When you are moving to a new place, there is always the question of whether to opt for a DIY packing solution or hire a professional packer and mover company. However, this question cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. One needs to look at and understand several factors that contribute to making this decision. This love will help you gain in-depth information about this imported topic related to moving, and by the end of this content piece, you should be in a good position to decide which of these two will suit you more. So let’s get started!
DIY Packing vs. Professional Packing Services:
When it comes to packing the goods, the two natural choices are to DIY (do it yourself) or hire a professional packers and movers company. Generally, people believe going with a DIY approach is cheaper and better when you want your packing to be of the highest quality and customized per your particular requirements. This is not entirely true. Yes, when you are not paying a professional company to pack your belongings, you buy the stuff on the market and complete the task on your own. This may seem like a perfect opportunity because you can save lots of money during relocation.
However, the truth of the matter is that every relocation is different, and one should consider all the factors before taking a call on whether the DIY option is better or whether going with a professional is a better option. For example, if you are moving to a location not far from a household or not carrying a large quantity or number of goods, it is better to go with a DIY approach. But on the other hand, if you have to move expensive goods and are leaving for a place that is situated in a faraway location, a professional company is always a good deal.
Learn more about the advantages and potential drawbacks of each method in our comprehensive guide on Open vs. Enclosed Car Transport to help you make an informed decision.
Factors to consider when choosing between DIY and professional packers
When you consider opting for DIY packing or hiring a personal mover company, you must consider several factors before making a final call on this important decision. Here are the factors you should consider when choosing either of these two:
1. How big is your move?
The first factor is to consider how many goods you have and what their nature is. For example, if you have regular goods that are small and easy to pack, you can consider a DIY option. However, on the other hand, if you have several expensive and fragile goods, opting for a professional moving company can be a good choice.
2. The cost of the packing supplies
The second factor you can consider is the price of the packing supplies. In most cases, you may require specialized packing supplies such as moving blankets, high-quality box tape, and other materials. You must decide if it is worth buying and packing on your own, or, for a little extra, you can hire a professional company to carry out the task for you on your behalf. Most companies use packing supplies that are reusable as well, so the actual price difference between DIY and hiring a professional becomes less.
3. Personal convenience and peace of mind
Just imagine yourself doing well on your own with the help of friends. Imagine how much focus and effort you can put into your packing. Analyse if it is worth it to spend all your effort and time on the packing itself by hiring a professional packing company, or if you would rather have Peace of Mind instead.
4. Factor of time
The packing of goods, especially for a big house, can prove to be a strenuous task. If you don’t have time on your side, it will be hard to pack the goods. You need enough time on your side to pack goods. Even for a small home, packing can take as much as 2 to 4 days; for bigger homes, household goods packing can take more than a week. Now say you have only 2 days to move. In this situation, you are not advised to carry out the packing on your own. Instead, going with professional packing and moving company is a better decision.
5. Compromising on insurance
When you carry out the packing on your own and are looking to move goods in your own vehicle or through a transporter, it is hard to get insurance since most companies consider the factors of packing. If they discover that you have completed the packing task, obtaining insurance for your goods will be difficult. And as stated, compromising on the safety of goods is the biggest concern when moving goods. If the goods are not packed professionally, you risk their safety.
For ideas on decluttering before your move, check out our guide on What To Do With The Old Furniture When Moving?
Arguments in favor of hiring professional packers and movers
1. Thorough Knowledge
In theory, packing seems like a piece of cake. Put the goods, after wrapping them, into a box and secure them with tape. Wrap the goods in packing paper and provide some cushioning; the packing is complete. However, in reality, it is a different ballgame altogether. Every good has its own requirements when it comes to packaging. Moreover, you need thorough knowledge, especially to assemble and disassemble furniture. The same is true for electronic and glass items. Therefore, it is better to pick the latter whenever you have to choose between DIY and hiring professionals for packing.
2. Availability of high-quality packing supplies
You can buy high-quality packing supplies when moving, but this may prove costly. Moreover, you may lack the knowledge to know which packing supplies are the best. However, since the professional movers carry out the task day in and day out, they have high-quality supplies like packing paper with extra cushion, packing blankets, bubble wrap, extra durable ropes, cardboard boxes with extra strength, and much more. As stated already, many of these supplies are reusable, so they are likely not to charge a lot for them. In practicality, it may prove cheaper than buying the goods.
3. Better use of space
When packing goods, you want to make the best use of the space. It is not just about saving space but also about the safety of your goods. For example, when you are packing glasses, you want to place them so they do not get crushed, so you might use a towel and place them inside bowl shape utensils. This way, you not only save space but also ensure the safety of your goods.
4. No manpower headache
By opting to do it yourself, you may need extra hands to help you with packing. Especially with heavy goods and furniture, you are likely to need help. It can prove to be a big obstacle, but if you rely on professional movers and packers, this issue won’t arise since they come to your place all prepared, and arranging manpower is their issue, not yours.
5. It’s time for you to focus on other stuff
With a professional moving and packing company, you will have loads of time to keep your focus on other important tasks. For example, you can plan out the tasks you want to carry out once you reach your destination to make moving less stressful for your family. Furthermore, it will be a more joyful event since you will have a load off your shoulders.
For additional tips on preparing for your move and ensuring everything goes smoothly, be sure to read our post on How Do You Prevent Accidents And Injuries When Moving?
Conclusion
The decision of whether to pack the goods on your own or hire a professional company is something that will cross your mind during relocation. It is clear that every moving event is different from the others, as are the associated demands of packing. Therefore, one must look at factors like the types of goods and their nature, like if they are fragile, heavy, or expensive. Moreover, factors like costs, time, and other related factors play a role. Hiring professionals is suggested in most situations since the pros outweigh the cons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Pay For Packing When You Move?
Hiring professional packing services can be a wise decision, particularly if you have valuable, fragile, or numerous items. Professionals have the knowledge and experience to handle a variety of goods and pack them securely for transportation.
What Are The Main Factors To Consider When Choosing Between DIY Packing And Hiring A Professional?
When deciding whether to hire professional movers, there are a few factors to consider, such as the size and nature of your move, the cost of packing materials, your convenience and time availability, and your personal preferences. If you have valuable or delicate items, lack time, or prefer peace of mind, hiring professionals to help you move may be worthwhile.
How Does Hiring Professional Packers And Movers Benefit You?
Hiring professionals provides several advantages, such as expert packing knowledge, access to high-quality packing supplies, optimized space utilization, no need to arrange extra labor and more time for other moving-related activities. Their experience and resources ensure a smoother and easier relocation process.
What Are The Main Drawbacks Of Hiring A Packing Service?
Here Are The Drawbacks:
- It can be expensive.
- You might not have as much control over the packing as you would if you were to pack your own belongings.
- Your belongings may sustain damage during packing and transportation if you are unprofessional.
- It is possible that you will not be able to retrieve your items as quickly as you would if you had packed them yourself.
- In rare cases, the less customization that occurs by hiring professional packers may result in a higher risk of damage to goods.
Is DIY Packing Always The Cheaper Option?
Not necessarily. While DIY packing might seem cost-effective at first glance, various factors need consideration, including the type of goods, distance of the move, and the cost of packing supplies.
How Does The Cost Of Packing Supplies Impact The Decision?
Specialized packing supplies can add up, and DIY packing might seem more affordable initially. However, professional movers often provide these supplies, which can be cost-effective in the long run.
Why Is Compromising On Insurance A Concern With DIY Packing?
Professional movers often provide insurance coverage for items they pack, ensuring their safety during transit. DIY packing might lead to insurance difficulties, potentially compromising the safety of your goods.
