Should you DIY or hire movers?

Who wants to move into their new house? We know you do. Now it’s time to plan for the actual move. After decluttering and donating or discarding anything that doesn’t deserve a position in the pristine new house, next up is deciding how you’re going to pack and transport all of the worthy belongings.

The temptation to hire a few strong friends and rent a truck is a strong one. It can save a household a lot of money. If the friends don’t want financial compensation, you may even be able to offer them a meal or two at the new house by way of thanks.

But time is money. Unless you and your helpers are aces at the 3D game of Tetris involved in loading a perfectly packed truck, you’re looking at several trips both ways.

Driving back and forth between your current home and the new home

for multiple trips with a smaller truck can cost you hours or more than a day of time enjoying your new home.

Also, you get what you pay for, not to mention what you don’t pay for. Professional movers are insured against damage or their own personal injury during a move. You’re on the hook for any damage or injury if you DIY your move.

Whether you decide on professional movers, your former wrestling team buddies or your wine club friends as helpers, here are some key considerations before the move:

Photograph everything: For long-term insurance purposes, moving is a good time to document everything you have. You’re going to be packing everything anyway, so use this opportunity to take pictures and catalog everything you own.

This includes the contents of any cabinets, hutches or other pieces that might contain breakable or valuable items. Pack it or hire the movers to pack: If you’ve never watched professional movers pack up the contents of an entire kitchen or a china cabinet, you’ve missed out on a sight to behold. The efficiency and care with which they pack defies the swiftness with which they work.

That said, there’s nothing wrong with packing things yourself. To learn how to pack as efficiently as possible, search for videos describing the supplies and methods you’ll want to use.

Bear in mind, however, that professional movers do not assume responsibility for damage that may happen to the contents of self-packed boxes, containers or other items.

Number and label: Every item that professional movers pack and load gets covered in stickers or labels that correspond to the moving company’s catalog of your items.

To make the movein process flow more smoothly, write on each box or container the name of the room where the item goes in the new house. Include the contents, if space allows. Furniture padding and wrapping: Movers will wrap furniture in various kinds of padding before handling it. If you plan to DIY your move, collect some drop cloths, old blankets, quilts or even rolls of paper and plastic to wrap around pieces before loading them. Check your hands, wrists and waist: Professional movers typically wear gloves that cover any rings or watches they may wear. What they can’t cover, they don’t wear.

Belts and belt buckles are major culprits in furniture nicks and scratches. Professional movers typically won’t wear them unless their bodies are fully layered in thick coveralls.

If you’re doing it yourself, opt not to wear jeans with exposed grommets. And lose the belts or get some coveralls.

Stock up on necessary supplies for both ends of the move: At your existing home and your new home, when you have access to it, keep handy a good supply of bottled waters and nutritious snacks for your household and your movers.

Place hand soap, extra TP, a roll of paper towels and a bottle of cleansing wipes in a designated bathroom at each location. Also consider having a supply of disinfecting hand wipes and face masks at each location if these are important to you. Designate two point people: Before the scheduled moving day, designate one adult to remain at each end of the move for the entire day. Doing so will eliminate some of the back-and-forth trips between houses when questions arise as your movers or helpers begin loading and unloading on either end of the move.

Excited yet? The more prepared you are, the more excited you’ll feel. Happy moving!