Are Professional Movers Worth It? (2023)

Oct 23, 2023

One of the first things to do when planning a move is to decide whether to hire a professional mover. The convenience of a full-service move is certainly appealing, but it's also expensive. Sticker shock can leave you wondering if a do-it-yourself (DIY) move makes more sense.

We at the Guides Home Team compiled this guide to help you decide. Below, we’ll walk you through when to hire professional movers, when to move on your own, and what to consider as you make your choice.

The biggest drawback to hiring professional movers is the cost. However, several scenarios can make this expense worthwhile.

DIY moves are cost-effective but time-consuming. If you are closing on a home or relocating for a new job, you may have a hard moving deadline. Hiring a full-service moving company is the most efficient option when you have less than a month to move. Professional movers can also alleviate some stress associated with a last-minute relocation.

Moving bulky, heavy, fragile or high-value items on your own can be dangerous for you and your belongings. Professional movers have the equipment and training to move a wide range of objects, including home gym equipment and bulky furniture. Many companies offer crating services for fragile items and employ specially trained and certified movers for pianos and antiques.

Some employers will help cover your moving expenses if you transfer to a different branch or relocate for a new position. A relocation stipend can also be a valuable incentive for new recruits. Find out if your employer offers this benefit, and, if it does, use it to cover the cost of hiring a professional moving company.

A DIY move will be labor-intensive; be honest about what you can handle and how much help you will have. The more people you recruit to help with packing and loading, the better. If you’re short on volunteers, hire professional movers to handle the heavy lifting. A full-service moving company can also help with packing and unpacking, cleaning, furniture assembly, appliance installation and other tasks.

Interstate moving companies handle more than just packing and loading. They also take care of the driving. Before forgoing professional help, consider the size and distance of your move. Are you comfortable driving a 26-foot truck on unfamiliar roads for hundreds of miles to your new apartment? If not, it may be time to ditch the DIY plans for your large long-distance move.

As stressful as moving is for adults, it's even harder for pets and children. Even a relatively small or short-distance move to a new location can become nerve-racking when you add young children or anxious pets. Hiring professional movers frees you up to focus on keeping your family calm, safe and happy during the transition.

If you find yourself in one of the following situations, DIY moving may be a better option.

Not all employers offer relocation assistance, and your move is likely to coincide with other large expenses. If your budget is already strained from closing costs, home repairs or a security deposit, a DIY move may be the best option. If you really want to hire movers, moving loans, credit cards and financing are a few options, but you should consider your ability to make payments before relying on them.

In addition to packing and unpacking for a DIY move, you will be responsible for loading, unloading, cleaning, furniture assembly and other random tasks. If you aren't moving on short notice and have time to spare, the extra work may be worth saving money on your move.

Sometimes, offering a free lunch is all it takes to round up a crew of family members and friends to help you move out of your home or apartment and into a new one. Depending on how much you’re moving, you might only need a few helpers. Moving this way can be a smart choice for budget-conscious people.

The less stuff you have, the easier it will be to handle your own move. DIY moves are more feasible if you live in a dorm room, a one-bedroom apartment or a small house. You can even whittle down your belongings further by selling or donating things you no longer need.

Local moves are relatively easy to handle on your own. Whether you make one trip in a large truck or several trips in a smaller one, the process will be less demanding and risky than a cross-country DIY move.

Packing and driving a U-Haul truck by yourself and hiring full-service movers to handle the entire process are not your only options. Here are a few other approaches to moving that find a happy balance:

Several companies rent portable storage containers that can be used for moving. Examples include PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT and U-Pack. These self-service companies will bring an empty moving container or trailer to your current home. Once you are finished loading it, the company will pick up the container and deliver it to your new house.

Although full-service moving companies can pack and unpack for you, this service comes at an additional charge. You can save a lot of money by packing your own things, especially if you can score free moving boxes from friends or local businesses. Alternatively, you may be able to buy the packing materials you need directly from the mover. Some moving companies also offer fragile-only or partial packing as a compromise between self-packing and full-packing services.

Most companies that rent moving trucks and portable storage containers do not help with packing or loading. However, you can still hire professional help through a third-party company. You can even ask the truck rental company for recommendations. For example, PODS has a partnership with HireAHelper and can match you with packing and loading assistance.

If you still aren't sure which approach makes the most sense for your move, here are a few things to consider as you weigh your options:

Start by creating a moving budget. Estimate the costs of different options and determine how much you can afford to spend. For more precise figures, request custom quotes from a few long-distance moving companies. For DIY moves, be sure to factor in the cost of dollies, bubble wrap and other supplies.

Identify the target date for your move and be realistic about how many hours you can devote to moving-related tasks. The less flexibility you have, the more likely you need a full-service mover.

Create a list of everything you need to move. Take special note of fragile or bulky items that might be difficult to move and anything of extraordinary value. Then decide whether you feel comfortable moving these items on your own.

The type of move you are planning should factor into your decision. What movers charge and how much help you need will vary depending on the size and distance of your move.

Be honest with yourself about what you can physically handle. Consider your mental health, too. Moving can be a stressful experience, especially if you feel overwhelmed by a miles-long to-do list. Hiring professional movers can provide peace of mind amid the chaos.

You will need help to move heavy boxes, sofas, bed frames, mattresses and other large items. Do you have friends or family willing to pitch in? If not, you may have no choice but to hire movers.

If you hire professional movers, follow these steps to find the best price and avoid moving scams:

Most moving companies cannot provide an accurate quote without a home inventory. However, the process and requirements will vary depending on the company.

Some companies require a virtual or in-home consultation. During this appointment, a representative will inspect your home and compile an inventory list. Alternatively, the company may schedule a phone interview during which a representative can ask questions and fill out an inventory. Other companies ask you to upload a video of your home or fill out a moving inventory yourself.

If you must fill out a moving inventory yourself, create a spreadsheet with every item you plan to move and its approximate size, weight and value. Many moving companies offer figures online for items such as couches to help.

Regardless of the method, be as thorough and transparent as possible to ensure your quote is accurate. Omissions or misrepresentations could cause problems later, including unexpected fees or a denied insurance claim.

With all the convenience it offers, hiring professional movers has a few downsides, too. Here are some of the pros and cons of hiring movers.

Hiring a full-service moving company can be expensive, but professional movers provide a valuable service that typically justifies the expense. Highly trained and well-equipped movers can provide a safer, more efficient moving experience that saves you time and hassle.

If you are more concerned about saving money than saving time, consider moving yourself instead. DIY options include renting a truck, trailer or portable storage container. Of course, you can also enlist the help of a friend with a pick-up truck.

Whether or not movers are worth it depends on your budget, time frame, moving size and distance, and other factors. Make a list of pros and cons and get a few quotes to help you decide whether movers are worth the expense.

Paying for packing when moving is often worth it. This service is especially valuable for differently abled customers, senior citizens and parents with young children who make it difficult to pack. However, if you don't have a lot of stuff to pack and have ample time and ability to do it yourself, it may not be worth paying for professional packing services.

When you hire full-service movers, you can expect the following:

Here are a few steps you can take to prepare your house for movers:

You should book movers as far in advance as possible, especially if you plan to move during a busy season (peak moving season runs from May through September.) Try to book at least two months out to ensure availability and snag the lowest possible price. Last-minute moves may be possible during the off-season, but you will likely be charged a higher price for the late notice.

Our team created a comprehensive ratings system to rank moving companies based on industry standards and customer experience. We called each moving company to speak with representatives, simulated the quote process online and over the phone as applicable, reviewed each company's contents protection (insurance) plans, and examined customer reviews for each provider.

After gathering this information and communicating with customer service representatives, we scored each company in the following categories: moving and additional services, mover type, trailers/containers, insurance coverage, payment process, scheduling and geographical availability, additional benefits and reputation.