You know you’ll be relocating in the next few months and you’re looking for a way to keep your move as uncomplicated and affordable as possible. What’s the seemingly logical course of action? Skip hiring a moving company and handle all of the packing and moving on your own, of course.
But although conducting a DIY move might seem simple, relatively cheap, and fairly uncomplicated, in reality, that’s almost never how it works. Read on to learn about common DIY moving expectations versus reality for the average do-it-yourself relocation.
Expectation #1: Packing Will Only Take a Day or Two Max
Most people who opt for a do-it-yourself move assume they own less stuff than they actually do. And naturally, they also assume packing up that stuff will require far less time than it actually does. Unfortunately, that assumption typically causes a far more stressful packing experience than necessary.
Reality: DIY Packing Requires Days of Full-Time Work
When you pack by yourself, you’ll probably need to set aside two full days at the very least (and that’s if you live in a really small space). Here’s an estimated working timeline, but keep in mind your packing mileage may vary:
● Studio or one-bedroom living space: About 1-2 days of full-time work
● Two-bedroom living space: Approximately 2-3 days of full-time work
● Three-bedroom living space: About 3-5 days of full-time work
● Four-bedroom living space: Approximately 4-6 days of full-time work
● Five-bedroom living space: About 5-7 days of full-time work
DIY packing can be a slow, grueling process, especially if you own lots of fragile items, large furniture pieces, or just a ton of stuff in general. Don’t expect the process to move quickly because it almost never does. If you’re looking to minimize the amount of time it takes to pack your belongings, hiring professional movers and packers for full packing services is well worth the investment.
Expectation #2: Renting a Moving Truck Is Cheap & Safe
When you opt for a DIY move, chances are you’ll need to rent a moving truck unless everything you own can fit in your personal vehicle. And though renting a moving truck seems pretty straightforward, safe, and affordable, that’s not always the case.
Reality: Rental Trucks Could Cost You Far More Than You Assume
Rental moving trucks come with several expenses and stipulations. Worse, they can be downright dangerous. You won’t know your full costs upfront and you also won’t know whether the truck is actually safe.
Renting a moving truck can get pricey in a hurry. While rental costs might seem pretty affordable, you can expect to incur several expenses, including:
● The base fee for a local or long-distance move
● Mileage fees
● Refueling the truck before you return it (this is mandatory). If you don’t refuel, the company will do it, but they’ll also charge an additional fee for every gallon of fuel.
● Insurance on the rental truck
● Fees to use the dollies and any other equipment inside the truck.
● Fees if you fail to clean out the truck before you return it
● Repair fees if anything happens to the truck and you don’t have insurance
● Late fees if your move takes longer than expected
Here’s the scary part: Truck rental companies don’t always maintain their fleets as they should, and improperly maintained vehicles can seriously endanger your safety.
In 2007, investigators found that over half the fleet vehicles belonging to one of the most well-known truck rental companies in the U.S. were more than a year overdue for maintenance and service. Does that sound safe to you?
Not sure you’re ready to risk your safety? Hiring a professional moving company is the best way to protect yourself and your belongings.
Expectation #3: Your Friends Will Be Happy to Help You Move
When you’re moving on your own, you’ll need help loading your furniture, your appliances, and anything else you own that’s huge and heavy. Who’s going to help you? You’re probably assuming your friends or relatives will be more than happy to lend a hand. But that’s not always the case. Most people hate moving.
Reality: Professional Movers and Packers Are the Only People Who Are Happy to Help You Move
Most regular folks would prefer not to move if they can help it. Do you imagine your friends and family will happily sacrifice their weekend to serve as your movers and packers? Be honest. Probably not.
Even if your people do say yes, be prepared for the loading, transporting, and unloading process to take far longer than you anticipate. After all, none of you are trained, professional movers and packers, so inefficiencies are bound to work their way in somewhere.
Professional movers and packers, on the other hand, are incredibly efficient at their job. They’re trained to pack entire homes in the safest, most efficient manner possible. They also know how to load and unload everything safely and quickly. Even better, if you opt for full packing services, your movers will also unpack your belongings when you arrive at your new home.
Ultimately, hiring professional movers is your best bet for a low-stress, efficient, and timely move. Sure, your friends and family might lend you a begrudging hand, but how long do you want your move to take?
Looking for a Reputable Moving Company in Minneapolis?
If you know you’ll be moving soon, hiring professional movers is the best way to keep your move as safe and uncomplicated as possible. At Ace Moving & Warehousing, we’ve been providing professional moving services for Twin Cities residents since 1958. We specialize in full packing services, climate-controlled storage, custom move plans, appliance moving, furniture moving, and much more.
To get started, feel free to request a quick moving quote or call our Minneapolis office today at 763-755-2045.