When making a cross-country move or just moving over a city or neighborhood, you’re going through one of life’s most stressful times.
Packing before you can actually move is part of the dreaded ‘To-Do List.’ Hiring packers or doing it yourself is the question? When it comes to getting your home packed, there are pros and cons to taking the D.I.Y path.
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Should You Pack or Hire the Pros?
This decision should not be taken lightly, be sure to weigh the various options to make an educated decision.
Save Money
The average cost of a move is not inexpensive. Long-distance moving is costly. Doing your own packing means you can save money you would otherwise spend on professional packers and supplies.
It Will Take Time
You’re probably not considering just how many things you have. Do you have a storage unit to consider? An Attic? The garage? If you decide to hire packers, they show up and pack quickly and efficiently. Getting packed to a move could take you days, but experienced moving companies can get it done so that your valuables are safely packed and protected from damage.
Organization
Rely on movers to fill all of your moving boxes properly and pack according to your specifications. At your new destination, because packers labeled your boxes, the movers will know where each box goes, and you’ll spend less time finding, sorting and placing everything you want in the right location when you arrive at your new home.
Supplies
If DIY packing appeals to you because you think you’ll save money on packing supplies, you might reconsider. Professional packers show up with the supplies. You only get charged for what is actually used, and items are packed in the proper type of box. Handling it yourself, you could wind up purchasing too few supplies, meaning you have to find more. You might also odd-sized boxes that don’t really fit what you need to pack. Professionals use materials that can withstand the moving process, including special dish packs and wardrobe boxes.
Liability on You
If you pack your own things trying to counteract the cost of moving, any liability on the movers you use is void. Moving cross country, or even through a big city, can be a bumpy ride for your things. Long-distance movers cannot be held liable for damage to anything that was self-packed because they don’t know what condition it was in before packing occurred. They’ll get the items from point A to point B but can’t guarantee the boxes’ condition. Professional packers give you peace of mind. Using cheap or previously used boxes from grocery stores might mean they collapse, crack or tear under pressure, no matter how well you packed them.
Packing Things Properly
Is the guy you only see at the gym the right person to be handling the dishes you got from your grandmother? Does anyone in your crew know how to disassemble furniture? Professional packers don’t just show up and stuff boxes. They will identify what items need special packaging, and they know how to do it right.
Enlisting Friends to Help
Packing your home to move is a huge undertaking. Friends, family and co-workers can help tackle the chore and get the moving boxes packed. Some will do it out of loyalty, some want to spend a little more time with you before you go, and if you are moving across the country, you could welcome the time to visit.
Pace Yourself
Packing for a move on your own means you get to decide what goes in each box. You also get to decide what rooms you start with. You can take down your home one closet and drawer at a time. With all the hectic things happening throughout the process, having packing move slower can be relaxing.
Make a Smart Decision
After reading all this, you might see the benefit of having professionals pack all your treasures. Compared to the cost of a move, it really is smart, especially if you shop around for moving companies weeks in advance. If you’re grappling with the cost of moving cross-country, then be sure to book a reputable mover. Long-distance moving costs more, but that makes it all the more important that you have your possessions packed safely, securely and appropriately. The time you save can be used towards handling the million other details, and there’s no substitute for the sheer stress you’ll save.
