Should I Move Myself?

Moving on Monday

Moving is both stressful and expensive. Therefore, it's logical to want to save money wherever you can. Sometimes it's finding free boxes and packing materials. Sometimes it's using friends and family to store extra furniture for you. And sometimes you decide to save money on movers and move yourself.

There are advantages and disadvantages to this. First, let's look at why it's a good idea.
• You save money – on labor, insurance.
• You will be more careful with your items because they are yours.
• You work on your own timeline. Sometimes movers wait until they can fill a truck before they will complete a move. But when you move yourself, you fill your own truck or pod on your own schedule and move when you want.
• If your move is only a short distance, then it's probably worth it to move yourself. The cost of the labor in this case would be packing the truck.

Why shouldn't you move yourself?
• It is physically challenging, especially for the larger pieces of furniture. The older you get, the more difficult it would be for you to lift heavy items.
• You have to supply all the materials—boxes, padding, cushioning, tape, etc.
• You're not a professional mover. They know how to maximize space, and stack items accordingly.
• If your move is cross-country, then hire movers. That is, unless you are comfortable driving a large truck a long distance. Many aren't that adventurous.

Another alternative is a combination of the two. You pack a pod or storage cube, then schedule with the moving company to bring it to your new home and unpack it on your own. This saves money, but requires physical labor.

Only you can determine the best route for you to take. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each helps in making the decision.