It’s the age-old question: to pack your house up yourself or pay a removals company to do it for you?
Should you DIY or hire removalists when moving house?
There isn’t one perfect answer for everyone. But when it comes to doing it yourself or hiring a removalist, think it through well before you move home.
So, what are the pros and cons of DIY moving house versus using a removalist? There isn’t one perfect answer for everyone, but here are a few considerations to help find the right option for you – before you start packing.
Who does it better?
Have a think about how your furniture and boxes are going to get from your previous residence to your new home. Which option will have it done within your time constraints? Who do you have around who can help you? Which way will do the least amount of damage to your things?
Of course, a removal company only does it well if they’re a good removalist. To find a reliable one, ask your social networks for recommendations. Your friends and family are no doubt willing to unpack their past experiences for you, good and bad.
Weighing up the costs
It’s easy to think of removalists as the most expensive option. However, it’s worth investigating the real costs for yourself. After all, the amount your friends paid might be different. That’s because prices vary based on the distance you’re moving and how much furniture you have.
The best way to contact removalists for quotes is to narrow your options down to two or three. Have your dates ready, plus a sense of how much you need to move. From there, you can get a more accurate quote, based on your specific circumstances.
Ask each removalist what’s included in those quotes. Do they provide boxes? Do they pack your things or are you expected to do that? How much will they charge if your settlement time is delayed? Do they have options for you to do part of the work yourself, or do they cover every step of the move?
Compare your quotes with the costs of moving yourself. Those costs include renting a truck, paying people to help you, boxes and tape, and your time might also be a factor you’d like to include in your cost comparison.
Stress and other considerations
There are also hidden costs with moving, like the stress of taking it all on by yourself compared with any stress you might experience in using a removalist. If you’re packing boxes yourself, for example, packing slowly over a longer period can reduce your stress.
Asking friends for help can help ease the pressure and make moving day a little more light-hearted.
And don’t forget about how you might move with pets, ensuring only the best for your four-legged family members as you prepare for the big move.
Whichever option you choose, make sure you have your bed earmarked as a priority to be set up for your first night in your new home!
AGL's Moving House checklist
Our Moving House checklist has everything you need to remember when planning the big move.
