One of the most important questions you need to ask yourself when preparing for a move is whether you want to move alone or hire movers to do the job for you. Both options have drawbacks and benefits so it’s important to consider the merits of each. Listed below, you’ll find some of the major pros and cons that go along with moving alone versus hiring movers.

Cost versus time

When you boil it down, the major benefit to hiring movers is that it saves you time. The major drawback is that it costs you money.

On one hand, professional movers can minimize the stress of moving. They’ll likely get the job done in less time than it would take you to do yourself and will relieve you from a significant amount of stress.

On the other hand, that time saved and stress avoided comes at a cost. The question becomes a matter of whether the value of saving time is worth the cost of the movers.

Factors to consider

While weighing your decision of whether you should hire movers, you first need to consider a few important factors. Answer the following questions:

1. Is your move local or are you moving more than 100 miles away from your current home?
2. How much do you need to move?  In other words, are you moving out of a one-bedroom apartment where you’re the only occupant, or are you moving your entire family out of a multiple-bedroom house?
3. Are your possessions expensive or irreplaceable, or are they mostly hand-me-downs and garage sale treasures?

Pros and cons to hiring movers

If your move is to a destination over 100 miles away…

PROS:  Professional movers will likely better manage a large moving van over a significant distance. They will save you the hassle of having to navigate with a large vehicle. You’ll be spared from finding restaurants and hotel parking lots that can accommodate a large moving van. In addition, you won’t have to risk driving a moving van in inclement weather.

CONS:  The greater the distance you’re moving, the greater the cost of travel for your movers. It’s important to calculate the cost of hiring movers for a day or two versus the cost of renting a moving van yourself. Be sure to factor in the cost of food, gas, and lodging if you plan to drive the distance on your own. In addition, look into the cost of insuring your valuable possessions while you are moving (note:  in some cases, your household insurance will cover this).

If your move is local…

PROS:  Hiring professional movers can mean you’ll get the entire job of moving done in one afternoon. This saves you from having to strain your own muscles or from having to worry whether friends and family are doing a good job handling your possessions.

CONS:  It’s going to cost you. The typical costs for local movers ranges from $40 to $80 per hour, depending on the number of movers involved. You’re also likely to pay a travel fee of at least $50. If you have strong friends, you may be better off buying them pizza and asking for their help. Hiring your own van for a single day will cost between $20 and $30 along with fees for insurance and gas.

If you’re moving your entire family…

PROS:  If there are multiple members in your family and particularly if you have small children, pets, or if you’re moving a great distance, chances are you’re better off springing for professional movers. The stress of moving can weigh on any family and you may be called upon to turn your attention to making sure your loved ones get moved safely and that they adjust well. By hiring movers, you’ll eliminate the stress that goes along with transporting all your possessions.

CONS:  Again, hiring movers is going to cost you. Make sure the cost of the movers isn’t so great that it adds to your stress level as you relocate your family.

If your possessions are irreplaceable…

PROS:  Antique or expensive possessions are best moved by professionals. They have the appropriate equipment and resources to ensure the safe, error-free relocation of your property. In addition, most professional movers require that you purchase an insurance policy to cover the full value of your belongings. This guards you against the risk of total loss.

CONS:  If you have a lot of valuable possessions, make sure you research the moving company you use and take the time to check their references. You don’t want the entire contents of your household to fall into crooked hands, especially if the people responsible for relocating your property realize its full worth. Hiring movers can unfortunately put your belongings at risk for theft.