Getting ready to move? The period before moving into a new home is always full of excitement and stress — and sometimes both at once. There are countless logistics to organize, boxes to pack, and plans to make for your new living space.
One of the best ways to ensure a stress-free move is by hiring movers. These professionals offer everything from simple physical assistance to a complete pack and move of your home. Plus, they're trained to handle even the heaviest and most awkward furnishings. However, their services do cost money — and you might not know if hiring a moving company is worth the cost.
Can't decide if movers are right for you? Here are some of the benefits of hiring movers to help you decide.
1. Efficiency
Professional movers are experienced and efficient at handling the moving process, which can make moving day faster and smoother. Their expertise helps you transition to your new home more quickly and with less stress, so you can focus on other priorities.
2. Expertise
Movers are trained to handle many kinds of items, including fragile and valuable possessions, which helps reduce the risk of damage. Their experience lets them pack, load, and transport delicate items with care.
3. Equipment
Professional movers come with the right tools and equipment, which many homeowners would otherwise need to buy or rent separately. A typical mover’s toolkit may include dollies, ramps, blankets, and furniture straps, which can make the move safer and more efficient.
4. Safety
Have you ever heard a horror story about someone throwing out their back on moving day? We have, too.
Instead of risking your own health, hire movers who are trained to lift heavy items properly. This can reduce your risk of injury and help keep you out of the emergency room on moving day.
5. Saving time
Hiring professional movers streamlines the moving process and saves you valuable time. When movers handle loading and transportation, you can focus on tasks that need your attention, such as packing personal items, managing paperwork, and making sure nothing is left behind.
6. Reducing stress
Moving can be stressful. Leaving a home you know and moving somewhere less familiar can bring up a lot of emotions. Hiring professional movers lets you delegate the heavy lifting and logistics, which can make moving day feel less overwhelming.
7. Insurance coverage
Reputable moving companies typically offer insurance coverage for your belongings. This provides financial protection in case of accidents or damage during the move. That kind of coverage isn’t available if you rent a truck, drive it, and move everything yourself.
8. Reliability
Professional movers work on a schedule, which helps ensure your belongings are transported on time and as planned. That’s not always the case when you ask friends and family to help with your move.
9. Packing expertise
Some movers offer help beyond traditional box moving, including packing and unpacking services. These professionals have experience packing items efficiently and securely so your belongings are well protected during transit.
Do you plan to put some of your items in storage? A professional can help wrap and box your belongings securely so they stay protected in the storage facility.
10. Cost-effectiveness
While moving yourself may seem like a way to save money, it doesn’t account for the items and services you may need to buy separately. Renting a truck, finding moving boxes, and buying or renting supplies like a dolly or ramps can add up quickly.
When you consider the time, effort, and potential damage involved in a DIY move, hiring movers can be cost-effective in the long run.
11. Specialized moving services
Some moving companies offer special services such as fine art transportation and piano moving, which can be helpful if you have unique or difficult items to move. These professionals understand the specialized requirements of moving these items and can help ensure they are handled and transported safely. 12. Storage options
Some moving companies also offer storage facilities, allowing homeowners to store their belongings temporarily if needed. This can be useful if you need to move out of one residence before your next one is ready.
13. Customized moving plans
Movers can tailor their services to fit your specific needs, whether you’re planning a local move, a long-distance move, or a partial move. This gives you more flexibility if you can’t move out and move in on the same day or have another situation that calls for a customized plan.
14. Truck size optimization
Movers are skilled at maximizing truck space, reducing the number of trips required and potentially lowering fuel costs. A well-packed truck is also less likely to cause breakage of delicate items during transit.
15. Navigational and driving expertise
Movers are used to driving large trucks on unfamiliar routes. They can efficiently navigate busy traffic and other potential obstacles. Rather than worrying about driving a huge truck and parking it in a new place on your big moving day, let the experts handle it.
16. Licensing and credentials
Reputable moving companies are licensed and insured, which provides a level of professionalism and accountability. That isn’t available when you move yourself or ask friends with trucks to help out.
17. Post-move cleanup
The aftermath of moving out of your old house can be just as daunting as the preparation process. Some moving companies offer post-move cleanup services, taking a huge weight off your plate.
18. Furniture assembly
Not excited about taking apart and reassembling your complex sectional, heavy bed frame, or large dresser? Many moving companies offer professional disassembly and reassembly services, saving you the hassle of dealing with these large, intricate pieces.
19. Coordination and planning
Movers know what needs to happen on moving day and can work with you to plan the logistics of your move. This helps ensure everything is coordinated and executed smoothly.
20. Peace of mind
Ultimately, one of the biggest benefits of hiring movers is the peace of mind they offer before, during, and after moving day. Knowing your move is being handled by professionals helps you relax and focus on the other essential tasks that need your attention.
Still can’t decide if you should hire movers? Consider this
Deciding whether to hire a moving company involves careful consideration and planning. But some people hesitate because of the expense or because they’re unfamiliar with the process.
Here are some important next steps and guidelines to help you determine whether hiring a mover is the right choice for your next move:
Get quotes from local movers. Not every moving company offers the same services, and pricing can vary significantly. Get a few quotes from movers in your area to compare prices and services and see which ones fit your budget.
Explore deals and discounts. Depending on the season, the size of your move, or where you’re going, a moving company may be able to offer a discount. Some companies have seasonal promotions you can use.
Seek (some) help from friends and family. If you have friends or family members available and willing to help, you can supplement your moving company’s team and potentially reduce your costs. This may let you hire movers for a smaller package of services rather than having them help with everything from packing to unpacking.
Inquire about specialty services. If you have a specialty item like a grandfather clock, piano, hot tub, pool table, or pieces of fine art, account for these items well in advance of moving day. Most of these pieces must be moved by specialty movers. When you’re calling for quotes, make sure to ask about the company’s experience handling these valuable items.
Hire a professional mover on Thumbtack
Now that you understand the benefits of hiring a moving company, you can probably see why these professionals provide invaluable support on moving day. All you need to do is find a company that offers the right combination of services and expertise for your needs.