Is hiring professional movers worth the cost?

May 17, 2021

Before moving day arrives, consider these key questions when debating between moving yourself or hiring professional movers.

 

Moving can be expensive, especially when you add up all the little costs — think packing materials, van rentals, and gas if you’re moving far away. The biggest expense that many people want to avoid is the cost of hiring professional movers, but the expense might be worth it for some, depending on your situation. Before you start a DIY move, ask yourself these questions.

 

What’s the most precious thing I own?

If your most prized possessions are your laptop and a ring you have never take off, then a DIY move is fairly low-risk.

However, if you have heirloom furniture, fine china or large and fragile electronics, professional movers may be worth the investment. If something breaks, a moving company is insured and can help you finance a replacement item. If something breaks during a DIY move, there’s not much you can do.

 

How hard is it to pack for my move?

In a DIY move, you and your volunteers should be able to pack clothes, books and most household items without much difficulty. On the other hand, large furniture like couches, heavy dressers and tables that need to be taken apart or maneuvered through doorways and stairwells are best left to the professionals. The last thing you want is to find yourself at your new home, exhausted and trying to figure out how to put your bed frame back together.

 

How far am I going?

Professional moving services charge by the pound and the mile, so you’ll save more by hauling your own belongings for a long move — but you’ll still have to pay for truck rental and gas. If you’re moving within the same town, you can save by hiring movers for your furniture and large items only, then transporting smaller items through multiple trips in your own car.

 

What’s my time worth?

When you hire movers, you’re saving yourself a lot of time and stress you’d otherwise spend on tedious moving tasks. If moving your own belongings means taking time off from work, hiring a babysitter, boarding your pets or buying special equipment, take those costs into account. Everyone is different — if your values dictate that those costs aren’t worth it, a DIY move may suit you better.

 

What’s my budget for my move?

Get quotes from movers online or in person. For a local move, look for a licensed and insured mover with lots of positive reviews. For a longer move, request estimates from a few of the major interstate moving companies. A professional mover will come to your house and estimate the weight of your belongings, but you can also get a rough estimate online based on the size of your house and a general description of your furniture and appliances.

 

What’s worth the trip?

Moving is a great time to downsize. Some things can’t be moved for safety reasons, so be prepared to let go of things like propane tanks and harsh cleaning supplies. Getting rid of large items you don’t use is a great way to cut costs on a professional moving crew.

You can donate qualifying items to charity and keep the receipts for a possible tax deduction. Consider selling bulky appliances like refrigerators and washing machines to your home’s new owners if you were planning to replace them in your new space anyway.

 

How flexible is my timeline for my movers?

Hiring professional movers is the busiest — and most expensive — during the summer and at the end of each month. If you can schedule your move at an off-peak time, you may be able to negotiate a better rate.

 

Are my friends and family willing to help me?

Not everyone is up for helping their friends and family move, but if you’re able to find a small team to give you a hand, it can save you a lot of money. Make sure to be gracious and return the favor when the time comes.

 

Learn more about other costs that could come along with homeownership.

Related content

What financial advice would you give your younger self?

Avoiding the pitfalls of warehouse lending

Is it the right time to refinance your mortgage?

Is it cheaper to build or buy a house

6 questions to ask before buying a new home

Should you buy a house that’s still under construction?

9 simple ways to save

Here’s how to create a budget for yourself

Helpful tips for safe and smart charitable giving

Tips to raise financially healthy kids at every age

Should you buy now, pay later?

What’s in your emergency fund?

Your 5-step guide to financial planning

8 steps to take before you buy a home

Military homeownership: Your guide to resources, financing and more

What is refinancing a mortgage?

Are professional movers worth the cost?

What to know when buying a home with your significant other

Mortgage basics: How does your credit score impact the homebuying experience?

Mortgage basics: 3 key steps in the homebuying process

Mortgage basics: How much house can you afford?

Mortgage basics: Buying or renting – What’s right for you?

Mortgage basics: Prequalification or pre-approval – What do I need?

How you can take advantage of low mortgage rates

Mortgage basics: Finding the right home loan for you

Home buying myths: Realities of owning a home

Mortgage basics: What is refinancing, and is it right for you?

Certificates of deposit: How they work to grow your money

Allowance basics for parents and kids

A checklist for starting a mobility program review

Tips for realtors to help clients get their homeownership goals back on track

Loud budgeting explained: Amplify your money talk

How I did it: Turned my side hustle into a full-time job

It's possible: 7 tips for breaking the spending cycle

Closing on a house checklist for buyers

Multiple accounts can make it easier to follow a monthly budget

Don’t underestimate the importance of balancing your checking account

How to Adult: 5 ways to track your spending

30-day adulting challenge: Financial wellness tasks to complete in a month

How to build a financial plan that covers your savings and expenses

How I did it: Bought a home without a 20 percent down payment

Pet ownership costs: planning for the unexpected

Changes in credit reporting and what it means for homebuyers

What’s the difference between Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?

Why other lenders may be reaching out to your employees

High-cost housing and down payment options in relocation

Crypto + Relo: Mobility industry impacts

For today's relocating home buyers, time and money are everything

Costs to consider when starting a business

How to track expenses

How to manage your finances when you're self-employed

Good money habits: 6 common money mistakes to avoid

Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce

11 essential things to do before baby comes

Webinar: Uncover the cost: Starting a family

Preparing for adoption and IVF

Checklist: 10 questions to ask your home inspector

How does money influence your planning?

College budgeting: When to save and splurge

How to save money in college: easy ways to spend less

How to gain financial independence from your parents

Practical money skills and financial tips for college students

Tips to earn that A+ in back-to-school savings

Pros and cons of a personal line credit

3 tips for saving money when moving to a new home

3 ways to keep costs down at the grocery store (and make meal planning fun)

5 tips for creating (and sticking to) a holiday budget

Financial checklist: Preparing for military deployment

5 things to consider when deciding to take an unplanned trip

Growing your savings by going on a ‘money hunt’

Working with an accountability partner can help you reach your goals

Why a mobile banking app is a ‘must have’ for your next vacation

How to decide when to shop local and when to shop online

Uncover the cost: Wedding

Adulting 101: How to make a budget plan

Mindset Matters: How to practice mindful spending

How can I help my student manage money?

How to manage money in the military: A veteran weighs in

You can take these 18 budgeting tips straight to the bank

Save time and money with automatic bill pay

How to best handle unexpected expenses

Stay on budget — and on the go — with a mobile banking app

Do you and your fiancé have compatible financial goals?

U.S. Bank asks: Transitioning out of college life? What’s next?

U.S. Bank asks: Do you know your finances?

U.S. Bank asks: Do you know what an overdraft is?

Personal finance for teens can empower your child

How to save for a wedding

Dear Money Mentor: How do I set and track financial goals?

Lost job finance tips: What to do when you lose your job

Money management guide to financial independence

7 financial questions to consider when changing jobs

Practical money tips we've learned from our dads

How to increase your savings

Consolidating debts: Pros and cons to keep in mind

What’s a subordination agreement, and why does it matter?

Understanding the true cost of borrowing: What is amortization, and why does it matter?

Know your debt-to-income ratio

Your quick guide to loans and obtaining credit

Checklist: 10 things to look for when touring a home

Overcoming high interest rates: Getting your homeownership goals back on track

For today's homebuyers, time and money are everything

Crypto + Homebuying: Impacts on the real estate market

How I did it: Bought my dream home using equity

Buying a home Q&A: What made three homeowners fall in love with their new home

How I did it: Built living spaces to support my family

Spring cleaning checklist for your home: 5 budget-boosting tasks

Saving for a down payment: Where should I keep my money?

Your guide to breaking the rental cycle

Checklist: 6 to-dos for after a move

What are conforming loan limits and why are they increasing

Uncover the cost: Building a home

The lowdown on 6 myths about buying a home

4 ways to free up your budget (and your life) with a smaller home

Get more home for your money with these tips

Money Moments: Tips for selling your home

First-time homebuyer’s guide to getting a mortgage

Dear Money Mentor: When should I refinance a mortgage?

Beyond the mortgage: Other costs for homeowners

What is an escrow account? Do I have one?

Mortgage basics: What’s the difference between interest rate and annual percentage rate?

How do I prequalify for a mortgage?

4 questions to ask before you buy an investment property

Improving your credit score: Truth and myths revealed

6 essential credit report terms to know

Test your loan savvy

U.S. Bank asks: What do you know about credit?

What types of credit scores qualify for a mortgage?

Start of disclosure content

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rate and program terms are subject to change without notice. Mortgage, Home Equity and Credit products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.