Moving can be exciting but it’s also usually stressful—there’s a lot to get done and you don’t always have a ton of time. Even starting a few months before your moving date can still leave you scrambling to get everything accomplished.
You may be able to simplify your move by working with a qualified furniture shipping company, since they handle the big stuff so you can concentrate on finalizing things like a change of address. However, furniture shipping companies can come at a cost which can leave you wondering if you can handle a DIY move.
What is a DIY Move?
A do-it-yourself (DIY) move is just what the name implies—you’re tackling every aspect of the move yourself. This means packing up your belongings, including your furniture, and transporting it to your new address.
Sometimes, it can make sense to handle a move without hiring professionals. For example, if you’re only moving a few miles away. If you only have a few possessions, a DIY move can be an effective way of saving money.
Another reason to consider a DIY job is if you’re working with a tight budget. Professional furniture shipping companies can be expensive even if your move is keeping you in the same city.
What is a Professional Furniture Shipping Company?
Most moving companies handle large items like furniture. You can also choose to go with an outfit that only handles furniture but this is going to be expensive. A moving service can handle everything from packing and unpacking your belongings to freight transport with any requirements to your new address.
Professional movers also have the expertise necessary for handling fragile items like antiques and large pieces of furniture.
If your move is taking you to another city, state, or even country, a professional furniture shipping company is usually the best option. Trying to get your belongings across the country without help can be a nightmare.
Professional Movers vs. a DIY Job
So, should you handle your move or let the professionals handle the job? Both options have advantages and some downsides. Knowing what they are can make it easier to make the best decision.
Your Costs
A primary concern for a lot of people getting ready to move is cost. You probably have a budget and want to stick to it as closely as possible.
You may need to factor in truck rental fees. If you can rope some friends or family members into letting you pack their vehicles full of your stuff, you may be able to skip this expense. You’re also going to need packing materials.
You can get some for free like boxes from retailers like grocery stores, but you will probably need to purchase packing tape. You’re also going to need protective packaging like newsprint and bubble wrap. While packing supplies are relatively inexpensive, the costs can add up.
Professional movers typically charge either hourly or flat rates. You should also expect to pay extra if the movers are responsible for packing up your stuff. Moving insurance can be another expense. However, it’s up to you if you want to insure your belongings during the move.
Safety
Since your move includes furniture, safety should be a concern. Even a relatively light kitchen table can be awkward to lift. If you’re trying to move your stuff up and down flights of stairs, injuries are possible. Safety is even a concern if you’re using a freight elevator. You and anyone else helping with the move may end up with strained back muscles or worse.
Another safety concern is driving a rented moving truck. If you’re only familiar with driving passenger cars, handling a large truck can be overwhelming. Your blind spots are larger and trying to back into a parking spot can seem almost impossible if you don’t have experience. If you accidentally ding another motorist’s vehicle, you’re looking at property damage costs.
Professional movers are trained to safely move large, heavy items. They also have equipment that can help the job go a little faster and easier. Sometimes, the safety aspect is enough to help you decide if you really want to try and tackle the move on your own.
Environmental Concerns
Did you know your move can negatively impact the environment? If you’re like millions of others, you take care to reduce your carbon footprint. You want your move to be eco-friendly, and this isn’t always easy.
Your DIY move may be saving you some money but it may also be contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. If you’re making multiple trips from your old address to your new one, the extra fuel consumption is increasing your carbon footprint.
Your packing materials may also be causing environmental concerns. Single-use plastics like bubble wrap aren’t recyclable.
You can reduce some of your waste by picking up old boxes at grocery stores. Newsprint is recyclable and works great as packing material. You can take your sustainability efforts a little further by using old bedding as packing material. Even old towels can be used to wrap and protect fragile items.
If the environment is your primary concern, you may want to go with a professional moving company. Not only will they plan an efficient route, but they only need to make a single trip. Most shipping companies are also switching to reusable packing materials to help limit waste.
Your Level of Stress
Moving is stressful regardless of how early you start. With a DIY move, you’re responsible for handling every detail.
Don’t be surprised if something falls through the cracks. Maybe you forgot to change your address or have the power turned on. Moving can also take an emotional toll. Even if you’re staying in the same city, you’re still saying goodbye to friends and neighbors.
Working with professional movers can help reduce most of the stress and even give you some peace of mind.
Sometimes it Pays to Use a Professional Furniture Shipping Company
While hiring professional movers does come with a cost, it’s often well worth the expense that comes with it. Choosing movers can help you to relax a bit, knowing that experienced professionals are taking care of all the details.
The peace of mind that they provide can make the moving shipping process much less stressful, letting you focus on settling into your new home.
