Deciding between packing services or DIY can be tricky. This guide covers when it’s best to let the professionals handle your upcoming move versus packing everything yourself.
Making arrangements for an upcoming move introduces many decisions to weigh – should I sell or donate possessions I no longer need?
What’s the most efficient way to notify contacts of my new address? And when it comes down to the physical process of packing up your home, an important consideration is determining whether utilizing packing and moving services is the best route or if a DIY approach makes more sense.
Reasons Supporting Hiring Professionals
Going the mover route and adding packing services alongside transportation handles the majority of heavy lifting – quite literally! Here are some key motives to hire for packing:
- Prevents Injuries: Packing solo risks straining muscles, drops that cause damage, and other wounds. Let the trained take care of transport prep safely.
- Saves Time and Energy: Packing yourself eats up valuable hours that may be limited already. Movers work efficiently.
- Materials Included: Tape, wrap, labels, and boxes come standard. You can focus time elsewhere.
- Item Expertise: Movers understand how to properly pack tricky items like artwork or furniture to prevent harm.
- Coordination Ease: Schedule packers arrive on-site and handle putting stuff away into the truck once finished. There’s no driving involved on your end!
When Specifically to Call In Movers for Packing
- Moving longer distances like interstate where unpacking and settling in ASAP is key
- Senior citizens who should avoid injury risks and aren’t as mobile
- Handling valuables like art, antiques, or collectibles with specialized requirements
- If your work schedule doesn’t permit tackles DIY packing with a looming move date
- You lack a support network nearby to lend packing help like family or close friends
Situations Favoring DIY Packing
While movers simplify much of moving, doing it yourself has merit too depending on your unique situation:
- Budget Concerns: Adding full or partial packing drives up total fees – it requires paying for time and materials.
- Downsizing: If you’re aiming to downsize items rather than packing it all, DIY grants sorting control.
- Short-Distance: Moving within the same town may not require pro packing for simplicity’s sake.
- Valuables Staying Behind: Special heirlooms not coming along might be better off kept separated.
- Sufficient Helpers: If you have lots of assistance like a big family, divide & conquer!
Key Packing Materials to Have Beforehand
If tackling packing solo, ensure you have these vital supplies first:
- Boxes: Pick up free ones from local grocery and retail stores if possible. Standard copy paper boxes work for lighter items.
- Packing Tape: Invest in quality strong tape – it’ll prevent open box fails!
- Bubble Wrap: Essential for cushioning fragile stuff and lining boxes.
- Permanent Markers: Label every box with the room and contents for easy unpacking.
- Packing Paper & Newsprint: Wrap delicate items first before boxing. Paper is great filler.
- Furniture Pads: Protect furniture corners and feet to prevent dings and scratches.
| Item | Use |
| Boxes | Hold possessions |
| Tape | Seal boxes closed |
| Bubble Wrap | Protect breakables |
| Markers | Identify contents |
| Paper | Pad boxes, wrap fragile goods |
| Furniture Pads | Prevent furniture damage |
