Many things can go wrong when packing your belongings to move homes. So it’s unsurprising that most people agree that moving out is the most stressful part.
Still, many people prefer to do it themselves rather than pay a bit of extra cash for a professional company to take this tedious task off their hands. So, should you do the same? Should you DIY the packing process or seek help from a professional removal company?
We’ve prepared a small handbook that may help you make a more informed decision and check whether you can do it all by yourself.
What does the moving process include
Before we dive into the topic of packing, let’s briefly touch on what a moving process typically includes. Moving involves more than just packing and transporting your belongings to a new location.
It often includes much more, like organising the entire effort, finding the time to arrange everything, displacing your kids or pets so they won’t be in your way and a tone of other small straws that will inevitably break the camel’s back.
And, in case you haven’t figured it out yet, you’re the camel. The entire moving process can overwhelm you, and packing your stuff is only the icing on the cake. So before you take upon this arduous task, ask yourself, are you ready for it?
What needs to be packed for the moving
When you’re relocating, you’ll need to consider everything from clothing and personal items to furniture and appliances. It’s essential to clearly understand what needs to be packed before you start the process.
To simplify the process, list all the items you need to pack and sort them into categories. That’s actually not something a professional packing company can decide for you, so regardless of which way you will go, you need to be ready with the tough question, what goes to your new home and what stays behind.
Discard anything you haven’t used in the past year and don’t plan to use it in the foreseeable future. This includes outdated clothes, forgotten souvenirs and presents and all sorts of junk that usually stays in boxes or scattered around in drawers.
An obvious exception is sentimental items, like wedding dresses, family heirlooms and other precious items.
What types of moving boxes are you going to use?
Another important consideration when it comes to packing is the type of moving boxes you’ll use. You must choose sturdy boxes to protect your belongings during transit.
More importantly, you need to consider the number and size of the boxes you will need and the packaging material that goes inside, like bubble wrap, foam peanuts, packaging paper and others.
Getting cluttered with such otherwise useless items can be frustrating, but being short on packaging material can be even more infuriating.
So before purchasing your packages, ensure you can accurately estimate how much you will need. Getting the boxes are actually the easiest part of the job. You can borrow them from a friend, rent them from a moving company, or buy them.
Today you can even get boxes delivered to your door. Or you can ask your moving company if they provide boxes as part of their packing services.
Should you DIY pack or choose professional services
Naturally, that decision is entirely up to you, and no one can decide that for you. But before putting your foot down, it’s a good idea to consider both options’ benefits and downsides.
Only when you weigh the two choices only then can you make an informed decision rather than go with your guts. In such a situation, going with your guts is often the worst thing you can do, as you are stressed out of your mind over the move.
So to help you take this important decision, we created a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of both options.
Pros of self-packing
Self-packaging is actually not that complicated when you go down to it. All you need is some know-how and enough time to do it properly. Moreover, it has a bunch of benefits.
It is budget-friendly
One of the biggest advantages of DIY packing is that it can save you money. Hiring professional packers can be expensive, so if you’re on a tight budget, packing everything yourself can be the better choice.
You manage your time
Packaging everything yourself gives you more control over the process and can manage your time more effectively. In addition, you can pack at your own pace and on your own schedule, which can be especially helpful if you have a busy schedule.
You get to organise your moving boxes
Packing everything yourself also lets you organise your boxes how you want them. You can label everything clearly, sort items by room, and pack fragile items with extra care. This can make unpacking much easier when you arrive at your new home.
Cons of DIY packing
Naturally, the whole ordeal wouldn’t be as stressful if it hadn’t had some downsides along the way.
It’s extremely time-consuming
One of the biggest drawbacks of DIY packing is that it can be time-consuming. Packing everything yourself can take much longer than you anticipate, especially if you have many items to pack. Hiring professionals might be a better option if you’re short on time.
You lack professionalism
Another potential downside of DIY packing is that you might not have the same level of expertise as professional packers. This means that you might not pack items as efficiently or effectively, which could lead to damage during transit.
There is no insurance
Finally, if you pack everything yourself and something gets damaged during the move, you won’t have any insurance to cover the costs. That’s something worth considering when deciding whether to pack everything yourself or hire professional movers.
Pros of professional packing
Naturally, if packing your belongings was so easy, no one would pay for it, and this business niche would have never appeared. However, today the removals business is booming, and that’s entirely thanks to the immense benefits of hiring such help with your packing.
Stress-free service done in no time
Hiring professionals to pack your belongings can be great because it promises to be a stress-free experience. They possess the expertise and experience to pack everything efficiently and effectively, giving you peace of mind during the moving process. They can also complete the packing process in a shorter amount of time than you might be able to do yourself, which can be especially helpful if you’re on a tight timeline.
The job is done fast and efficiently
Another advantage of professional packing is that the job is done fast and efficiently. Pros simply know how to pack items properly to ensure they’re protected during transit, and they have access to high-quality packing materials to help prevent damage.
This can be especially important if you’re moving fragile or valuable items.
You can count on quality moving boxes and packing materials
Finally, when you call professionals to pack your belongings, you can count on them to use high-quality moving boxes and packing materials. That can protect your items during transit and help prevent damage.
Cons of professional packing
While there are many advantages to hiring professionals to pack your belongings, there are also some potential downsides to consider.
You have less control over the process
Perhaps the biggest concern with professional packing is that you have less control over the process. When you pack everything yourself, you can ensure that items are packed how you want them, which can be vital if you have valuable or fragile items.
However, when you use professionals, you’ll have to trust that they will pack everything properly, and you may not have the same level of control as you would if you packed everything yourself.
It will cost you money
Another potential downside of professional packing is that it can be expensive. Hiring professionals to pack everything can add a small cost to your moving expenses, which may not be feasible for everyone.
If your budget’s tight, you may need to consider packing everything to save money.
You must search for a reputable service provider
Finally, when you choose to hire professionals to pack your belongings, you’ll need to find a reliable service provider. While plenty of reputable moving companies are out there, some are less reliable.
You’ll need to research and choose a company with a good reputation and is experienced in packing items for a move. This can take time and effort, which may be a drawback for some people.
Verdict
We won’t if you expect us to tell you which one is better. It depends on your preferences, budget and, most importantly, your priorities.
If you prioritise money over time, then by all means, DIYing your packaging is the way to go. However, professional care is the better choice if you prioritise your free time and the security of your belongings.
So ultimately, your choice comes down to what you are more willing to spend on your move – time or money.
