Do It Yourself?

If you’re getting ready to relocate, you have three options for moving your possessions: do it yourself, use a self-service moving company, or hire professional movers. The factors that will weigh into your decision include cost, time and distance. For some of you, the decision may be an easy one, but if you’re reading this article, you probably haven’t decided which way to go. Here is a breakdown of some of the pros and cons for each type of move.

Do-It-Yourself

You can move yourself by either recruiting friends’ vehicles and friends’ muscles, or you can rent a truck and hire day laborers to help you with manpower. Just remember that you are responsible for delegating all the heavy lifting and you will be coordinating everything yourself. And costs add up if you’re traveling a long distance: gas, tolls, overnight lodging, etc. For a tiny, one-bedroom apartment move across town, this is probably the best way to go. For a 4-story house move across the country, you may want to do a serious cost analysis.

• PRO: The least expensive option – depending on the distance of your move you will pay hundreds, possibly even thousands, of dollars less if you move yourself than if you use either a self-service company or professional movers.
  
  
• CON: Takes more time. Possibly several days (or weeks?) longer, depending on how many people you have to help you with packing, and on moving day.
  
  
• CON: More stressful. You are in charge of coordinating and delegating for the whole mission. You are also fully responsible for your belongings, unless you’ve acquired some outside insurance for your relocation.
  
  
• CON: No insurance. Rental truck companies may provide very basic coverage, but if you want to be confident, you may need to get outside insurance.
  
  

Self-Service Moving Companies

Self-service moving companies represent a growing trend in relocating possibilities. For this type of move, the company delivers a large crate to your house. You are responsible for loading and unloading the crate while the company makes sure the crate is transported from your old home to your new home.

• PRO: Less expensive than professional movers. You will save some money if you choose this option over professional movers. In some cases, this option may also be more cost effective than moving yourself – you don’t have to pay gas or tolls.
• PRO: Moderate insurance. Though the coverage may not be as extensive as with professional movers, it is a lot more than you would get with a rental truck.
• PRO: Less stress. You won’t have to worry about getting your stuff from point A to point B. Once the truck is loaded, you are only responsible for moving yourself, your family, your pet(s) and any valuables you’ve decided to keep with you.



• CON: More expensive than do-it-yourself (usually). Although, if moving a long distance, you may actually save money with the self-service movers – you don’t have to pay gas or tolls.
• CON: Manual labor. You are still responsible for all the grunt work (packing, loading and unloading), so plan on recruiting some friends.
• CON: Less insurance. Self-service movers don’t usually offer insurance that is as comprehensive as moving companies.
  
  

Professional Moving Companies

This is the option you choose if you want it all done for you. The cost can be prohibitive for some, but the expense can be worth skipping the hassle of the other two options.

• PRO: Very little stress or manual labor. Most moving companies do the packing for you, then load and unload the truck. Your responsibilities are limited to getting yourself there.
• PRO: Comprehensive insurance. You can opt for insurance coverage that will protect the worth or all your belongings.



• CON: Expensive. The cost of professionals can be prohibitive for those on a tight budget.