Removal Companies Versus Do It Yourself Moves

To Hire Or Not To Hire?

Deciding whether or not to hire a removal firm is one of the biggest decisions to factor into your house move, and your decision will dramatically affect your budget and workload (not to mention your relationships!) It depends very much on your situation, abilities and how much you have available to spend. Bear in mind when your friends or neighbours tell you that self-moving is a simple way to save money that what others find easy may be your idea of a personal nightmare! On the other hand, if you have the time and capabilities to hire a van and do it yourself, you keep control of your possessions and the purse strings.

What Type Of Mover Are You?

Use the questions below to work out whether handling the move yourself is the right option for you. Be honest – there’s no point pretending you’re a self-move superman if you faint at the thought of carrying your wardrobe down a couple of flights of stairs!

• How accessible are the properties?

It is far easier to deal with a removal if the properties involved only have one or two floors, and do not have extremely tight staircases which require tricky manoeuvring procedures to get furniture up and down. A 15th storey apartment is a different proposition altogether!

• Can you cope with lifting and carrying?

Much as you may have a burning desire to take on your move, have a look at all the furniture and other possessions you own. Are you able to manage some of the physical work yourself?

• Who can help?

It’s amazing how willing people are to lend a hand when you really need it. Why not invite your family, friends and neighbours to a Leaving Party the week before you go to thank them in advance for their kind assistance! Give everyone a job to do, whether it’s helping you to shift furniture, preparing food and drinks, or entertaining the kids. If you have the manpower available, why pay more for a removal firm?

• How organised are you?

If you don’t have the time or patience to dismantle the flat-pack furniture and do the other 101 things which a removal firm can do quickly and efficiently, going with the professionals might be your best bet. You may feel more reassured knowing that they can handle situations

• How much can you spend?

Can you afford to pay a removal firm to do the job? You could put this money to good use when furnishing your new home if you hire a truck and do it yourself.

Pros & Cons

Removal Professionals

• Experienced in taking out & loading up bulky and heavy items


• Usually work much faster than you could if doing it yourself


• Insured for any damage to old or new property


• Allows you more time to organise paperwork / spend with family

• More expensive than a self move


• May rush if paid by the contract, or go slow if paid by the hour


• You have less control of your possessions

Self Moves

• Generally more cost effective and less hidden charges


• You are in control of your possessions and the timescale


• May prove to be a bonding experience with family, friends and neighbours (!)

• Generally more stressful


• You may end up compensating a landlord or new owner of your old house for damage caused when moving furniture

 

Overall, your decision whether to hire a removal company or try doing it yourself requires careful consideration of a variety of factors. Whatever you choose, make sure you plan ahead, enlist the help of those around you, and don’t leave packing until the last minute!