, they may not be experienced movers. Expect things to get broken or scratched in the process. The process could also take while, since you aren’t experienced professionals, it could definitely take the entire day.

Requires Planning- You will have to figure out logistics of transporting your belongings from your old house to your new house. You will also have to strategically load the moving truck to make sure everything is secure and fits inside.

Unexpected Problems- When something unexpected happens, like three of your friends don’t show up or your couch won’t fit through your front door, what will you do to solve the problem? You could be stuck with a problem you don’t know how to fix while you could be relaxing with your friends on your couch in your new house.

Hiring A Move Management Company

Pros

You Won’t Lift A Finger- This is the most popular reason to hire an experienced move management company. You can sit back and relax and leave the move to the professionals. You can rest assured your belongings will be safe since they are experienced, all the while not having to put yourself through all of the physical work.

Efficiency- Since you hired an experienced company, they will arrive on time with all of the necessary supplies, equipment, and know-how. The company should be dependable and will save you several hours in your moving process.

Less Stress- You won’t have to worry about the details of who will take care of your dog, watch your children or grandchildren, or drive a moving truck. The professionals will handle it with efficiency and care so you don’t have to think through those logistical details.

Cons

Less Flexibility- You will be limited in your control over the date you move, the time, how the movers pack and move your belongings and how quickly you receive your belongings. In some scenarios you could be waiting weeks for your belongings, depending on the moving company and if the move is across the country.

Cost- Moving expenses can add up quickly, especially when the average price of a local move ranges anywhere from $875 to $2,350. The total price also depends on the area, company, and amount of belongings. The cost to move out of state ranges from $2,200 to $5,700, depending on distance and weight of the moving truck.

It Can Be Impersonal- In most cases, you don’t personally know your movers. In this case, it can feel scary to hand over your most valued possessions to people you don’t personally know. That’s why it’s so important to do research on making sure you hire a reputable and reliable move management company to move you and your family.

In the end, whatever path you choose, reSettled Life is here to help you and your loved ones every step of the way.