When moving, there are some decisions that you have to make. First, you have to decide whether to move your furniture or move into an already furnished home. Afterward, you have to decide to either hire a company or move the furniture by yourself. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, and before choosing one, here are a few things to consider to choose the best option for you.
1. The Weight of Belongings
The choice between hiring and DIY mostly depends on the amount of stuff you wish to move. If you are moving with essentials such as clothes, shoes, books, pictures, and a few more personal items, it is easy to drive yourself to your new home. However, if you plan to move with heavy items such as furniture and home appliances, hiring a moving company is perfect because the items are not only heavy but also bulky. The movers are efficient and pack all your things safely.
2. The Distance and Price Difference
If you happen to be moving to a new apartment in the same block, or one across the street, you could easily move alone or get a couple of friends to help you out. However, greater distance to different towns, states or even countries requires the professional assistance of a moving company.
You should also consider the cost of moving. You could easily rent a truck and move, or you could hire a moving company that will take care of packaging, loading, transportation, and unloading of all your items. Have a budget in mind, and look at the most affordable option for you.
3. The Difficulty of the Move
Valuable items, fragile antiques, and appliances are better handled by professionals who have enough manpower to carry and package the items for safe transportation. A moving company will help you reduce the risk of breaking your stuff, and incurring more costs in the long run. You also have the power to give instructions on the safe handling of items that are valuable and fragile to you.
4. Time Considerations
Packing, loading, driving, unloading, and unpacking are time-consuming processes and take even longer when done alone. When you hire a moving company, the process takes less time because more hands are at work, and the workers are experienced professionals. If you are willing to spend more time moving, then DIY would be a good choice. However, if you are busy, and can barely make enough time to deal with packing, hiring a moving company will save you unnecessary stress.
5. Safe Driving
While it is easy to rent a truck and drive yourself to your new home, it is important to remember that driving heavy vehicles requires skill and experience. Heavy trucks can easily veer off the road and require careful steering, that is easily provided when you hire a moving company. However, if you are driving your car or a pickup, it is easy to move.
The costs, distances, amount of luggage, the time consumed and driving experience are all important factors to be considered before moving. If you choose to hire a moving company, consult different companies to get the best services and prices. However, if you feel that doing it yourself is a better option, ensure that you pack well and drive safely.