Key Takeaways
- DIY moving can seem cheaper, but costs like truck hire, fuel, packing supplies, and potential damage often add up quickly.
- Hiring professional movers saves time and effort, as they handle heavy lifting, logistics, and transportation efficiently.
- DIY moves offer more control over timing and handling, but require significant physical effort and careful planning.
- Professional movers reduce the risk of injury and damage, thanks to their experience, equipment, and proper handling techniques.
- The best choice depends on your budget, timeline, and complexity of the move—larger or long-distance moves typically benefit from professional services.
Whether you are moving into your newly purchased house or a rental property there is one thing you must consider… are you going to do the moving or hire movers?
Since every move is completely unique, there is no right or wrong answer, it all depends on the variables of your move and what you value.
So, what are the pros and cons of moving yourself vs hiring movers?
The moving experts at Brisk have done the hard work and provided everything you need to make the right decision for your move.
Moving Yourself
PROS
1) Cheaper
Moving yourself typically costs less than hiring professional movers. If you know someone with a Ute or a truck and you have plenty of friends or family willing to lend a hand, you are sure to save a few bucks on a DIY move.
2) Flexible
When moving yourself you can operate on your own timeline and will not be locked into a particular day and time bracket. This means you can slowly move your items from one home to the next as and when you like.
3) Control
If you like organising everything yourself and being in complete control, then moving yourself might suit you.
CONS
1) Time Consuming
One of the biggest cons of moving yourself is the time it takes. Most people underestimate how many belongings they have and how long it will take to pack, move, and unpack. Without professional help or a tight deadline, your move time can blow out by weeks or even months.
2) Stressful
Organising a move is incredibly stressful, there are a lot of factors to consider and things to coordinate. If one aspect falls through, for example, one of your helpers comes down with a cold and cancels…you may be left to reorganise everything last minute!
Moving yourself often puts a lot of pressure on relationships and can lead to fights with your close friends and family.
3) Extra Costs Add Up
Make sure you consider the costs realistically and add them up before moving yourself.
If you do not already have the correct equipment you could waste a lot of time, effort, and stress for very minimal savings. Some major costs to consider are:
- Truck hire
- Equipment such as trolleys and packing blankets
- Fuel
- Time off work
- Babysitter/ pet sitter
- The risk of damage and injury can be extremely costly. Without proper training and equipment, you may find scratched walls, damaged furniture, broken belongings, and even personal injury – that’s is a lot of bills!
Hiring Removalists
PROS
1) Efficient
You will be shocked at how quickly moving professionals will have your items moved from one home to the next. With their training and experience, they can handle things like tight hallways and flights of stairs with ease.
Things that could cause you hours of frustration will be done in minutes. You can then use your time to pack and unpack… or even better, add on a pre-packing service and use your time to enjoy your new home and celebrate a new chapter.
2) No Heavy Lifting
Moving professionals are trained in lifting heaving items and have all the necessary equipment to do it safely. When hiring movers you can step back, put your feet up and let the professionals do the demanding work.
You won’t waste sweat and tears not to mention risk injury trying to move heavy furniture all day long.
3) Less Stressful
If you are hiring movers, you will receive a dedicated operations manager who will manage and coordinate all aspects of your move. All you have to do is call them to lock in a date and they will handle the rest!
Knowing when your move will start, and end makes planning easy, and you won’t have to depend on friends and family to help with the hard work and risk spreading relationships too thin.
4) Safer
Movers know how to pack trucks in a way that will minimise damage to your items. Plus, they are experienced in driving heavy machinery even down tight roads or with tricky access.
CONS
1) Expensive
Hiring a mover is more expensive than moving yourself as you are paying for a service from experienced professionals and the equipment that comes with it. However, if you want a quick, stress-free move it is well worth every dollar. If you are moving interstate, it is actually cheaper to hire movers. Get a quote for your move today.
2) Must Trust Others with your Belongings
You will have to trust the movers with your precious belongings which can be difficult. Make sure you check the reviews on product reviews to ensure you are choosing a respected, trustworthy company.
3) Less Control
You will be locked into the date and time that you choose. However, if you book your movers a few weeks in advance, you will have plenty of choices.
Ultimately do your own move versus hiring movers depends upon your specific circumstances and what you value most. Consider the pros and cons of both and decide what best suits you.
But if we could give one piece of advice on the topic… DON’T RISK IT – BRISK IT! ?
FAQs
Is it cheaper to move yourself or hire professional movers?
Moving yourself may seem cheaper at first, as you avoid paying for professional services. However, costs such as truck hire, fuel, packing materials, and potential damage can add up quickly. Hiring movers involves an upfront cost, but it often includes equipment, labour, and experience. This can reduce the risk of unexpected expenses. The better option depends on your budget, the size of your move, and how much time and effort you are willing to invest.
What are the advantages of hiring professional movers?
Professional movers bring experience, equipment, and a structured process to the move. They know how to pack and handle items safely, reducing the risk of damage. They also manage loading, transport, and unloading efficiently, which can save time. This allows you to focus on other aspects of the move. For larger or more complex relocations, professional movers can provide a more organised and reliable approach.
What are the downsides of moving yourself?
Moving yourself can involve significant physical effort and time. Without the right equipment or experience, there is a higher risk of damaging items or causing injury. Coordinating transport, packing, and logistics can also be challenging. While it may offer more control, it can become overwhelming, especially for larger moves. These factors can make the process more difficult than expected.
When is hiring movers the better option?
Hiring movers is often the better option for larger moves, long distances, or situations where time is limited. It is also beneficial if you have heavy, fragile, or valuable items that require careful handling. Professional support can reduce stress and ensure the move is completed efficiently. In these cases, the convenience and reliability of movers can outweigh the additional cost.
How do you decide between moving yourself and hiring movers?
The decision depends on factors such as budget, time, distance, and the volume of items. Consider how much effort you are willing to put in and whether you have the resources to manage the move yourself. Weighing the potential risks and benefits of each option helps you choose the approach that suits your situation.