Moving can be costly and, if you’re on any sort of budget, you’ll want to consider ways to cut costs any way you can. One thing people often decide between is whether or not to hire professional movers. Companies charge varying amounts by factoring in the distance between moving destinations, number of items moved, and amount paid to each employee. Some companies charge by the hour and some charge a flat rate for the entire process. So when is it really worth it to hire movers? Read on and find out!
The top 4 reasons to hire movers
1. You’re moving cross country
When it’s worth it: Heading to the West Coast? Leaving the South and taking on New York City? A cross-country move is one of those times when hiring professional movers might be your best bet. Not only will they transport everything out of your current place, they’ll drive it across the vast U.S. for you and deliver it right to your new apartment. This way, you can fly and not have to worry about driving that dreaded UHAUL truck across multiple state lines. Trust us, you want to leave that to the professionals. Just be sure to hire a national moving company and choose the one that fits your budget and standards.
When it’s not worth it: Have you been craving a road trip? Are you on a tight budget? Instead, use Greyhound to ship your belongings. You’ll be able to bring your valuables with you and hit the open road without cramming your whole life into your car.
2. You have valuable or bulky items
When it’s worth it: We’ve all been there. You’re trying to maneuver a couch up a stairway and now you’re stuck pivoting inches at a time. Save someone’s finger from being smashed into the nearest door frame and hire a professional moving company. Movers are experts in getting that heavy couch up a narrow staircase, plus they’ll also take care of other bulky items like entertainment centers, bed frames, and mattresses. Don’t throw your back out or break a finger trying to move large, bulky items by yourself; this is definitely a time when it’s worth it to hire some help.
When it’s not worth it: All movers are liable for the value of the items you hire them to transport. That degree of liability, though, varies between companies. If you have items that are irreplaceable, like family heirlooms, things collected during your travels, or any other priceless keepsake, it might be difficult to trust the movers to treat them with the same care as you would. It’s probably worth the peace of mind to move them yourself, if that’s the case.
3. You’re under a time crunch
When it’s worth it: Maybe you just accepted a new job and your apartment move-out date is dangerously close to your new start date. Or perhaps you’re in busy season at work and simply don’t have the time to commit to moving. It’s time to hire professional movers. Not only will they take your belongings from the front door of your old apartment to your new one, they will save you loads of stress and valuable time. Stay on track at work and get settled into your new apartment without the hassle of moving everything yourself.
When it’s not worth it: If you have time off from work (maybe you’re in between jobs and don’t start for another month) or have plenty of time to get your moving done yourself, don’t hire movers. You’ll save money by doing it yourself and you’ll feel productive during your time off. Also, if you’re strapped for cash, consider asking friends and family for help to save on the cost of movers.
4. You have a relocation stipend
When it’s worth it: If you’re lucky enough to have a new job that has given you a relocation budget, you should definitely spend it. The cost of hiring professional movers will then be on your new employer’s dime and you won’t pay a penny. Take advantage of this perk; do your research and be sure to choose a reputable moving company.
When it’s not worth it: We can’t think of any reasons not to take your employer up on this benefit, so if you think of a time when it’s not worth it, let us know.
FAQ: Hiring professional movers
An average hourly rate for professional movers is $80-$100 per hour. However this number will largely depend on how many movers you hire, how big your move is (how many bedrooms), the distance of your move, and the time of year you’re moving. To get a true estimate you’ll want to call around to a few different moving companies and get a couple different quotes.
Absolutely. Many professional moving companies also offer a professional packing option. Granted, this will cost you more money, but can save you time and stress in the long-run.
Schedules fill up quickly, especially during peak moving seasons. To ensure you get the best price and can book your move on your desired date, you should plan to hire your movers within 30-60 days of your move-out date.
Generally yes. Most moving companies will require a small deposit to lock in your move. The deposit will go towards the total cost of the move, but if you are unsure of any details or still shopping for a better quote, don’t put any money down.
There’s a lot to consider when deciding if hiring professional movers is worth it; moving yourself to a new apartment can save lots of money, and packing your own things may put your mind at ease because you’ll know exactly where your valuables are at all times. Before making any moves, though, factor in things like time, stress, and cost to help you decide whether it’s worth it to hire additional help.
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