Full-Service Moves vs DIY Moving: Making the Right Choice

If you’re getting ready to move to a new home, a major decision you’ll have to make is hiring a professional cross-country mover or doing it all on your own. Maybe you’re relying on friends to pitch in and help you pack and load the truck. Before you make the final decision, consider every aspect of full-service moves vs DIY.

Understanding Full-Service Moves

A full-service move is one where professional movers load the truck with all your belongings and transport them to your new residence, where they unload the truck. They can also help with packing and unpacking if you choose the added service. When you hire a moving company, you can find out what is included with their moving services.

Hiring a moving company has several benefits. You should consider these carefully to help you decide if this option is right for you:

• Save you time and effort while providing well-trained and experienced crew members to ensure the best protection for your personal items. 
• Allows you to avoid unexpected problems like damaged goods from lack of packing skills and truck or car accidents.
• Avoid the personal injuries and back strains that come with intensive moves. 
• Handle possessions with quality and care.
• Utilize the latest technology and industry advancements when packing materials and implementing a full-service inventory process. 

Most importantly, you will have a hassle-free move and peace of mind. No need to bribe friends and family with pizza or worry that you’re going to damage your breakables in moving. Moving is a stressful process that isn’t meant to be done alone. Increase your chances of a smooth move by hiring a full-service mover.

Exploring the DIY Moving Option

If you hope to save money, you may consider doing it yourself, especially if you like to be in control and handle everything on your own. Some reasons you may prefer the idea of DIY moving include saving money, having more control over the move, and keeping track of your belongings.

Another consideration of do-it-yourself moving is that you must transport your belongings in a large truck, which you may not be used to driving and the physical work of loading heavy items and unloading them at your new home.

While cost is one factor, other challenges should be considered with a DIY move.

• Personal injury or accident where you would need to assume all liability.
• Safety risks of a breakdown on your journey. You may have to reload onto a new truck 
• Personal costs for lodging, meals, and tolls on the road.
• Transit protection - Do you have insurance coverage to protect your belongings should something happen on the road? 
• Weigh stations - Do you know the rules for weigh stations for each state you’ll be driving through? - Failing to stop at a weigh station is illegal in some states.

Think through each of these issues to decide if you want to take on the responsibility of DIY moving or hiring a moving company.

Cost Analysis: Full-Service Moves vs DIY Moving

Between moving companies and rental truck services, there are many options to choose between when determining what’s best for your situation. It’s important to consider two main things before going into any more details: how much can you afford, and how much time and energy do you have to expend on the move?

From here, you’re in a mindset that will paint a clear picture of the option that works for you. For most individuals, the goal is to keep the move low in stress and under budget. What most don’t consider is that do-it-yourself service costs add up quickly. 

Between truck and equipment rental, boxes/tape/packing materials, fuel, your time and trouble, and accommodations for helpers, individuals wind up surprised when they find the DIY option costs almost as much as a full-service move.

A recent market survey asked DIY movers if they would do it on their own again – 4 out of 5 said No. They’re spending more time and energy to get the job done and experiencing unnecessary headaches and backaches along the way. 

Here is a sample price comparison from a move in April 2020:

If saving money is your primary reason for choosing the DIY option, you may want to reconsider the benefits of a full-service move.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

Think through the following questions before making your decision:

• What is my budget for the move?
• How much work can I physically do, i.e., lifting, carrying, and bending?
• Who will have time to help me with loading?
• Do I have anyone to help unload at my new home?
• How much time can I take off from work?
• Do I want to take on the risk and responsibility of driving the truck to the destination?

This will help you decide which option is best for your needs.

Tips for Making the Right Choice

One of the main tools to help you make the right choice is getting a quote from a household moving company. Allied Van Lines provides free quotes based on your needs. That way, you don’t have to guess or use generic numbers to estimate costs. If you provide the number of rooms and your destination address, you can get a personalized quote to help you prepare for hiring a moving company within your budget.

Ask what moving services are provided. Many moving companies provide moving supplies and packing assistance. This feature can help reduce the time it takes to prepare for your move. Find out if the company provides a moving consultant. This is a valuable service that can alleviate a lot of issues and help you move through the process quickly and smoothly. They often provide moving and packing tips and other tools that you wouldn’t know to access on your own.

Consider other obligations and commitments you have during the moving process. If you’re still working or have limited vacation time, you may find it difficult to get the packing done. If you’re relocating for a job, you may have orientation or other tasks to handle at your destination. It may benefit you to arrive early while your belongings are still in transit.

As you think about full-service moves vs DIY, consider all the elements of each option before making your decision. In most cases, you’ll discover that hiring an interstate moving company will be the most beneficial. 

Contact Allied Van Lines for a free quote and to learn more about how we can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m worried about strangers handling my belongings. Are full-service movers safe?

Professional movers are trained in handling furniture and other items. Allied teams have the experience and expertise to handle large and unusual items and ensure their safe delivery.

I have a lot of fragile items. Are full-service movers better equipped to handle them?

Full-service movers have been trained to work with fragile and delicate items. They can also help you pack these items properly to protect them in transit.

I like to be in control. Does a full-service move take away all decision-making?

A full-service move only takes on the tasks you allot to them. They handle the loading and unloading and choose the route to transport your belongings to the new location.

How physically demanding is a DIY move?

A DIY move can be demanding on your body, especially your back, neck, and legs, as you bend, lift, and carry heavy items. You can end up hurting yourself in the process.

What kind of vehicle will I need to rent for a DIY move?

The size of the vehicle will depend on how much stuff you have to move. Moving trucks are different lengths to accommodate fewer and more rooms. You’ll determine the size of the truck you need when you sign up for the rental.