For many individuals, relocating to a new home can be one of the most thrilling phases in life; however, it often engenders stress and costs a lot of money. According to Safe Ship Moving Services, many people go for DIY moving, considering that it would be easier on their wallets than hiring professional movers.
In reality, however, although the upfront costs in DIY may seem to be lower, a whole host of hidden costs pop up surprisingly that quickly accumulate. On the contrary, hiring a professional mover may turn out to be more economical and could even help save more money in the long run. Wondering why? Well, keep reading about why individuals prefer working with professional movers.
- Rental Truck and Cost of Equipment
Initially, it may appear that renting a truck for moving can cost significantly less compared to hiring a moving company. However, they often fail to factor in the cost of the different fees associated with truck rentals, which may include mileage fees, insurance, fuel, etc. which finally turns out to be an unexpected figure.
Similarly, the cost of renting the equipment needed for loading things on a truck such as dollies, loading ramps, furniture pads, etc. should be accounted for. In addition, depending on the size of the move, it may require more than one trip, which increases the fuel and time costs. When these are all added up and compared, the professional fee versus DIY moving cost may seem to be marginally more than originally anticipated.
- Time Is Money
DIY moving often takes considerably longer time than working with professionals. Considering the magnitude of jobs of packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking involved in a self-move could take several days, or even weeks, to finish. For those who must take time off from work, this can mean lost pay or taken vacation days.
Equipped with skilled manpower, long experience, and equipment, professional movers take considerably a short period (depending on the distance, and formalities on the road) to complete the job. This time saving eventually can be particularly priceless for people with busy timetables or far-away relocation.
- Risk of Damage and Injury
Perhaps the most underappreciated part of DIY moving is the potential damage to property, belonging, and personal harm. Without training, it’s easy to drop, break, damage, or otherwise destroy heavy and fragile items like furniture, and electronics apart from floors, and walls. Moreover, trying to lift big boxes and large pieces of furniture without proper training can cause strain on the back, falls, or other harm. Professional movers like Safe Ship Moving Services are taught how to move items safely and are insured against damages—something that most DIY enthusiasts’ lack. This alone can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unforeseen expenses.
- Hidden Stress and Logistical Challenges
Organizing a DIY move entails more than picking up boxes. From arranging parking permits and route planning to coping with unforeseen weather or equipment breakdowns, a self-move entails a lot of logistical issues. The psychological and emotional strain of these can be immense, particularly for families or those moving on tight timetables. Professional movers take much of this responsibility off their customers’ shoulders by taking care of the logistics, minimizing stress, and facilitating a smoother transition.
Although the DIY moving method might seem to be the most cost-saving at first glance, the additional costs, time, and risk involved can become more than the seeming savings. For individuals who want to save themselves from surprise issues and conserve their time and energy, using professionals might turn out to be the most economical and sensible option eventually.