If you decide to go DIY with your move, the first choice is often to rent your own moving truck. While this may save you cash, you also must take on the task of planning the move, doing the heavy lifting and handling any surprise that may pop up during your move.
Many people take on their own moves and renting their own truck. It’s not a bad option, especially if you are on a tight budget. For those who want to make a local move in South Florida, here are some thoughts on key issues you should think over before making a choice.
Planning Your Own Move
A move means simply getting your stuff from Point A to Point B. Safely, of course! It sounds simple but involves a lot of planning. The good thing about taking on your own move is that you have total control. But that also means having a solid plan.
For example, how will you pack the truck so everything arrives in one piece? What goes on first and what goes on last? What packing supplies do you need? Where will you buy fuel and how much will it cost?
Doing your move on your own schedule is a big pro for many. But it also means the responsibility of planning and seeing it through.
The Heavy Lifting
With a mover, this is not a concern. They come in, pack your stuff, load it on the truck and unload it at the other end. You just sit back and watch. For some, this is worth the cost of hiring movers all by itself.
If you do plan on doing your own move, you need to decide how to get bulky items through doorways, haul mattresses and chest of drawers down stairs, etc. Again, this is a task many gladly take on every day to save cash. But it’s smart to take the time and assess what you have and whether you can handle moving it yourself.
Handling Surprises
Every move comes with a surprise. A classic problem is a piece of furniture you thought would fit through a door but doesn’t. Other moving day mishaps include scratched floors, dropped items that break or finding that you rented a truck that is too small to handle all your stuff.
Another issue is finding friends and family who will show up to help. With the amount of heavy lifting involved, you don’t want to get stuck without the help you need. Make sure you’ve got everyone onboard for the big day (this usually involves bribery).
Movers can handle or avoid any mishaps. They also carry insurance for your items that protect you in case something goes wrong.
Cost of DIY Move
Costs can be saved if you do your own move. However, make sure to check out the costs for the rental truck size you need before making a choice. Also, consider any packing items you must buy. If you don’t have the people available to help with the move, you may look into hiring independent movers to help, according toConsumer Affairs. Gas costs also should get added to your moving budget.
The bottom line is that you must weigh the advantage of having someone do the hard work for your move against the cost it takes to hire them. Many will want to stick with a DIY approach. Others will find that paying professional movers is the one of the best uses of their money.
