How to Decide Whether to Hire Professional Movers or Do it On Your Own

When you start planning the stages of your move, you might begin to wonder whether you should do it yourself or hire professional movers. Your choice will depend on your personal preferences, as well as your available resources. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each stage of moving to help you decide which strategy to use.

Packing and Loading

Do It Yourself

Pros

When you pack your own belongings, you have the freedom to decide exactly where things should go. If you pack your personal possessions in an organized fashion, then you’ll have an easier time putting things away once you arrive in your new home.

Cons

Moving requires specialty supplies, including sturdy boxes, lots of tape, packing paper, furniture pads, and even a dolly for large items. When you plan your move on your own, you’ll need to arrange for those supplies yourself. If you’re short on time or organization is your weak spot, then hiring professional movers might be a better option for you.

 

Professional Movers

Pros

When you hire professional movers to pack your items, they’ll share strategies for organizing your belongings to maximize space in the truck and efficiency for unloading. You can also provide instructions for specific items and even pre-pack your valuables ahead of time. When you hire professional movers, you can choose whether they pack for you or just load-move-unload your things. Professional movers bring all the supplies and equipment they need, such as boxes, tape, packing supplies, a dolly, etc., which is convenient for you.

Cons

If you prefer to have total control over your packing and loading, or you are moving on a budget, then you might prefer to do it all yourself.

 

Moving Day

Do It Yourself

Pros

If you enjoy managing your own projects, can drive a large vehicle, and have family or friends to help you, then coordinating your own move day should be straightforward. Doing it yourself also means you’ll have free moving, unless you want to pay your friends to help.

Cons

There are several elements to coordinate on moving day. First, you’ll need a moving truck or multiple vehicles to help transport your furniture and boxes. You’ll also need to find any necessary moving day tools. A dolly and furniture pads can be purchased, rented, or borrowed. If you’re using a large moving van, someone will need to drive it to the new location, perhaps multiple times. If you’re short on time or dislike coordinating things, then you might consider hiring the experts.

 

Professional Movers

Pros

When you hire professional movers, they do all the heavy lifting, loading the truck, and driving to the location. You won’t have to navigate a large truck through busy city streets or over long distances. All you’ll need to do is unlock and lock the doors and drive yourself to your new location. If you’re uncomfortable driving a large vehicle, have limited help to physically move your belongings, or are short on time, then professional movers might be the better solution for you.

Cons

If you prefer to move at your own pace, have limited resources, or have a small amount of possessions to move, you might prefer to do it yourself.

 

Unloading Your Possessions

Do It Yourself

Pros

Once you’ve done your own packing, loaded up your boxes, and delivered your goods to your home, the unloading process is one of the more manageable steps. When you have extra help, unloading your belongings can be a smooth process. Pre-planning your move can also make setting up your home a breeze.

Cons

Once you are done, you’ll be responsible for returning any borrowed or rented material, as well as the truck, which can be an inconvenience.

 

Professional Movers

Pros

Professionals have more moving experience and use strategies to ensure everything is done quickly and efficiently. When the job is finished, they leave you to unpack and get settled in your new home without having to worry about returning materials or rental vehicles.

Cons

If you’ve packed your items but have not labelled them clearly for the movers, your belongings may not end up in the rooms you would like them.

 

Your Professional Edmonton Movers

If you want help packing, loading and unloading, and moving your belongings from one place to another, Eager Beaver Moving & Storage in Edmonton is here to help. We offer both residential moves and commercial moving services. Contact us today to see how we can help you move or fill out our form to get your free moving quote.