Should I Hire Movers?

Moving, in any capacity, takes time, planning and money – which can be stressful. A large part of planning a move is deciding whether to hire professional movers or attempt to move in a do-it-yourself (DIY) fashion.

Every relocation is different, as each individual and family has unique needs to factor in when making the most sensible choice.

In this article, we will outline what you should consider when deciding whether to hire movers, as well as common questions about hiring moving companies.

Factors To Consider When Hiring Professional Movers

Examining Your Budget

Budget is one of the biggest factors when evaluating the best plan of action for your move. There are costs associated with both DIY moves and professional moves, but professional moves typically cost more.

Professional movers estimate the price of your move based on the weight of your household goods and the distance you’re moving.

That price also increases with add-ons such as packing services, custom crating and automobile transportation. At the end of the day, you’re paying for the convenience of not having to pack and move yourself.

With a DIY move, you will be responsible for purchasing moving boxes and packing materials, as well as renting a moving truck(s) and paying for associated costs like gas, insurance and dollies/pads.

Though not as convenient as hiring professional movers, DIY tends to be the more frugal option, adding up to a lower total cost.

Evaluating Your Timeline

Your timeline is also important to consider when planning a move. Depending on your reason for moving, your timeline may be aggressive or out of your control.

If you are under a time constraint, it may be helpful to hire professional movers, as they can take on every aspect of your move and usually work within your timeframe.

Keep in mind, summer months (May – September) are considered peak season and may be busier than usual, so plan ahead.

Evaluate Your Help And Physical Capacity

One of the biggest drawbacks of DIY moving, in addition to the time it takes to pack, is the physical demands of packing and moving boxes and furniture onto a truck.

If you have lots of strong help and the physical capacity to lift heavy objects and boxes, DIY could be a good option for you. However, if you lack either of these, hiring movers may be the best route.

Professional movers can take care of packing and loading your goods, as well as unloading and unpacking at your new home.

Evaluating Your Space

Are you moving the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or a four-bedroom home? The amount of household goods you have may greatly influence your need to hire a mover.

We suggest, if you’re moving from a space larger than 1,500 square feet, hiring a professional moving company may be the better option.

DIY moves can be limited by lack of truck space and professional movers can efficiently pack and haul a greater capacity of goods.

Evaluating Your Distance

DIY moves may be practical for short-distance local moves, since you can make more than one trip in the moving truck.

However, if you’re moving long-distance and attempting a DIY move, it may be more difficult to get a truck that fits everything you need to move in one trip and to safely secure your goods for the long haul.

It’s not feasible to make numerous hundred-mile trips; so, it may be better to let professionals handle your move.

Many professional movers specialize in cross-country moves and are experts at keeping your goods safe and secure during those long trips.

Common Questions About Hiring Movers

Are Professional Movers Worth It?

The decision to hire professional movers is entirely dependent on your situation. Some find that taking on a DIY move better fits their budget and timeline.

Others don’t have the time or capacity to manage a move on their own – so hiring movers makes sense for them.

How Far In Advance Should I Hire Movers or Get A Quote?

This depends on when you’re looking to move. It’s never too early to start planning or researching costs. When you get a cost estimate, you typically have a short time period (usually 30 days) to book and lock in your price, before your estimate expires.

If you don’t book before the estimate expires, you’ll need to redo the estimate when you’re ready to schedule your move.

Don’t worry, your price likely won’t change a lot unless you’ve acquired or gotten rid of belongings since your previous estimate.

What Will Movers Not Take?

Movers will not take hazardous or perishable items, or live animals. For a complete list of items not to pack, click here.

What Do I Look For In Choosing A Moving Company?

Not all moving companies are created equal and, unfortunately, rogue moving companies exist. Being educated on what to look for when hiring a quality moving company will help ensure your success when evaluating potential professional movers.

Be sure to ask for recommendations, be diligent about your research, get a free in-home or virtual estimate, verify the company’s credentials and pay attention to how the company conducts payments.

What Is “White Glove” Service?

When you book with a professional moving company like Daryl Flood Relocation & Logistics, you receive what is called “white glove” service.

Though our teams may not literally wear white gloves, the term refers to our premium level of service, marked with impeccable attention to detail and expert handling.